Time-Lapse Photography Techniques

There is nothing more rewarding than creating a silky smooth time-lapse. From slow moving clouds to the gentle growth of a plant, time-lapses produce mesmerizing images that create a sense of amazement. Whether you are looking to add a new dimension to your video project or just doing it for entertainment, I will guide you through the basic camera techniques that will help you achieve stunning time-lapses.

What Causes This Effect?

Time-lapses are designed to emphasize slow moving objects that we would not ordinarily recognize with our eyes. This is achieved by taking a single picture in set intervals over a long duration of time. These pictures are then compressed into a video. The key to achieving fluid looking time-lapses is consistency. Below I have outlined four major guidelines that will help you achieve consistency in your photographs.

1. Use an Intervalometer

An Intervalometer is an instrument used to remotely control your camera. It can be programmed to automatically take pictures at a set number of intervals for any length of time. Using this tool is the easiest way to achieve time-lapses. Visit John Mason’s Site for more information on intervalometers and how to use them.

Intervalometer

2. Use Manual Mode

By eliminating the camera’s ability to adjust itself automatically, each shot will stay consistent – shot after shot. To work in manual mode, switch your camera’s dial to M. You must understand how Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO each affect your image in order to work in manual mode. Visit Cambridge in Colour if you are still unsure about these three settings.

Camera Modes

3. Use Manual Focus

Another way to achieve consistency can be done by using manual focus. Using manual focus will stop the lens from refocusing during the time-lapse. Below I have provided a short demonstration that shows how automatic focus negatively affects a time-lapse.

Notice that the white fence on the left twitches? This is because the lens was automatically picking different focus points, which changes the distance of everything in the frame. For instructions on how to set your camera to manual focus, refer to your camera’s manual.

4. Use a Manual White Balance

White Balance is the camera’s understanding of the light’s color temperature in the scene. Using a manual white balance will prevent the camera from automatically adjusting the light’s color temperature of each photograph. Below is an example of the negative effects caused from using automatic white balance.

Notice how the video has a strobe looking effect? This undesirable effect is called “Flicker”. For instructions on how to set your specific camera to a manual white balance, refer to your camera’s manual.

How Many Pictures Do I Need For My Time-Lapse?

Essentially, a video is just a very fast slideshow. Videos are measured by the frame rate. The frame rate is the amount of pictures that are shown during one second of video. The most frequent frame rate used is 24 frames per second (24 pictures per second).

To figure out how many pictures you need for your time-lapse, use the equation below:

Desired length of your video (in seconds)  X  the video’s frame rate   =  the amount of pictures you will need.

How Long Should My Intervals Be Between Photos?

There are no concrete numbers used to determine how long the intervals should be between pictures. However, I have provided you with a chart below that outlines the basic starting points for intervals used by other photographers.

Editing Software

This post is about camera techniques, but I will still recognize the last important step in creating your time-lapse – editing. There are many software programs available on the market today. I have had the smoothest experience working with Adobe Lightroom 4. I will link you to Saun McCormicks’s video on how to assemble your time-lapse within Adobe Lightroom 4.

Six Steps to Achieve a Time-Lapse

Now that you know the basics about creating fluid looking time-lapses, I will provide you will some basic steps you can follow to achieve this effect:

1. Determine the interval time you will use

2. Set your invervalometer

3. Set the camera to Manual Mode

4. Set the camera to Manual Focus

5. Set the camera to Manual White Balance

6. Begin your time-lapse!

Call to Action!

Go out and try a time-lapse! Post in the comments what you will be taking a time-lapse of, and send in your links for all of us to see!

Send your videos to mattplatz@hotmail.com and I will feature them on my blog!

Tune in next week for useful techniques on photographing sports!

Concert Photography Techniques

Spring is finally here, which means your favorite bands are gearing up for tour. But what does this mean for you photographers out there? Consider this an opportunity to become part of the action! Concert Photography is not only for the experts; anyone can participate. I will guide you through the basic techniques used to photograph bands on stage, producing pictures similar to the ones below.

