If you have an iPhone, you may already be familiar with the time-lapse technique — but doing it manually with a dedicated camera is a whole other ballgame. Like many types of photography, it's all about skill and technique. With a little trial and error, you'll get the hang of it. Here's everything you need to know to get started.
Last updated: May 2026
What is Time-Lapse Photography?
Time-lapse photography is a cinematic technique that captures frames at a lower frequency than normal, so that when you play back the sequence at normal speed, it appears to move in fast-forward. Scenes that would usually take minutes, hours, days, or even months to unfold can be replayed in seconds — creating a mesmerising, compressed view of the world.
What Equipment Do You Need for Time-Lapse Photography?
To get stunning results, you'll need the right toolkit. Here's what we recommend:
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: Choose a mirrorless or DSLR camera with full manual settings and — ideally — a built-in interval timer. If your camera doesn't have one, look for a model compatible with a separate intervalometer.
- Intervalometer: This remote control lets you program your camera to take a set number of photos at predetermined intervals. It's the single most useful accessory for time-lapse photography.
- Tripod: Your camera must remain perfectly still throughout the entire shoot. A sturdy tripod is non-negotiable — and one you'll use across all your photography.
- ND Filters: Think of these as sunglasses for your camera. They reduce the intensity of incoming light, allowing slower shutter speeds and more motion blur. Ideal for bright conditions — though optional for overcast or night shoots.
- Battery Grip: If your camera supports one, a battery grip effectively doubles your shooting time — essential for long time-lapse sessions.
- Camera Control Software: Apps like Nikon's Camera Control Pro or DSLR Remote Pro can act as an intervalometer while tethered to your laptop, giving you greater control over the shoot.
- Post-Processing Software: Once all your frames are captured, you'll need to compile them into a video. Adobe Lightroom is great for batch-processing exposure and colour consistency; Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve work well for assembling and exporting the final video.
The Best Camera Settings for Time-Lapse Photography
- Exposure Mode: Shoot in Manual mode for consistent exposure between frames. Set ISO as low as possible (100–200) to minimise noise, choose an aperture of around f/8–f/11 for good depth of field, then set a shutter speed that gives correct exposure. If you're shooting a sunrise or sunset with rapidly changing light, Aperture Priority can help adapt automatically.
- Focus: Use manual focus to prevent your lens from hunting for different focal points throughout the shoot. Experiment with focusing to infinity for landscapes, or lock focus on a mid-ground subject for more creative results.
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Interval Timing: The right interval depends on your subject:
- Fast-moving subjects (traffic, crowds): 1–3 seconds
- Medium-paced subjects (sunsets, tides): 10–30 seconds
- Slow subjects (construction, plant growth): 5 minutes or more
Pro Tip: Always make sure your interval time is longer than your shutter speed. And remember — most videos play back at 24 frames per second, so you'll need 24 shots for every one second of finished video. The formula: video length in seconds × frame rate = total shots needed.
Time-Lapse Photography Ideas & Tips
- Pick an Interesting Subject: The most successful time-lapses feature scenes with gradual movement — gathering crowds, passing clouds, rising tides, or blooming flowers. Star trail time-lapses are particularly mesmerising and a great gateway into astrophotography.
- Nail Your Composition First: Spend time getting your framing right before you start shooting. Composition is just as important in time-lapse as in any other form of photography.
- Shoot More Than You Think You Need: At 24 frames per second, you'll need a lot of images for even a short video. Err on the side of more.
- Stabilise Your Tripod Properly: Weigh down your tripod using the centre hook if it has one, and avoid extending the centre column all the way up — both reduce vibration and improve stability.
- Double-Check Your Gear Before You Leave: Confirm you have spare memory cards and fully charged batteries. Running out of power or storage mid-shoot is a time-lapse photographer's worst nightmare.
Frequently Asked Questions: Time-Lapse Photography
What is the best camera for time-lapse photography?
Any mirrorless camera or DSLR with manual controls and intervalometer support will work well. Built-in interval timers (found on many modern cameras) are a bonus. The most important factors are battery life, sensor quality in low light, and compatibility with your chosen intervalometer or control software.
How many photos do I need for a time-lapse?
At 24 frames per second, a 10-second time-lapse video requires 240 individual photos. A 1-minute video needs 1,440 shots. Plan your interval and shooting duration accordingly, and always shoot more than you think you'll need.
Can I shoot time-lapse at night?
Absolutely — night time-lapses of star trails, city lights, and moonrises are some of the most stunning results you can achieve. Use a wide aperture (f/2.8 or wider), a higher ISO (1600–3200), and longer exposures (15–30 seconds per frame). A fast wide-angle lens and a camera with strong high-ISO performance are your best friends here.
Do I need special software to compile a time-lapse?
Yes — you'll need software to assemble your frames into a video. Adobe Lightroom is excellent for batch-processing and colour-grading your images first. For compiling and exporting the final video, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or the free DaVinci Resolve are all popular choices.
Get the Gear for Time-Lapse Photography
Ready to experiment with time-lapses? Explore our range of mirrorless cameras and tripods at Ted's Cameras, or visit your nearest store and our friendly team will help you put together the perfect time-lapse kit.