If you’re wondering, what is time-lapse, how does it work and why should I be interested, then this is the page for you! Read on to find the answers!
What is Time-lapse?
Time-lapse is defined as “the photographic technique of taking a sequence of frames at set intervals to record changes that take place slowly over time. When the frames are shown at normal speed the action seems much faster.” So, a project that may take years to complete can be viewed from start to finish in just a few minutes. You can see some examples here.
How Does it Work?
First, we discuss your project and requirements and come up with a solution that works for you – whether this is short or long term time-lapse, single or multiple cameras, internal or external (or both), 240v or 110V CTE power, battery or solar panels, standard or wide angle lenses, external fixation to a building or the use of non-penetrating stands, our systems are highly configurable and we can almost always find a solution that works. Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers to things such as camera location or power options – we can always conduct a site survey to help you with these decisions.
Then we install your camera! We visit site and work with you to identify the best location for your camera(s). We can use a range of camera mounting options, so it doesn’t matter whether we are mounting a camera on a brand new scaffolding pole or an important listed building, we have a solution that works. We also have a range of lens options, so again can select the best one for your project. If your site doesn’t have power yet, we can start with solar or battery power systems and switch to mains or CTE once these are available.
Once installed, our cameras remain in place until the work is complete. The camera takes a picture every one to three minutes, and you and your clients can see the latest picture via a web link. This is ideal for keeping an eye on the site from wherever you are. You can see more about our tools here.
Over the course of the project, our cameras will take tens of thousands of images, all of which will be stored within the system and also backed up on our secure server. We take the security of our images seriously, and the images are protected during the transfer to our secure backup server. All of the images from the project so far are available for you to view on your personal image gallery.
At the end of the project we edit the footage to produce a stunning time-lapse film of the whole process. If you have chosen to take advantage of our on-site or aerial filming services, then this footage will normally be combined with the time-lapse at this stage. We work with you during the editing process, and can add title sequences, captions, logos or anything else you’d like. Some people like to have a lot of involvement in this stage, while others prefer to be more hands-off; it’s completely up to you. Either way, our specialist editors will create a stunning film for you. Please visit our gallery pages to see some examples >
Why Should I be Interested?
We think everyone should record everything with time-lapse, but maybe we are biased! However, it is certainly a wonderful way to record a project, be that to use as a marketing tool to encourage future investment, as a promotional tool to generate visitors, as a historical record or as public engagement. The ability to show current and future users, residents or students, the local community and/or the wider public the latest image from site allows them to feel engaged with the progress of the project, which may be impacting them in their day to day lives. It can help to keep them interested and looking forward to the end result. And the final films look really nice!
Get in Touch
If we’ve convinced you, please contact us today to discuss your next project and how time-lapse can help! We’d love to hear from you!