From 1897 until today, the history and technique of timelapse photography

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posted Saturday, December 31, 2016 at 6:00 AM EST

 
 

We frequently cover excellent or distinct timelapse videos on Imaging Resource, but DigitalRev In-Focus has a neat new video discussing timelapses in general, including their history, the techniques behind the videos and their artistic aspects.

Firstly, what is timelapse? It's a photographic technique where a photographer captures a series of images at a set interval over some period and then displays those images faster than real-time. You probably knew that, but did you know that the technique was first used in 1897 by French filmmaker Georges Méliès? In the early 20th century, biologists began utilizing the technique to study how plants grow over time, including Arthur C. Pillsbury utilizing timelapse photography to show flowers in bloom in Yosemite National Park, which played a role in Yosemite National Park management increasing their preservation efforts.

To learn much more about timelapse photography, including its influential role in modern filmmaking, watch the video below.

Readers, have you seen any excellent timelapses recently? If so, let us know in the comments below!

(Seen via ISO 1200)