How do you deal with changing light and weather conditions when shooting timelapse and hyperlapse?

1 Choose the right location and time

One of the most important factors for shooting timelapse and hyperlapse is the location and time of the day. You want to find a spot that has a clear and interesting view, without too much distraction or interference. You also want to consider the direction and angle of the light, and how it will change over the course of your shooting. For example, if you want to capture a sunrise or sunset, you need to plan ahead and scout the best vantage point. If you want to avoid harsh shadows or overexposure, you might want to shoot during the golden hour or the blue hour, when the light is softer and more diffuse.

2 Use a tripod and a remote

Another essential element for shooting timelapse and hyperlapse is a stable and sturdy tripod. You don't want any camera shake or movement that will ruin your shots or make them look jittery. You also want to use a remote control or an intervalometer to trigger your shots, so you don't have to touch the camera and risk introducing vibration or misalignment. A tripod and a remote will also allow you to set up your camera and leave it running for a long time, without having to worry about battery life or memory card space.

3 Adjust your settings and exposure

One of the trickiest aspects of shooting timelapse and hyperlapse is adjusting your settings and exposure to match the changing light and weather conditions. You have two main options: manual mode or aperture priority mode. Manual mode gives you more control and consistency, but you have to monitor the light and make adjustments accordingly. Aperture priority mode lets the camera adjust the shutter speed automatically, but you might end up with flickering or uneven exposure. To avoid this, you can use a neutral density filter to reduce the amount of light entering the lens, or a graduated filter to balance the exposure between the sky and the ground. You can also use exposure bracketing to take multiple shots at different exposures, and then blend them in post-production.

4 Experiment with different intervals and durations

One of the most creative aspects of shooting timelapse and hyperlapse is experimenting with different intervals and durations. The interval is the time between each shot, and the duration is the total time of your shooting. The interval determines the speed and smoothness of your video, while the duration determines the length and coverage of your video. For example, if you want to capture fast-moving clouds or traffic, you might want to use a short interval, such as one or two seconds. If you want to capture slow-moving stars or plants, you might want to use a long interval, such as 30 seconds or more. The duration depends on how much change you want to show, and how long you want your video to be. For example, if you want to show a full day cycle, you might need to shoot for 12 hours or more. If you want to show a brief transition, you might only need to shoot for an hour or less.

5 Try different angles and movements

One of the most fun and challenging aspects of shooting timelapse and hyperlapse is trying different angles and movements. The angle determines the perspective and composition of your video, while the movement determines the direction and dynamics of your video. For example, if you want to show a wide and panoramic view, you might want to use a wide-angle lens and a high angle. If you want to show a close and detailed view, you might want to use a telephoto lens and a low angle. The movement can be either static or dynamic. Static means that your camera stays in one place, while dynamic means that your camera moves along a path. For timelapse, you can use a motorized slider or a gimbal to create smooth and controlled movements. For hyperlapse, you can use a handheld stabilizer or a monopod to create free and flexible movements.

6 Edit and polish your video

The final step for shooting timelapse and hyperlapse is editing and polishing your video. You can use various software and tools to enhance your video, such as cropping, stabilizing, color grading, adding music, sound effects, transitions, titles, etc. You can also use advanced techniques such as deflickering, warping, blending, ramping, etc. to correct any flaws or create any effects that you want. Editing and polishing your video is a crucial part of making your timelapse and hyperlapse stand out and impress your viewers.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?