Time lapse phoneography
2 mins read

Time lapse phoneography

Time lapse from the Mekong River in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Creating a time-lapse video with your mobile phone is a fun and creative way to capture the passage of time. Here’s a general guide on how to make a time-lapse using a mobile device:

Step 1: Choose a Time-Lapse Subject

Decide what you want to capture in your time-lapse. It could be a sunrise or sunset, clouds moving, people walking, construction, or any other subject that changes over time.

Step 2: Stability is Key

To avoid shaky footage, use a tripod or stabilize your phone on a flat surface. There are also mobile phone tripods available, or you can get creative with DIY stabilization methods.

Step 3: Use the Right App

Many smartphones come with built-in time-lapse features in their camera apps. If your phone doesn’t have this feature, you can download third-party apps like Hyperlapse (for iOS) or Framelapse (for Android). These apps provide additional settings and features for creating time-lapse videos.

I used the iPhone app Skyflow.

Step 4: Adjust Settings

Explore the settings in your chosen time-lapse app. You may be able to adjust the interval between shots (how often a frame is captured), resolution, and other settings. Experiment with different intervals to find the right balance for your subject.

Step 5: Frame Your Shot

Compose your shot before starting the time-lapse. Consider the movement of your subject and how it will evolve over time. Make sure your phone is secure and won’t be disturbed during the recording.

Time lapse from the Mekong River in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Step 6: Start Recording

Once you’ve set up your shot, start the time-lapse recording. Be patient, as time-lapse videos often require a longer recording time to capture significant changes. Let the app do its work.

Step 7: Edit (Optional)

After recording, you may want to edit your time-lapse video. Trim unnecessary footage, adjust speed, and add music or captions if your app allows. Many editing apps are available for both iOS and Android.

Step 8: Save and Share

Save your edited time-lapse video to your device and share it with others. You can upload it to social media platforms, share it with friends, or keep it as a personal memento.

Remember to experiment with different settings and subjects to find what works best for you. The key to a captivating time-lapse is patience and creativity.

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