We’ve discussed in previous blog posts how time lapse photography can be a unique tool for video content creation. It can serve a variety of purposes, from documenting long term construction projects to showcasing the simple beauty of blooming flowers. As we’re sure you know, over the last decade, time lapse photography has seen a huge surge in it’s use. So you’re probably thinking you’ve seen it at all at this point. You’ve probably seen enough ‘photo of me every day for a year’ and ‘star lapse’ type time lapse videos to last you a life time. If you’re a filmmaker yourself, you’re probably wondering what subjects you can cover that haven’t been done before. Or what unique time lapse capturing techniques you can use to cover a subject in a way that has not been done so before.
Well fear not, we’ll compiled together 5 great film time lapse videos that not only somewhat break the mould, but are fun, engaging and will get those creative juices flowing!
1. In Praise of Shadows (At The CONFLUX Part Three)
Part of Justin Tierney’s ‘At The Conflux’ series, this visually stunning time lapse video tours Japan’s various transportations systems. Featuring everything from train journeys over miles of train line, to unique rickshaw journeys through the city streets of Japan, this video has it all. It even has some of the most visually stunning cityscape time lapses you’ve ever seen thrown in for good measure. This video is truly eye candy.
2. Halo, Džozefina (vreme leti kad…)
Filmed over a two year span, this unique time lapse video by Youtube user oOtoke shows him miming to Đorđe Marjanović’s ‘Halo, Džozefina’. The video takes the ‘photo of me every day for a year concept’ and adds an extra layer of creativity with some very impressing lip syncing. Not to mention that seeing his magnificent facial hair go through a two year growth in just under two minutes is pretty cool. Particularly that astounding moustache!
3. the mountain
Shot way back in 2011, TSO Photography’s ‘The Mountain’ takes you on a tour of the sites from El Teide, Spain’s highest mountain. Sure you’ve probably seen a bunch of nature-esque and starry night time lapses, but you’ll be hard pressed to find them done this well. The attention to detail in every time lapse really does make for an engaging viewing experience.
4. Hayaku: A Time Lapse Journey Through Japan
Wait, another time lapse video revolving around various Japanese scenery? In a list of 5 videos? We know, we know, but Brad Kremer’s broad time lapse tour of Japan is an experience that can’t be missed. The video has a dynamic mix of shots covering everything from Tokyo centre, to Japan’s most stunning lakes and peaks.
5. Dream music: part 2
PermaGrinFilm’s lyrical narrative reflects on ‘perception of time within dreams and waking life’. Similar to the ‘Halo, Džozefina’ (vreme leti kad…)’, this time lapse video is also centered around some really impressive lip syncing, or what Marc Donahue & Sean Michael Williams call ‘lyric-lapsing’.
https://vimeo.com/47793390