A photographic or video technique where the frequency at which film frames or video frames are captured is much lower than that used to view the sequence. When played at normal speed, time appears to be moving faster. This effect is often used to compress a long period of time into a shorter one, revealing gradual changes that would otherwise be imperceptible to the naked eye. It's frequently employed to document phenomena like plant growth, the movement of celestial bodies, construction projects, and decaying processes, providing viewers with a condensed perspective on temporal evolution.
Time-lapse meaning with examples
- The documentary used time-lapse photography to beautifully illustrate the seasonal changes within the national park. Over the course of a year, the blossoming and withering of flowers, the migration of animals, and the shift in sunlight and cloud formations are all depicted, revealing the constant flux of the natural world. The time-lapse effectively encapsulated the imperceptible rhythms of nature.
- The architect presented his design with a time-lapse video, showing the entire construction process, from the groundbreaking to the final touches. The viewers were able to witness the gradual raising of walls, the installation of roofing, and the complex orchestration of machinery and workers in a rapid, engaging format, making it easy to follow the projects's progress.
- Scientists employed time-lapse microscopy to observe the complex movements of cells within a developing embryo. By recording images over many hours, they could study cellular division, differentiation, and migration in detail. This gave researchers crucial insights into the early stages of life, leading to a better understanding of human growth.
- The photographer experimented with a time-lapse of a bustling city street, capturing the ebb and flow of traffic, the changing shadows, and the hurried movements of people. By accelerating the scene, he created a dynamic spectacle, highlighting the energy and vibrancy of urban life and portraying the constant movement of the city.
- The artist decided to portray the decay of an apple using time-lapse. She filmed the apple over several weeks, documenting the visual transformations such as the browning, the softening, and the eventual decomposition. It gave a stark reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the inevitable passage of time and the gradual changes.