A free step by step tutorial covering the fundamental aspects to create your time-lapse video, from the equipment down to the final assembly!



Before we start, there is something you should know.

What is the Time Lapse Network project?

Welcome to Time-lapse Network, a community dedicated to the fascinating technique of time-lapse.

The Time-lapse Network provides its readers with the most complete free tutorial available on-line that illustrates to you clearly how to create a time-lapse video, step-by-step.

We remind you that all the information and resources that you can find on these pages are offered for free, so it’s crucial for us that you support the project Time Lapse Network – by simply sharing our tutorials on Social Networks like Facebook if you like our articles.

Thanks in advance for your support!

Introduction to the time-lapse technique

Imagine this page as your ‘Starting Point’ and begin here your guided learning journey towards time-lapse photography.

Step by step this free tutorial we will cover all the fundamental aspects that will help you to achieve your first time-lapse video, from the equipment needed down to the final assembly of the final clip.

Let’s get started!

What is a time-lapse video?

Time-lapse is a cinematic technique in which each frame of the final movie is captured in a certain amount of time (which is why it is called ‘time-lapse’) that is longer than the one in which it appears.

Thanks to this method of capture of the scene we are able to speed up the time that passes to such an extent that we can illustrate something that would not normally be noticeable (for example: the relative motion of the stars; the simple movement of the clouds; the melting of ice cubes in a glass of orange juice, and so on.)

The technique of time-lapse is capable of producing fantastic results, and its application can cover anything from nature documentaries to the realisation of a business clip or to the simple telling of a story.

A time-lapse video example: here’s what you will learn to do!

Your guide starts here. By following our time-lapse tutorial on the Time Lapse Network, and practicing, you can produce some superb results.

Here are a few examples of Time-lapse projects to show you what you will be able to achieve

Now that you are truly motivated, we are ready to get started!

Time-Lapse photography Made Simple: a step-by-step guide

If this is your first attempt at time-lapse photography, then this is the place to be.

First things first, so let’s begin with the basics:

Advanced time-lapse photography techniques

Now that you have read and understood the basic concepts described in our guide and carried out a little practice, you are ready to move to the next step.

Share with us a whole series of advanced theoretical and practical concepts that you should read in this order:

Time-Lapse Video Post-Production guides

How to make a HDR time-lapse

A complete Guide to the post-production of HDR video time-lapse

HDR photography allows you to create spectacular effects, which combined with the time-lapse, can generate a video of undoubted effect. For instance, look at some of the HDR time-lapse video reviewed on our website.

Creating HDR time-lapse requires a different way of looking at your workflow, and in this guide we will show you how to tackle this.

How to create astro time-lapse (AKA Milky way time-lapse)

Motion star time-lapse: a step-by-step guide (incl. Video Tutorial)

Astrophotography is one of the most spectacular forms of photography there is. Learn how to do it and add motion to it using the Syrp Genie from the award winning photographer and time-lapse filmmaker Mark Gee, and master the Lightroom + LRTimelapse workflow too!

Astrophotography is one of the most spectacular forms of photography there is. Learn how to do it and add motion to it using the Syrp Genie from the award winning photographer and time-lapse filmmaker Mark Gee, and master the Lightroom + LRTimelapse workflow too! How to create a time-lapse of the Milky Way

Let’s focus now on the astronomical aspects of a time-lapse video: in this free guide you will learn the tricks that will allow you to include the starry sky (and perhaps the Milky Way itself) in your next time-lapse

How to create a hyper-lapse video

Hyperlapse Tutorial: how to make a time-lapse in motion

By using the word hyper-lapse, we mean that type of time-lapse made in motion in a physical space, very broadly, without the aid of a slider/motorised dolly. If you do not know what we’re talking about, you can take a look at any of these fantastic hyperlapse videos. This guide will teach you how to design your own

How to make Long term time-lapse videos

How to shoot a long term time-lapse

Long term time-lapse is time-lapse photography captured from a single vantage point over a period of days, months or even years. As the name suggests, it’s simply a time-lapse project that goes for a long time!

Other advanced Time-Lapse free tutorials

Now is the time to push yourself even further, and these advanced guides will show you how: