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How to Make a Timelapse
Annika Jansen
How to create a timelapse? Here's how to make impressive shots!
A timelapse video, not to be confused with a hyperlapse, speeds up time and reveals movement barely visible to the naked eye. But how do you create such an impressive timelapse yourself? What settings do you use? And what equipment do you need? In this guide you'll learn step by step how to make a timelapse, from planning to post-production.
What is a timelapse?
Timelapse photography is the art of capturing time in fast-forward. By taking individual photos at fixed intervals and combining them into a video, a dynamic effect is created where movement is shown at an accelerated pace. This ranges from clouds drifting across the sky to stars tracing long light trails through the night. Urban scenes, such as busy traffic, also come to life in a timelapse.
A timelapse makes visible changes that normally progress slowly and therefore go unnoticed. Think of the transition from day to night, seasonal changes in a landscape, or a flower blooming. Where a single photo only captures one moment, a timelapse tells the story of a longer period of time.
What do you need for timelapse photography?
To create a timelapse, you need the right equipment. A good camera is very important, but there are also other tools that help you achieve stable, smooth shots.
- Camera – A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual mode is ideal, giving you full control over exposure and settings. Some advanced compact cameras and action cams also have a timelapse mode. Nowadays it's even possible with a smartphone.
- Tripod – A sturdy tripod prevents vibrations and keeps all images perfectly aligned. Crucial for a good end result.
- Intervalometer – A tool that lets your camera take photos automatically at fixed time intervals. Some cameras have this built in, otherwise use an external intervalometer.
- ND filter – In daylight, ND filters help you use a longer shutter speed for smoother motion in water or clouds.
- Extra batteries and memory cards – Timelapse shoots take a long time, so make sure you have enough battery and storage.
How do you make a timelapse video?
With the basic equipment mentioned earlier and the step-by-step plan below, you are ready to make your first timelapse video.
Step 1: Good preparation
A successful timelapse starts with careful preparation. First, choose a subject that is visually interesting and where movement plays an important role. Then timing is key: for sunrises or sunsets, for example, you need to be on location well in advance. Use apps like PhotoPills or Sun Surveyor to plan the position of the sun, moon, or Milky Way.
Finally, choose a stable, safe location with a good view of your subject. Also consider weather conditions and possible disturbances such as passers-by or changing light. Good preparation saves time and leads to a better end result.
Step 2: Make sure all your equipment is clean
Before you start making a timelapse, it is important to have your equipment in top condition. Dust, fingerprints, or dirt on your lens can cause annoying spots, especially during long shots where small details are highly visible. Use a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner to thoroughly clean your lens. Also check your sensor, especially on a mirrorless or DSLR camera, since dust particles can appear in every photo and cost a lot of post-production time later.
Don't forget to check your tripod and intervalometer for dirt or damage, so your equipment stays stable and reliable during the shoot. A clean setup ensures your timelapse looks clear, sharp, and professional.
Not sure if you're cleaning correctly? Visit one of our stores for a sensor cleaning. Our expert staff will take care of it.
Step 3: Securely mount your camera on a tripod
Since your camera needs to stay in exactly the same spot for an extended period of time, a sturdy tripod is essential. Choose a strong model with a good tripod head that won't shift due to wind or small vibrations. Make sure your tripod is on level ground, and if needed, weigh it down with a sandbag or weights, especially in wind.
Once your camera is mounted on the tripod, turn off image stabilization (IBIS or OIS) on your camera or lens. This may seem counterintuitive, but stabilization can cause micro-movements, making your timelapse less smooth. Finally, check that your composition is properly aligned.
Step 4: Set your camera to manual mode
To have full control over your timelapse, set your camera to manual mode. Automatic settings can vary from photo to photo, causing unwanted brightness differences or flickering in your end result. The most important settings:
- Manual: Set your camera to manual mode (M mode)
- RAW: Shoot in RAW for maximum editing freedom in post-production
- Shutter speed: For natural motion, choose a shutter speed of 1/2 to 1/50 sec. For night shots, a longer speed may be needed, e.g. 10-30 sec for stars.
- Aperture: Keep your aperture between f/8 and f/16 for maximum sharpness and a large depth of field.