Photo by Matt Platz. Tim McIlrath of Rise Against (Click to Enlarge)

Use Manual Mode

I have been in the habit of linking you to Cambridge in Colour’s explanation of Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO. Understanding how these three camera settings impact your photograph is important to Concert Photography. The action on stage can happen very fast, and knowing how to quickly adjust these settings will result in better quality images.

The use of automatic settings is not recommended. The constant fluctuation of stage lighting may cause your camera to choose poor settings, ruining your photographs. Switch your camera to Manual Mode by turning your dial to M and follow my recommendations below for indoor concerts. (If the concert is taking place outdoors, visit SLR Lounge for more information on outdoor photography.)

Camera Modes

ISO Recommendations

As I mentioned in my previous blog post called The Streaking Light Effect, your camera will have ISO numbers ranging anywhere from 100-6400 and up. The lower the number, the less digital noise will be present in your photograph.

Typically, the range in ISO that I have found to be acceptable during an indoor concert is anywhere between 100 and 400. Digital noise starts to become more apparent at ISO 400, so I would advise against using a higher number.

ISO: Digital Noise

Aperture Recommendations

Choosing an aperture number is mostly an artistic decision. Depending on the type of shot you are going for will determine the aperture number you will choose. If you are shooting close up portraits of each band member on stage, then you might choose a lower aperture number to blur the background. If you are capturing an image of the audience or the entire stage, you might want to choose a higher aperture number to keep everyone in focus.

Photo by Matt Platz: The Rave in Milwaukee, WI (Click to Enlarge)

Shutter Speed Recommendations

The shutter speed you choose is situational. If you are photographing a rock band who tends to run around on stage, then you may want to choose a higher shutter speed to freeze their movement. If you are photographing a mellow acoustic band who sits on chairs the entire concert, then you could possibly get away with a slower shutter speed.

Generally, the slowest shutter speed you should use during handheld shooting is 1/50. This will eliminate any motion blur caused by holding and handling your camera.

Photo by Matt Platz. Zach Blair of Rise Against (Click to Enlarge)

The Photo Pass

So what takes photographers behind the scenes at some of the most exclusive events? The Photo Pass! This is essentially their VIP ticket that allows them past the gates and into the heart of the action.

If your event requires a Photo Pass, visit IShootShows for excellent advice about securing your spot as a photographer at a concert.

Photo Pass

Four Steps for Concert Photography

Now that you know more information about Concert Photography, here are four simple steps you can follow to help guide you through the photography process of a concert:

1. Select a lower ISO

2. Choose an aperture number for your situation

3. Choose a shutter speed above 1/50

4. Take as many pictures as you can!

Call to Action!

Now that you understand how to photograph a concert, go out and give it a try! Post in the comments what band you will be photographing, and offer any feedback for people trying this for the first time!

Send your pictures to mattplatz@hotmail.com and I will feature them on my blog!

Tune in next week for useful techniques on photographing for time lapses!

The Streaking Light Effect

The world of photography is constantly evolving. People are always finding new ways to manipulate their camera’s settings to create true works of art. Digital cameras have eliminated the expensive upkeep of film stock and dark rooms, which has allowed photographers a cheaper alternative to be creative. One way to creatively use your camera is to try the Streaking Light Effect. This simple yet cool effect can be achieved by following a few easy steps.

Photo By Matt Platz. Shutter Speed: 20 seconds (Click to Enlarge)

What Causes This Effect?

By now you are probably aware of the three camera functions that affect your photograph: Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO. The Streaking Light Effect occurs when a slower shutter speed is used while taking pictures of moving lights. Because the camera’s shutter is open for a longer duration, the camera’s sensor has more time to record the light’s movement as it passes through the frame. This concept is similar to photographing water, which I discussed and demonstrated in my last post.

This effect involves knowing how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO each affect your photograph. If you do not understand how these three camera settings work, I would highly recommend visiting Cambridge in Colour for a more in depth explanation.

How to Achieve This Effect

Unfortunately your camera does not have any automatic settings that will help you achieve the Streaking Light Effect. You will need to operate your camera in Manual Mode. In this mode, you will have to adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO individually. Switch your camera’s dial to M to work in manual mode and follow the three step process I have outlined below.

