Creating Timelapse Videos: Apps and Professional Workflow Tips

Timelapse photography is a popular technique for capturing the progression of time in a visually compelling way. However, the transition from a series of still images to a smooth, engaging video requires the right tools and techniques. In this article, we will explore popular apps for creating timelapse videos, as well as a professional workflow using Adobe Creative Suite.

Popular Apps for Timelapse Creation

There are several apps available that can help you create a timelapse video from consecutive photos. Here are some popular options:

Lapse It

Platforms: iOS Features: Allows you to import photos and create a timelapse video. Offers various editing tools including speed adjustment and filters.

Timelapse Pro

Platforms: iOS Features: Specifically designed for creating timelapse videos. You can import photos, adjust frame rates, and add music.

iMovie

Platforms: iOS, macOS Features: Primarily a video editing app, but you can create a timelapse by importing photos and adjusting the duration of each photo in the timeline.

Adobe Premiere Rush

Platforms: iOS, Android Features: A more advanced editing tool that lets you create timelapse videos from your photos. Offers professional editing features and effects.

Windows Video Editor

Platforms: Windows (built into Windows 10 and later) Features: Built into the operating system, allows you to create a video from photos and adjust their duration for a timelapse effect.

Photos App

Platforms: macOS Features: You can create a timelapse using the Photos app by importing your images and creating a video project.

Each of these apps has its strengths and can be used to create professional-quality timelapse videos. The choice depends on your platform and specific needs.

Professional Workflow with Adobe Creative Suite

Creating timelapse videos is not just about shooting the right images; it's also about the post-processing and editing. If you are shooting professional timelapse sequences, using the right software can make a significant difference. Here's a detailed workflow using Adobe Creative Suite:

Step 1: Import Media into Lightroom

After capturing the time-lapse sequence, start by importing the media into Adobe Lightroom. Lightroom allows you to grade the sequence, ensuring consistency across all frames. This is particularly important if the sequence was shot during periods when light conditions changed dramatically, such as during sunrise or sunset.

Step 2: Exporting the Sequence

In Lightroom, export the sequence with a three or four-digit sequence number at the end of the file name (e.g., London Bridge v12 October 2012 0001). Export the sequence as a full-resolution JPEG with high quality. In some cases, especially when there is a significant disparity between light and dark, you might consider exporting as a DNG raw sequence. However, this can result in very large file sizes, making the editing process more challenging.

Step 3: Importing into Adobe After Effects

Next, import the sequence into Adobe After Effects. Choose a frame rate of either 24 or 25 frames per second. Since the image sequence is full resolution, you have plenty of spare resolution for reframing the composition. If you decide to use a raw stack of images during brightness changes, you can apply exposure correction in this step.

Step 4: Setting the Delivery Resolution

In After Effects, create a composition with a delivery resolution of 1921080 (16:9). With a full-resolution image sequence, you can perform a vertical pan since most still cameras shoot in either 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratios. This gives you extra vertical resolution, which can be used for creative purposes.

Step 5: Rendering the Final Movie

Once you are satisfied with the timelapse, render the final movie to a high-quality file format such as ProRes 422 HQ. Use this high-quality file to encode web delivery files like H264, ensuring that your final product is both visually stunning and optimized for web distribution.

While there isn't a single application that can handle the entire process from start to finish, using the right combination of tools can streamline and professionalize your timelapse creation workflow. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, the right tools can help you achieve your creative vision.

Keywords: timelapse, video editing, professional workflow