- ISO value: Set your ISO as low as possible (100-400) to avoid noise. In low light you can increase it.
- White balance: Use a fixed white balance (e.g. 'Daylight' or 'Cloudy') to prevent color differences between shots.
- Focus: Use manual focus and focus on your subject before you start shooting. This prevents your camera from refocusing between shots.
- Image stabilization: Turn off stabilization, as it can cause small variations between shots.
- Interval: Choose the right interval (see table)
Choosing the right interval depends on the subject and how fast it moves.
| Subject | Interval | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise / sunset | 5–10 sec | Soft light changes |
| Sky with fast-moving clouds | 1–3 sec | Dramatic cloud effects |
| Busy street / traffic | 1–2 sec | Movement of people and cars |
| Construction projects (long-term) | 10 min – 1 hour | Capturing hours/days in seconds |
| Starry sky (astro timelapse) | 20–30 sec | Due to long shutter speed |
Since you are taking photos over a longer period of time, it is important that the exposure and focus remain consistent. With these settings you ensure that your timelapse looks smooth and professional, without unwanted flickering or focus shifts.
Step 5: Optionally use a filter
In some situations, a filter can help make your timelapse look more professional and problem-free. Especially in bright daylight or for smoother motion, a grey filter (ND filter) is a valuable addition.
Step 6: Take enough shots
A good timelapse video requires a large number of photos. The more shots you take, the smoother the motion in your end result. Therefore, it's important to calculate in advance how many images you need.
How many photos do you need for a timelapse?
A timelapse is usually played back at 24 to 30 frames per second (fps). This means for a 10-second video you need at least 240 to 300 photos. Use the following formula:
Total shooting time = (desired number of photos) × (interval between photos)
Example:
- You want a 10-second timelapse at 30 fps → 300 photos needed
- Interval: 5 seconds between shots
- Total shooting time = 300 × 5 = 1500 seconds (25 minutes)
Play it safe and take extra shots
Sometimes you only realize during post-production that you need a few extra frames for a smoother result. So it's wise to always shoot a bit longer than strictly necessary. A few extra minutes can make a big difference in your end result!
Step 7: Edit and export your timelapse
After capturing your timelapse, it is time for post-processing. This process helps to apply colour corrections, reduce flickering, and combine your images into a beautiful video.
Import and edit photos
Use editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One for your RAW files. Pay attention to the following adjustments:
- Consistent exposure: Carefully adjust brightness and contrast, especially for shots with changing light.
- Colour balance: Correct tones and saturation for a natural result.
- Sharpening and noise reduction: Reduce noise in night shots and sharpen details where needed.
Edit one photo and sync the adjustments to all other images for a consistent look.
Combining photos into a timelapse video
Use software like LRTimelapse to convert the photos into a video.
- Import the edited images as an image sequence.
- Set the frame rate to 24, 25, or 30 fps for a clear effect.
- Add transitions or stabilization if needed.
Export and share
Choose a high resolution (at least 1080p or 4K) and a suitable format such as MP4 or MOV. Once your timelapse is finished, share it on social media or use it in larger video projects.
What is the best interval for a timelapse?
The interval time — the time between two consecutive photos — is a crucial setting for a timelapse. If you choose too short an interval, everything moves slowly and change is barely visible. If you choose too long an interval, movements can appear jerky. The best interval depends on your subject and how fast it moves. A faster movement requires a shorter interval, while slow processes such as starry skies or growing plants require a longer interval. Always take a test shot to see if the movement runs smoothly and adjust the interval if necessary.
| Subject | Interval | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise / sunset | 5–10 sec | Soft light changes |
| Sky with fast-moving clouds | 1–3 sec | Dramatic cloud effects |
| Busy street / traffic | 1–2 sec | Movement of people and cars |
| Construction projects (long-term) | 10 min – 1 hour | Capturing hours/days in seconds |
| Starry sky (astro timelapse) | 20–30 sec | Due to long shutter speed |
Practice makes perfect.
Creating a timelapse requires patience, planning and the right technique, but the result is worth it. With proper camera setup, the right interval, and careful editing, you can create dynamic, impressive timelapse videos. Whether it's a starry sky, an accelerated busy city, or changing seasons — timelapse photography offers a unique way to see the world!
