There’s something so satisfying about watching a timelaspe video. It’s a great way to showcase your work, your process and behind the scenes in a matter of seconds.
Timelapse videos are also an easy way of integrating video on your social media accounts or website. Simply by using your phone.
I love to show my floral collages using simple flatlay timelapse video. And I always get really great feedback when I share timelapse videos on my social networks, with a noticeable increase in engagement on all platforms: Instagram, Twitter & Facebook.
Sassy in Stocks from Georgie St Clair on Vimeo.
iPhone users already have a timelapse feature built into the camera app. I believe there are various apps for Android users too. For the purposes of this post I’m using an iPhone 6s.
My Simple & Effective Flatlay Timelapse Video Setup
For my timelapse videos I use:
- an iPhone 6s
- a SLIK Pro tripod (or any sturdy tripod will do)
- an old selfie stick as the extension arm
- lovely paper or backdrop
- iMovie desktop version for editing
Things to Remember When Creating Flatlay Timelapse Videos
- As with your photography, you’ll need good lighting. I use my studio floor next to my patio doors with lots of lovely light. I also use a reflector, which helps eliminate additional shadows when I’m moving my hands in the video.
- You’ll need to edit the video. I use the desktop version of iMovie which is perfect for simple video editing. You can easily add audio, set the white balance, change the speed, cut sections, set transitions etc etc. There is other software to use of course. Adobe Premiere has additional functionality if you’re more technically inclined. There’s also Windows Movie Maker for Windows users (although I haven’t personally used this one)
- Before you start test test test! When I first started I would ruin a perfectly good video by filming the top of my head! Or the edge of the table/backdrop would show in the video.
- Don’t forget to film using your iPhone in landscape mode. Again I have learnt this the hard way!
Sassy in Tulips from Georgie St Clair on Vimeo.
As you can see from my photos, my setup, in my tiny studio, is nothing sophisticated. But very effective. The results are very satisfying and really great at showing people a work in progress
If you have an tips, tricks or questions about flatlay timelapse videos, do leave a comment or let’s connect on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
If you are looking to improve your imagery for Instagram or in general you can check out ‘Crafting Your Perfect Instagram Feed’ post for composition tips and inspiration.
Have an inspired day
Georgie x
The post How to create a simple flatlay timelapse animation with your phone appeared first on Georgie St Clair.