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Tips on capturing hi-quality night time-lapse movies with your DSLR camera:
(continued from Tips - page 2)
Intervalometer:
Some DSLR cameras have a built-in intervalometer. This is very convenient, but an external wired or IR timer remote (intervalometer) device
is preferred. These remotes allow you to control the camera shutter without touching the camera, possibly introducing unwanted vibration into
some part of your image sequence. Canon has the TC-80N3 for this and Nikon has their MC-36 (make sure that these devices are compatible
with your specific camera before considering your purchases). These devices can control the duration of each exposure, the interval time
between exposures, and the total number of exposures in a sequence. Timer remotes that use coin-size batteries generally have decent battery
life, though having an extra battery handy is advised.
Camera batteries:
A time-lapse shoot lasting 30 minutes or so is one thing but when you're shooting for several uninterrupted hours you need high-quality,
high-capacity, fully-charged camera batteries. A battery grip for your camera is practically essential for multi-hour shoots as they offer
longer operating time than the single battery in the camera can provide. It's important to note that freezing temperatures reduce battery
life significantly, and you do not have the luxury of changing batteries while a time-lapse sequence is in progress. Plan accordingly.
Safety and comfort:
Shooting during a warm summer night is a pleasure, though being prepared for a drop in overnight temperatures is a good idea.
Winter shooting is another matter altogether. Imagine standing around for extended periods in snow or ice on a windy night in January
(northern hemisphere) and you'll have an idea of what's involved. Being dressed as though you were in a sled dog race in Alaska or as
a polar wildlife researcher will offer you the protection you may need for exposure to extreme winter nighttime conditions.
Know how to spot signs of frostbite and hypothermia and always have a shelter you can retreat to and warm up.
Some camera equipment is difficult to operate while wearing thick gloves, so a pair of thin glove liners is helpful for certain camera gear
operations. When it's not too cold outside you can wear fingerless gloves over a pair of glove liners. Having hand and foot warmers available
can help keep your extremities warm. When walking around in the dark try and take care with your boot steps. Even with a flashlight you have
limited vision and depth perception so it's easy to stumble on rocks and things. You also don't want to step on cactus or sensitive
vegetation. Try and move around where you have good footing and visibility. When navigating through deep snow you'll find that snowshoes can
be very helpful, especially where you're not familiar with the terrain at night.
When you spend enough time out at night in the countryside, the desert, or the mountains, you're bound to encounter all sorts of wildlife.
In some locations you may be in proximity to bear, mountain lions, coyotes, snakes, and other potentially dangerous animals. You have to
remember that you are in their territory. Educate yourself, take the necessary precautions for encounters with these creatures, and have
respect for their realm.
When you're near houses, ranches, farmland, or campgrounds, try not to disturb residents late at night. When
someone is awakened at 3am by barking dogs or unusual sounds they will NOT be happy about it. Would you be? If you're met by residents, park
rangers, or police it can help to keep a few printed photos of your work handy to show them what you do. Keep your distance as you go about
your work and be careful not to trespass on private property!
(continued...)
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Tested
