Cody Casey
Panning time-lapse photography is a technique that creates the illusion of motion by moving the camera between each exposure. This can be achieved by using a rig, such as rails or a motorised panoramic tripod head, or through post-processing software. To create a successful panning time-lapse, it is important to understand the fundamentals of panning photography, including setting up the shot in advance, using a wide lens, and experimenting with shutter speed to create artistic blurs of light.
Characteristics and Values of Shooting a Panning Time Lapse
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Camera Movement | Panning time lapses require moving the camera between shots, unlike traditional time lapses. |
| Equipment | A panning rig or motion control device like Syrp Genie, eMotimo TB3, or Genie Mini is used to achieve camera movement. These can be expensive and complicated. Alternatively, a low-cost telescope mount or DIY options like the Ikea kitchen timer can be used. |
| Software | Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, and other post-production software can be used to enhance and clean up the footage. |
| Camera Settings | A slow shutter speed and wide lens are recommended for panning time lapses to create artistic blur effects. |
| Technique | Panning involves opening the camera shutter, moving the camera horizontally, and then closing the shutter. It can be combined with other techniques like using a flash or bulb mode for stylistic choices. |
| Planning | Setting up the shot in advance, deciding on the point of view, depth of field, and mounting options are important considerations before shooting. |
| Lighting | A neutral density filter can be used to reduce exposure and allow for slower shutter speeds. Panning time lapses can also be effective in low-light or nighttime photography. |
| Practice | Smooth camera movement takes practice, and it's common for the first attempts to fail. Experimenting with focal length, light reinforcement, and shutter release can help improve results. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a device to move the camera between each exposure
Capturing a panning time-lapse requires moving the camera between each exposure. This can be achieved using various devices and techniques, from simple manual methods to more advanced automated solutions.
One approach is to use a movement rig, which involves putting the camera on rails and moving it a carefully controlled distance between each shot. This can be done manually or with the help of a timer and computer-controlled motor. Rigs can be expensive, with prices starting at around $1000, but they offer precise control over the camera's movement.
Another option is to use a motorized equatorial telescope mount with a right ascension motor, which can achieve smooth panning motions. Contemporary telescope mounts can also enable two-axis pans. It's important to note that some rigs move the camera during exposures, creating artistic blurred effects, but this may not be desirable for all shots.
There are also simpler, low-cost alternatives, such as using a telescope mount and changing its orientation to get a swivel effect. Additionally, you can attach a big wheel to the mount to create epicycles and capture the stars in sync with the camera's motion.
For a more automated solution, devices like the Syrp Genie are highly recommended. This device can control both the shutter and interval of your camera while also enabling pan and linear movements. It is simple to set up and operate, and you can fix it directly onto your tripod, adding a ball and socket head for your DSLR.
Finally, a new technique called hyperlapse or walklapse eliminates the need for additional equipment beyond a tripod. With this method, you take a shot, move a few feet along the desired path, and then take the next shot, repeating this process. The shots are then loaded into Adobe After Effects for editing, creating a smooth panning effect.
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Try the Syrp Genie or Genie Mini
The Syrp Genie is a beautifully designed piece of equipment that enables you to shoot both pan and linear movements. It is simple to set up and operate. To use the Syrp Genie, fix it directly onto your tripod, then fix a ball and socket head onto the Genie, and finally, your DSLR. The Genie will do the movement for you and, at the same time, control the shutter and interval of your camera.
The Syrp Genie Mini is an ultra-compact, simple, and affordable timelapse motion tool for photographers. It is lightweight and easy to operate, making it ideal for travel and hiking. It is also compatible with additional Syrp timelapse products for advanced movements. The Genie Mini can be used in either pan or tilt mode, depending on its orientation on your tripod. It has a rubberized exterior, making it resistant to the elements and easy to grip. It is also simple to set up, as long as you have the right tripod adapter screws and the right cable for your camera. The Syrp Genie Mini also comes with necessary cables for standard USB charging, at least one type of camera cable, and a 1/4-20 tripod thread adapter.
The Syrp Genie Mini has a battery life of 48 hours for time-lapse and 5 hours for video. It has a panning load of 8.8 lb / 4 kg and a tilting load of 6.6 lb / 3 kg. It retails for just under $250.
While the Syrp Genie Mini is a fantastic device for timelapse photography, there are a few potential issues to be aware of. Firstly, it is important to set up your camera correctly, or the Genie Mini may get stuck and fail. Additionally, you need to consider the time it takes for your camera to process each photo and include this in your calculations, or the Genie will move during the shots. There have also been reports of constant Bluetooth disconnects, requests to download firmware updates when none are available, and poor software and customer support. However, overall, the Syrp Genie and Genie Mini are excellent options for photographers looking to create panning time-lapses.
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Use post-production software to pan across the image
Post-production software can be used to achieve the panning effect in a time-lapse video. This method involves using software to crop and animate the footage after filming. Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve are popular software choices for this purpose.
