Last Updated on 09/05/2013 by Felix Esser
Ever since Instagram launched their video feature, we’ve all been fascinated by what creators can put out into the ecosphere. But something that is very valuable to us photographers is the use of a timelapse to tell stories or capture scenes in a different way. And while stopmotion video is totally possible on Instagram (though with some caveats) timelapses aren’t as simple.
But where there is a will, there is a way. And shooting your very own timelapse for Instagram is very possible–and fun!
DT Pro
For this tutorial, we’re going to recommend that you use an app called Droid TimeLapse Pro. You’ll have to pay a small fee for it but if you want to get more serious about your timelapses, you’ll realize that it is totally worth the money. It can let you set how many images it takes, how often it shoots, how long the timelapse lasts for, etc. Plus you can choose the quality of the video.
For the ease of uploading, we’re going to recommend that you choose the 720p option–though normally we would recommend that you spring for a full resoluion timelapse in case you want to do something extra with it later on.
Find Your Scene
Boot up the app and figure out what composition you want. Since Instagram has a square rendering, try to place the important stuff in the middle but also try to make sure that the full composition can be used later on for something. Despite the fact that Instagram has a square format, shoot your video horizontally. The reason for this is because at the moment, the service doesn’t allow you to flip your videos.
Turn Off the Sleep/Timeout Function
To make sure that the system doesn’t fall asleep, turn off the sleep or timeout functionality on your phone. This way, your timelapse and screen won’t be interupted while recording. In our experience though, DT Pro kept on shooting, but waking the phone up requires that you touch it and therefore throw off your composition. And in the end, that doesn’t look good for a timelapse at all.
Stabilize
Before you shoot, try to find a way a stabilize your device. There are tripod options and various hacks that can be done to stabilize your phone while it is shooting. It can even be as simple as leaning it in the right position against a window or using gaffers tape.
It doesn’t matter what you do, just do it.
Shoot
Finally, you’re ready to shoot your timelapse. When you do this, you’ll see a little counter at the bottom of the screen. Said counter will tell you how many seconds worth of a timelapse it has recorded and saved. The great thing is that the app automatically stitches the images into a timelapse movie as well.
Upload, Edit and Share
Providing that you’ve placed the important stuff in the middle of the frame, now you can upload your masterpiece to Instagram, apply your wacky filter and share it with the world.
And that’s all it takes.
Give it a shot today.
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