How to Shoot and Edit Time Lapse Videos with Your Smartphone

Ah, time-lapse videos - the magical way to make clouds sprint across the sky like they're late for a very important date, or make sunsets happen faster than you can say "Instagram-worthy moment." Now, smartphones have made it easier than ever to capture these video gems. But why are smartphones the best tool for this, and how common is time-lapse videography? Buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to go on a whirlwind tour of all things time-lapse!

For starters, let's understand what a time-lapse video is (just in case you've been living under a rock). It's when you capture a long event at a lower frame rate and speed it up in playback so everything moves quickly, creating a mesmerizing effect. You're welcome for blowing your mind there.

Smartphones have graciously stepped up to the plate and become the ultimate time-lapse BFF. With easy access to apps and editing software, who needs bulky professional cameras when you've got a supercomputer in your pocket? Plus, it's ridiculously easy to share your creations online. Talk about convenience galore!

Finally, you might wonder how common these videos are in today's fast-paced world. Well, spoiler alert: they're everywhere! From nature documentaries to social media feeds, time-lapse videos are giving everyone a reason to stop and stare (but in an accelerated kind of way). So grab your smartphone and get ready to master mobile magic with the help of this comprehensive guide.

Step One: Understand your Smartphone’s Capabilities

Let me tell you about the most important actor in this soon-to-be-hit-film: your mobile. Not all heroes wear capes, and certainly not all smartphones possess the might for time-lapse videography. The latest models from Samsung, HTC, or LG are akin to your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, boasting built-in blinkers for time-lapse.

'But, what if my mobile doesn’t have built-in features?' You sound as if you've lost your Mjolnir! No need to make babysitting Groot face (a pity face obviously), there are plenty of time-lapse apps eagerly waiting to be installed. 

'Moving on...' As you speak with such luster, let's not forget the sidekicks in this time-lapse endeavor. A homo-sapien can only stand still for so long, hence a tripod is as essential as Pepper Potts' organizational skills. It won't just free you from morphing into a statue, but will also provide stability, leading to the elimination of the homemade horror shaky cam footage. 

'Aha! And what ab...' There you go again! Yes, an external battery pack is a quintessential part of your Avengers proteam. It's like having Tony Stark’s Arc Reactor, tirelessly providing power to your phone ensuring you don't run out of juice while making your Oscar-winning time-lapse! Just plug it before starting and you won’t need to root for a charging socket. Now that's a plot twist not even M Night Shyamalan saw coming!

Step Two: Essential Tips For Capturing A Time-Lapse Video

Alright people, let’s get right into the nitty-gritty. So, your intention is to shoot a time-lapse video with your phone, huh? That's a smashing idea, but before you press record, let's discuss some crucial points. 

First and foremost, location. Think of a unique location that would make your audience feel like they're on an alien planet or perhaps a mainstream site that hasn’t been devoured yet by Google images. Basically, choose a location that screams, "THIS is a time-lapse video!". Why not film a bustling intersection and catch the city's pulse or a sunset to tug at the heartstrings of hopeless romantics? But dear reader, I'd suggest you avoid the bathroom mirror/self-grooming time-lapse unless you fancy being the star of the next viral meme.

Now, let’s talk about the frame interval and pace – it's The Terminator of time-lapse videos, relentless, unstoppable... But don't let it intimidate you! If you're capturing a quick process, such as a hamster devouring a mini-burger, go with a short interval. For lengthier phenomena like the destruction of your friend's wedding cake, a longer interval works best. Be patient, my friend, this ain't no 5-minute instant noodle situation.

Let's not forget our frequently overlooked, life-saving friend - airplane mode. Imagine this: you're filming the rare celestial event that only happens once a century, your phone vibrates, and you end up with a shaky capture of an interstellar wonder, blaming your friend for asking if you want to grab a pizza. So, unless you want to stand on the cliffs of frustration, switch your phone to airplane mode.

There you have it. The three commandments of capturing a time-lapse video. Stick to them and your journey towards becoming a time-lapse maestro will be as smooth as a baby's bottom. Good luck!

