Timelapses are an amazing way to capture the beauty of nature and the passing of time. In this blog post, I'll share with you my current workflow for creating stunning time-lapses, using the tools and techniques that work best for me.
First, I take a series of photos using my trusty A7III camera. Depending on the subject and lighting conditions or shooting style, I try to keep my settings consistent and activate the Interval Shooting function to ensure stable and consistent shots. Alternatively, you can use a remote shutter release if your camera doesn't have the functionality built-in.
Next, I convert the raw image files using Adobe's Digital Negative (DNG) converter. This software allows me to extract the maximum detail and colour information from the photos, giving me the best starting point for the editing process. I rename the files and give them a custom name, and number them to facilitate the sequence in the next step.
I personally do not embed my RAWs into the DNG file as I keep both the RAW and DNG files until the processing is done and I'm satisfied with the output.
Moving on to editing, I import the images into Davinci Resolve, my go-to video editing software. Due to the 5-digit serial number of the DNG files, the imported files are added directly as a sequence, meaning all edits are automatically applied to all the images. I can easily organize the images into a timeline, and adjust the exposure, colour balance, and other parameters to achieve the desired look and feel for the timelapse.
Depending on the images I've taken, I might also stack them to create composite images, such as star trails or other creative effects. Nowadays I try to experiment and learn Siril, but if that doesn't work, then I revert back to DeepSkyStacker (DSS) followed by Adobe Photoshop.
Finally, I export the finished timelapse and share it with the world. Whether it's a breathtaking landscape, a bustling cityscape, or a serene night sky, time-lapses offer a unique and compelling view of the world around us.
That's it - my current workflow for creating stunning time-lapses. Of course, there are many other tools and techniques out there, and your mileage may vary. But with a little practice and experimentation, anyone can create amazing time-lapses that capture the beauty and wonder of the world.