Camera Modes

Step 1: Adjust the ISO

The first step is to adjust the camera’s ISO. Your camera will provide you with ISO numbers ranging anywhere from 100 to 6400 and up. Using a higher ISO number will result in unwanted “digital noise”, as pictured below. The lower the number, the less digital noise will be present in your photograph. When attempting to achieve the Streaking Light Effect, use the lowest ISO number possible to ensure a noise free image.

Digital Noise

Step 2: Adjust the Aperture

The second step is to adjust the camera’s aperture. What you are photographing will determine the appropriate aperture number to use. Whether you want to blur the background or shoot a landscape like my picture at the top of the page, the aperture number you choose is purely situational.

Step 3: Adjust the Shutter Speed

Lastly, and most importantly, you will need to adjust the camera’s shutter speed. This final step will correctly expose your image. You can use the camera’s Exposure Meter, which is pictured below, to help you choose the correct shutter speed. To correctly expose your image, adjust the shutter speed until the bar on the bottom of the number scale reaches zero. If you do not understand the camera’s exposure meter, take a coupe pictures and continue to adjust the shutter speed until your photo looks acceptable.

Cameras Exposure Meter

Tripods

Because the camera’s shutter will be open longer, it is essential that you use a tripod when trying the Streaking Light Effect. Any movement of the camera during this time will cause your photograph to look “soft”, or out of focus.

You can visit Adorama to help you choose the best tripod for your situation and budget.

Tripod

Seven Steps to Achieve This Effect

Now that you know how the Streaking Light Effect works, I will outline the complete steps you must take in order to achieve it:

1. Set your camera to Manual Mode by switching the dial to M

2. Stabilize your camera on top of a tripod

3. Adjust the ISO to the lowest ISO number

4. Adjust the aperture number to fit your situation

5. Adjust the shutter speed accordingly to correctly expose your shot

6. Focus your scene

7. Snap your picture!

Call to Action!

Now that you understand how to accomplish the Streaking Light Effect, go out and give it a try! Post in the comments what you learned by trying this effect, and leave some advice for anybody trying it for the first time.

Send your pictures to mattplatz@hotmail.com and I will feature them on my blog!

Tune in next week for useful techniques on photographing concerts!

The Smooth Waterfall Effect

I am sure you have seen those beautiful nature shots containing lakes and waterfalls. The water appears to be silky smooth as it pours over the cliff from above. You may be thinking why every time you take a picture containing water, the water seems frozen in place? I will be discussing how to achieve the Smooth Waterfall Effect by changing your camera’s settings to get this desired effect.

The Smooth Waterfall Effect

What Causes This Effect?

In my last post, I reminded you that your photograph is affected by three camera settings: Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO. This Smooth Waterfall Effect is a result of using a slower shutter speed. Shutter speed is the amount of time the cameras shutter is open while taking the picture. Below is an example of how shutter speed can affect your photograph.

Photo By Matt Platz- Shutter Speed (Click to Enlarge)

Notice how the water seems more ridged in the left photo, but appears much smoother in the right photo? This happens because the camera’s shutter is open for less time which allows for more motion blur. To practice using a slow shutter speed, you can easily try this at home with your DSLR camera and a faucet! (To read more about how shutter speed works, visit Photography Tips: Shutter Speed).

How to Achieve This Effect

By using Shutter Priority Mode, you can manually adjust the shutter speed of your camera. Go to the dial on top of your camera and select Tv. This mode will allow you to adjust the shutter speed while your camera automatically chooses the aperture and ISO for you. Shutter speed is expressed as a fraction, such as 1/5. The lower the bottom number, the slower the shutter speed.

Camera Modes

Tripods

Because the camera’s shutter remains open for a longer period of time, all camera movement must be eliminated. A tripod is necessary for attempting this effect. If you do not have a tripod, placing the camera on any steady surface will do just fine. Always protect your investment by making sure it is completely stable and safe from falls.

Filters

In order for your camera to achieve a slower shutter speed while in Shutter Priority Mode, it will automatically decrease the ISO and increase the aperture number. This compensates for the large amount of light allowed through the lens. On extremely bright and sunny days, your shutter may still not be slow enough to get the smoothest looking water possible. So how do you do it?