Step Three: Mastering Time Lapse Video Apps

So, you're ready to dive into the world of time-lapse apps, but which one should you choose? Like choosing a favorite ice cream flavor, it really comes down to what suits your fancy. Lucky for you, I've got the scoop on top time-lapse apps for Android and iPhone!

For the Android aficionados, you may want to check out Lapse It and Framelapse. Lapse It offers a user-friendly interface, adjustable frame intervals, and even lets you add music to your videos. Neat, huh? Framelapse, on the other hand, is a no-nonsense app that gets the job done with minimal fuss, perfect for the "I just wanna make a cool video NOW" type. 

iPhone users, fear not! Your time-lapse party starts with Hyperlapse and TimeLapse! Hyperlapse, not to be confused with hypertime, hyperspace, or hyper anything-else, is a super easy app made by the Instagram team. Great for beginners and seasoned pros alike, it really hits the sweet spot. TimeLapse is another solid option, especially when you're a control freak (no judgments) who wants to tweak every setting imaginable. 

App features are like toppings on a sundae, so choose what works best for your time-lapse video cravings. Want easy sharing options? Beefy editing tools? A pony? Actually, scratch that last one, but you get the idea! Consider your creative goals and find the app that offers the features you need to unleash your inner time-lapse videography genius. And remember, practice makes perfect – or close enough.

Step Four: The Art of Time-lapse Video Editing

Waltzing into the world of time-lapse video editing can feel a bit like stumbling upon a secret society with their jargon. But hush, you're now initiated to our 'crimson circle' of video editing senses.

In our jargon-free zone, you'll find geeks referring to 'cut, slice and dice'. No, we're not referring to a famous TV chef. We mean the most elemental video editing techniques. Withdraw your vision from the big picture, and focus on each frame. Trim away the fluff that adds nothing to your masterpiece. Remember the objective here - not to lull your audience into a coma, but keeping them intrigued, not just awake!

Next comes the sprinkling of special effects. But alas! Too much spice spoils the broth and can turn your ‘Starry Night’ into a meme-worthy disaster. However, a timely fade-out effect or speed manipulation could make your cloud motion resemble an epic race, or make flowers bloom in seconds. 

Perfecting your time-lapse opus also includes harnessing the power of software tools. Introduce yourself to the big guns like Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie, and Lightworks, or keep it simple and endearing, using apps like Quik or Splice on your beloved smartphone. 

Remember, the secret to a mesmerizing time-lapse is not the fancy techniques, but harnessing the humble tools in your arsenal. So go ahead, blend, mix, and remix your frame until you create a video that can put even Mother Nature in awe! And yes, she's a tough critic.

Step Five: Learn from the Masters

Oh, the things you can learn from the masters of time-lapse videography, or as I like to call them, the "Timey Wimey." Trust me, they're cooler than Doctor Who rebelling against a rogue Tardis.

Ever seen those viral time-lapse videos? The blooming of flowers, rushing cityscapes, or my personal favorite, the one where you watch a pizza disappear slice by slice (guess who made that...*coughs* me!). Those are creations of these masters. For instance, "Manhattan in motion" by Mindrelic or "A day in the life of Yosemite" by Project Yosemite, are both magnificent symphonies of visuals and skills. Go, give them a watch. Right now! I'll wait.

Back? Fabulous! Did you notice any common themes? Nature, bustling cities, and surprisingly, food are some of the recurrent subjects in these videos. These themes tend to capture viewers' attention like a moth to a flame. Or, in my case, me to any video featuring a kitten!

Now, after pouring in sweat, swears, and a good portion of your life into your masterpiece, where do you showcase it, you ask? Well, the usual suspects: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo. Shoot for the moon, maybe even a film festival. Aim to become the next viral sensation, or today's phone wallpaper. Remember, sharing is caring!

So, in the words of a wise Scar, "be prepared". It's time to dive in, do your thing and before you know it, you'll have blooming flowers and bustling cities eating out of the palm of your hands! Or, is it the other way around?