Time-lapse

Term from Videography industry explained for recruiters

Time-lapse is a video technique where many photos are taken over a long period (hours, days, or even months) and then played back quickly to show change over time in just a few seconds or minutes. It's like watching a flower bloom or a building being constructed in super-speed. Videographers use this method to create compelling visual content for construction projects, event documentation, nature shows, or marketing materials. When you see a video of clouds racing across the sky or a city changing from day to night in seconds, that's time-lapse photography.

Examples in Resumes

Created Time-lapse videos documenting 6-month construction project for major client

Specialized in Time-lapse and Time Lapse photography for architectural and real estate marketing

Produced promotional Timelapse sequences for corporate events and product launches

Typical job title: "Time-lapse Photographers"

Also try searching for:

Videographer Commercial Photographer Content Creator Visual Content Specialist Production Specialist Photography Specialist Motion Content Creator

Where to Find Time-lapse Photographers

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle large-scale time-lapse projects that run for several months?

Expected Answer: Should discuss project planning, equipment protection, power solutions, backup systems, client communication, and managing unexpected issues like weather or construction delays.

Q: Tell me about a challenging time-lapse project and how you solved technical issues.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, discuss equipment choices, scheduling considerations, and how they maintained quality while meeting client needs.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What equipment do you use for time-lapse photography and why?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain camera choices, intervalometers, weatherproofing, power solutions, and basic maintenance of equipment during long shoots.

Q: How do you calculate intervals between shots for different types of subjects?

Expected Answer: Should explain how they determine timing based on subject movement speed, desired final video length, and practical considerations like memory card capacity and battery life.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between regular video and time-lapse?

Expected Answer: Should explain that time-lapse uses individual photos taken at intervals rather than continuous video, creating the effect of speeding up time.

Q: What basic equipment is needed to create a time-lapse video?

Expected Answer: Should mention camera, tripod, intervalometer (or camera with built-in time-lapse function), and basic editing software.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic camera operation
  • Simple time-lapse setup and execution
  • Basic editing software knowledge
  • Understanding of exposure and intervals

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced camera techniques
  • Project planning and execution
  • Multiple camera management
  • Client communication

Senior (5+ years)

  • Complex project management
  • Advanced technical problem-solving
  • Team leadership
  • High-profile client handling

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No portfolio of completed time-lapse work
  • Lack of knowledge about basic camera settings
  • No experience with long-term project planning
  • Unable to explain different interval timing needs

Related Terms