Timelapse

Timelapse is a technique in photography and videography in which frames are captured at intervals over an extended period and played back at standard frame rates (such as 24 or 30 fps) to create a sped-up view of time passing.

To create it, a camera is mounted on a stable support and programmed to shoot at regular intervals using an intervalometer or built-in timelapse mode. The interval, total frames, and duration depend on the subject and desired final length.

Common practices include manual exposure and white balance to avoid flicker, keeping the camera fixed on a tripod, and locking focus. Using RAW files in post-processing allows non-destructive edits. Post-processing may involve deflickering, stabilization, and, for longer sequences, HDR or exposure ramps to accommodate lighting changes.

Hyperlapse is a related form that introduces camera movement between frames, requiring careful stabilization and planning; traditional timelapse emphasizes movement within the frame rather than camera motion.

History: Timelapse has roots in early film experiments with frame sequencing; modern digital timelapse gained popularity with affordable intervalometers and post-processing tools in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Applications: It is used to document natural scenes, weather, urban development, construction, astronomy, and events, turning slow processes into concise, watchable sequences.