Neutral Density Filters (ND Filters) will help you in this situation. These filters screw on to the front of your lens and decrease the amount of light being let through. They are basically like sun glasses for your camera. By darkening the image, you can successfully use a slower shutter speed in order to achieve the Smooth Waterfall Effect. The slower the shutter speed you are capable of using, the more enhanced the effect will become.

There are several different kinds of ND filters available to buy. Visit Cambridge in Colour for more information on ND filters.

Neutral Density Filter

Five Steps to Achieving this Effect

Now that you know the basics behind shutter speed and the Smooth Waterfall Effect, I will now list out the steps that you can follow to achieve this effect:

1. Set your camera to Shutter Priority Mode (Tv)

2. Screw on your ND filter (if applicable)

3. Adjust the shutter speed to a lower number

4. Focus your scene

5. Snap your shot!

Call to Action!

Now that you know how to use this effect, go out and give it a try! Try the shutter speed experiment I provided earlier, and let me know in the comments how it worked for you.

Send your pictures to mattplatz@hotmail.com and I will feature them on my blog!

Tune in next week for useful techniques on photographing lights!

The Blurry Background Effect

Have you ever wondered how photographers produce pictures where the background is blurry? In this new age of technology, digital camera manufacturers have made photography easier than ever before. Understanding how to use your camera’s settings to your advantage will help you with many future photography decisions. I will provide you with an in depth explanation about how the Blurry Background Effect works, and walk you through the steps on how to achieve it with your DSLR camera.

Photo by Matt Platz (Click to Enlarge)

What Causes This Effect?

The Blurry Background Effect occurs when the camera’s Depth of Field (DOF) is altered. DOF is defined as the measurable range that the picture is in focus, starting from the lens to as far as the background goes.

Try this: close one of your eyes and put your finger about four inches away from your nose. Now focus your eye on your finger. Notice how the background is blurry? Now try this again, except this time look beyond your finger and focus on the background. Now your finger is blurry, but the background is in focus. This is a demonstration of Depth of Field. Cameras operate in the same way our eyes do. The advantage to the camera is being able to manually select the DOF. (To read more about Depth of Field, visit Cambridge In Colour).

Photo by Matt Platz- Depth Of Field (Click to Enlarge)

How Do I Adjust the DOF On My Camera?

There are three camera settings that affect the outcome of your picture: Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO. On your camera, the DOF can be adjusted by changing the aperture. The aperture is expressed in the term f then some number, such as f5.6. In essence, this number system determines how blurry the background will be. The smaller the aperture number, the blurrier the background.

Canon Camera- Aperture Priority Mode

How To Achieve This Effect

You can easily achieve this effect by using Aperture Priority Mode on your DSLR. Your camera probably has a dial on the top. When the dial is turned to Av, you are able to manually select the aperture. The camera does the rest of the work by automatically choosing the shutter speed and ISO for you. To blur the background, select this mode and choose a smaller aperture number to your liking.

Camera Modes Dial

When to Use This Effect

Photographers use this effect to eliminate background distractions within the photograph and draw the eye back to the subject. The Blurry Background Effect should generally be used in low action situations, where the subject is nearly motionless. These could be situations such as a close up of a flower, or a portrait of a face.

When you are using a small aperture number, the lens requires more time to search for the correct focus point. Unless you own a series of professional camera equipment, focusing on a fast moving subject with a small aperture number would be extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Out of Focus Shot

Five Steps to Achieve This Effect

Now that I have provided you with some information on the Blurry Background Effect, I will list out the steps you must take in order to achieve it:

1. Set your camera to Aperture Priority Mode (Av)

2. Adjust the aperture number to a smaller number

3. Make sure your subject is nearly motionless

4. Bring the subject into focus

5. Snap your picture!

Call to Action!

Now that you know how to blur the background of your photos, go out and give it a try! Post in the comments what you will be using this effect for.

Send your pictures to mattplatz@hotmail.com and I will feature them on my blog!

Tune in next week for useful techniques on photographing water!