When using Adobe Premiere, you can utilize the Pan and Zoom tool to create video-like effects from images or movie clips. First, import the image or clip into the timeline. Then, select the object or area you want to focus on using the focus frames. You can adjust the size and position of these frames to determine the zoom and pan effects. Adobe Premiere provides customization options to tailor the effect to your requirements.
Similarly, Adobe After Effects allows you to animate a video across the stage, enabling you to achieve the desired panning motion.
Another option is to use Video Deluxe Plus, which offers a range of professional presets for various zoom and image movements. With this software, you can define the section of the video you want to zoom in on or out of, and adjust the size and position of the frame accordingly.
When working with post-production software, it's important to consider the output format and resolution. For instance, displaying a video with zoom effects in a small player window requires a lower resolution compared to a Full HD or 4K monitor.
Additionally, you can experiment with different angles, directions, and speeds to create interesting visual effects and enhance the dynamics of your time-lapse video.
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Experiment with settings: focal length, light, shutter release
Experimenting with different settings is an important part of perfecting the art of panning time-lapse photography. Here are some key settings to focus on:
Focal Length
Focal length plays a crucial role in panning photography. It is recommended to experiment with different focal lengths to understand their impact on your images. Try using a variety of lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto, to capture different perspectives and fields of view. When panning, it is important to maintain a constant distance from your subject, so ensure you adjust your focal length accordingly.
Light
Light is a critical factor in all types of photography, and panning is no exception. Panning shots often involve blurring the background, and the amount of light you let in will affect this blur. A slower shutter speed will allow more light to enter, creating a stronger blur effect. Additionally, consider the time of day and lighting conditions when shooting. Bright daylight may require you to use a slower film or a neutral density filter to reduce the amount of light reaching the sensor, allowing for slower shutter speeds.
Shutter Release
The shutter release setting determines how the shutter is activated and the duration for which it stays open. Smooth shutter release is crucial in panning photography to avoid vertical and horizontal blur. Try using a remote shutter release or self-timer to minimise camera shake. Additionally, experiment with different shutter speeds. Slower shutter speeds between 1/8 sec and 1/60 sec are generally recommended for panning shots, but you can also try slower speeds for more creative blur effects. Keep in mind that very slow shutter speeds will blur most elements in the frame.
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Try the hyperlapse/walklapse technique
The hyperlapse or walklapse technique is a creative way to achieve panning motion shots in time-lapse photography without the need for specialised equipment. This technique was first used in the 1995 film "Pacer" and has since evolved into an art form, with modern creators like Andras Ra pushing the boundaries of what is possible in videography.
To achieve the hyperlapse effect, you will need to move the camera a short distance between each shot. This can be done by simply taking a shot, moving a few feet in the desired direction, and then taking the next shot. You should attempt to frame the shots similarly, but they do not need to be identical. The resulting images will be stabilised in post-production to create a smooth panning motion.
A tripod is recommended for this technique, as it provides a stable base for your camera and helps ensure that your shots remain relatively consistent. Additionally, consider using a device like the Syrp Genie, which can automate the movement of your camera and control the shutter and interval between shots. This can enhance the fluidity of your hyperlapse video.
When planning your hyperlapse route, it is essential to consider the distance between each shot. If you are covering a large area, such as a field, you may not need to take a photo every foot and can instead take a few steps between shots. On the other hand, if you are working in a smaller area, such as a city block, you will want to take more photos over a shorter distance, resulting in smaller movements between stills.
To add complexity to your hyperlapse video, you can incorporate zoom while shooting. This technique, known as a dolly-zoom hyperlapse, involves zooming in or out while moving to create a unique and mind-bending effect. To achieve this, you must move and zoom simultaneously, ensuring that you keep the same point in the same spot in your camera as you progress. By the final frame, you should be completely zoomed in or out to your desired focal length.
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Frequently asked questions
Panning is a fundamental camera technique where the camera pivots to show different parts of a setting or to follow a character. In a panning time-lapse, the camera moves between each exposure to create a smoothly panning video.
You will need a device that can move the camera between each exposure. You can use a motion control device such as the Syrp Genie, eMotimo TB3, or Genie Mini. These can be expensive and complicated, so a cheaper DIY option is to buy an Ikea kitchen timer and attach a mount point. You can also use a telescope mount or a rig with rails and a computer-controlled motor.
Set your camera to video and use the video preview facility to decide on a suitable panning distance. Switch back to stills and set a slow shutter speed—try 1/30th of a second to start. Select a fixed zoom ratio before you press the shutter and refrain from zooming in or out while panning.
The easiest way to create a panning time-lapse is to use a bigger set of images than 1920x1080 so that you can pan around in that frame using your post-production software of choice.
Hyperlapse or walklapse is a new technique that accomplishes a panning time-lapse effect without any extra equipment. You take a shot, move a few feet down the path you want the time-lapse to travel along, and then take the next shot. You then load them into Adobe After Effects to clean it up.
