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An image of a mobile phone device showing an image of a man walking along a train track. How to create a professional time-lapse using a phone.

News How to Create Professional Time-Lapse Videos with Your Smartphone

30 October 2024 Holly Eckersley

Creating a high-quality time-lapse video with a smartphone is increasingly feasible due to advancements in mobile technology. This guide provides advanced users with effective techniques and settings to achieve professional results, covering essentials from pre-production planning to stabilisation, interval adjustments, and post-processing.

An image of a mobile phone being propped up on a pavement to capture people moving along a street.

Plan Your Time-Lapse Project

Define the purpose and scope of your time-lapse video, as this will influence your location, duration, and camera settings. Unlike traditional video, time-lapse involves capturing frames at set intervals, making careful planning essential for a cohesive narrative. Consider variables such as light, movement speed, and the timeline needed for a smooth visual effect.

A typical time-lapse requires many hours to create just a few minutes of video. If you’re capturing slow processes (like plant growth), expect to record over several days or weeks. Clearly outline the sequence length and desired playback speed in advance.

Use a Stable Setup

A stable, unmovable setup is critical for maintaining frame consistency in time-lapse videos. While smartphones often feature built-in stabilisation, an external tripod or specialised stabiliser will yield the best results. Smartphone tripod mounts are widely available and can ensure stability, particularly in outdoor environments subject to wind or vibrations.

For advanced setups, consider using weighted tripods or gimbals that reduce shake and stabilise long captures. High-quality tripods also enable smooth panning if dynamic movement within the frame is required.

Choose the Right Time-Lapse App

Most smartphones have a built-in time-lapse mode, but dedicated apps offer greater control over the recording process. Apps like Filmic Pro, Hyperlapse, and Moment Pro Camera provide adjustable intervals, exposure settings, and resolution options, allowing customisation based on the scene conditions. Look for features such as:

Adjustable Frame Intervals: Essential for capturing various movement speeds.

Manual Focus and Exposure Lock: Prevents flickering caused by light changes.

RAW Format Support: Offers more flexibility in post-processing.

Conduct tests with your selected app to ensure all features function as expected and adjust for lighting or other variables.

Lock your exposure and white balance to prevent fluctuations during the sequence. Advanced apps allow manual adjustments to exposure, ISO, and shutter speed, which should be customised based on the scene’s lighting.

Optimise Battery and Storage

Time-lapse recording consumes significant power and storage, especially for long captures or high-resolution footage. To prevent disruptions, keep your smartphone plugged into a power source or use an external battery pack. Monitor available storage before starting, as continuous shooting can quickly fill your device.

Switch to airplane mode to avoid interruptions from calls or notifications, and consider transferring data frequently to avoid losing any footage.

At Time-Lapse Systems we only use professional systems which our dedicated team of developers build to the requirements of each project that we work on, some of which take place over long periods of time generating thousands of images which need to be continuously managed and stored. Our highly-trained team manage the data for each project we work on and can create a fully-bespoke edit for our clients’ specific needs.

Post-Processing for Quality Output

Once your footage is captured, import your frames into editing software that supports time-lapse, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro. Basic adjustments to colour, brightness, and contrast can significantly enhance your video.

Consider the following post-processing techniques:

  • Stabilisation: Software stabilisation can correct minor shakiness.
  • Speed Adjustment: Vary playback speed for emphasis in certain sections.
  • Colour Grading: Enhance the mood or correct lighting inconsistencies.
  • Transitions: Smoothly blend multiple sequences for a professional flow.

Some editing software allows you to add music or overlay graphics, making your video more engaging. We love to see many people using time-lapse photography to capture their hobbies and interests, and for this purpose a smartphone is a wonderful technology to use!

Many professional time-lapse companies would only use a full frame sensor DSLR with professional lenses to capture at 8K. They would only use a professional set-up, the best equipment and installation methods which would ensure that a project was captured in the best quality possible. Additionally for optimum results a specialist editor would need to edit the images together to ensure that the final video correctly articulated each aspect of the build.

Exporting and Sharing

When the editing process is complete, for good results it would be advantageous to use a high-quality export format to maintain clarity. If working with large resolutions, such as 4K, ensure your export settings align with your distribution needs. Be mindful that social media platforms often compress videos, so preview and export with this in mind to avoid unexpected quality loss.

Time-Lapse Systems: The Premier Choice for Professional Solutions

Creating a compelling time-lapse video on a smartphone is achievable with the right techniques and tools. However, for extensive, long-term projects, especially those requiring continuous monitoring such as construction or demolition time-lapses, professional services are essential. At Time-Lapse Systems we are the UK’s leading provider of time-lapse solutions, thanks to our commitment to building our own software and hardware. Our team work hard to ensure that we always deliver to our clients‘ brief and we pride ourselves on our ability to provide the very best service.

Our in-house team of dedicated project managers, editors, and developers ensures each stage of the project is executed to the highest standards, allowing us to maintain complete control over our systems and guarantee the quality of our work. We have been trusted by a range of high-profile clients, including the Berkeley Group, Alton Towers, Lodha, and the Royal Albert Hall. With our bespoke systems and extensive expertise, we always deliver exceptional results that meet the rigorous demands of any project.

An image of the London skyline captured by Time-Lapse Systems.

An image of the London skyline taken from one of our specially developed time-lapse cameras. Our client used our services to document this exciting build at St Mary’s Axe, London.

If you would like to learn more about the services we offer please get in touch.

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Time-Lapse Systems are a part of Hideaway Media Ltd (est. 2007). World leader in the provision of bespoke time-lapse capture and site monitoring solutions. UK and Worldwide.