2 years, 32 locations, 5250 pictures captured

The initial impulse to experiment with timelapse photography stemmed from my wanting to showcase my new environment in Canada to family & friends back home. I had left my established life in Paris over two years ago.  Initially, my goal was to garner international work experience. Therefore, it was my aim to conjure a fresh cognizance and therefore leave an impression on me upon my return to France. Besides, I wanted to show the beauty I saw all around me. However, the work experience was not enough for me.  Finally, I decided that the vehicle of this new and lasting appreciation would be capturing the city of Toronto in the art of the timelapse! I would like to share my story with you.

The Process

I quickly realized the challenges of shooting in a new city—particularly as a foreigner. Initially, I was unfamiliar with the intricacies of the city of Toronto. Additionally, certain particulars were new to me too. For example: photographing any building required authorizations from various authorities. Furthermore, there were other differences, such as how all the electric lines here are not buried…etc. Finally, I began to understand the new rules and landscape I found myself in. Therefore I began to explore the city more and began my preparation. However, this would only be the first step on my journey.

Beginning the preliminary preparation involved watching existing timelapse movies exhibiting other cities. First I decided that I wanted to absorb the technique and replicate it. Next, I scoured tons of tutorials to increase my mastery of the new method. Additionally, I began to experiment with the process. Afterwards, I became fascinated with the different elements I had to consider. After viewing these tutorials and practicing I felt confident enough to attempt my own work. I finally felt ready. However, it quickly became clear that this would not be as easy as I hoped.

Unfortunately, my early attempts were rather shabby and quite shaky. Next, I realized that in order to capture ‘moving landscapes’ I had to move along with the camera to create the dynamic effect called Hyperlapse. Therefore, the most laborious part was the post-production that required hundreds of hours to stabilize the moving footage capture. Next, I thought about the time I would have to put in and became discouraged.  After my initial foray in timelapse, I took a brief hiatus from the technique. However, I would not remain in defeat. Although it did take some time for me to recover. Finally, I made my way back to timelapse.

The Return

My interest was reinvigorated when I came across an impressive timelapse of Moscow. After considering what I had done well and what I need to improve I realized I had given up too quickly. Additionally I remembered what had drawn me to timelapse to begin with. Furthermore I realized I did not want to leave the project unfinished. Therefore I decided to give it another shot.  Starting again felt good. Initially I reflected on how to proceed. Finally, after an honest reflection, I had a plan.

Next I re-started with the basics. Then slowly but surely my skill improved. Week after week I began showing smoother and smoother results. After a great deal of trial and error I became frustrated again. Finally I realized that mastering this technique required time and patience. Therefore I kept up with tutorials.  Additionally I put more time into my efforts. I finally published the final cut in November. Afterwords, to my surprise, I received terrific feedback in personal and commercial accolades. Furthermore it really struck me how much I had enjoyed the project. That finally mustered my confidence so I decided to continue producing new timelapses. I enjoyed making this video, and I hope that you enjoy ‘Hello Toronto’.


Workflow

  • Adobe Lightroom (pre-treatment of the pictures)
  • Adobe Photoshop (Batch Treatment Sharpening, Color adjustments etc.)
  • LR Timelapse (Deflickering)
  • Adobe After Effects (Video effects, stabilization)
  • Adobe premiere (Final video editing)

Gear

  • Nikon D600
  • 14mm
  • 17-35mm
  • 70-200mm
  • ND and polarizing filters

Soundtrack

[:fr]

2 ans, 32 locations, 5250 photos prises

The initial impulse to experiment with timelapse photography stemmed from my wanting to showcase my new environment in Canada to family & friends back home. I had left my established life in Paris over two years ago.  Initially, my goal was to garner international work experience. Therefore, it was my aim to conjure a fresh cognizance and therefore leave an impression on me upon my return to France. Besides, I wanted to show the beauty I saw all around me. However, the work experience was not enough for me.  Finally, I decided that the vehicle of this new and lasting appreciation would be capturing the city of Toronto in the art of the timelapse! I would like to share my story with you.

The Process

I quickly realized the challenges of shooting in a new city—particularly as a foreigner. Initially, I was unfamiliar with the intricacies of the city of Toronto. Additionally, certain particulars were new to me too. For example: photographing any building required authorizations from various authorities. Furthermore, there were other differences, such as how all the electric lines here are not buried…etc. Finally, I began to understand the new rules and landscape I found myself in. Therefore I began to explore the city more and began my preparation. However, this would only be the first step on my journey.

Beginning the preliminary preparation involved watching existing timelapse movies exhibiting other cities. First I decided that I wanted to absorb the technique and replicate it. Next, I scoured tons of tutorials to increase my mastery of the new method. Additionally, I began to experiment with the process. Afterwards, I became fascinated with the different elements I had to consider. After viewing these tutorials and practicing I felt confident enough to attempt my own work. I finally felt ready. However, it quickly became clear that this would not be as easy as I hoped.

Unfortunately, my early attempts were rather shabby and quite shaky. Next, I realized that in order to capture ‘moving landscapes’ I had to move along with the camera to create the dynamic effect called Hyperlapse. Therefore, the most laborious part was the post-production that required hundreds of hours to stabilize the moving footage capture. Next, I thought about the time I would have to put in and became discouraged.  After my initial foray in timelapse, I took a brief hiatus from the technique. However, I would not remain in defeat. Although it did take some time for me to recover. Finally, I made my way back to timelapse.

The Return

My interest was reinvigorated when I came across an impressive timelapse of Moscow. After considering what I had done well and what I need to improve I realized I had given up too quickly. Additionally I remembered what had drawn me to timelapse to begin with. Furthermore I realized I did not want to leave the project unfinished. Therefore I decided to give it another shot.  Starting again felt good. Initially I reflected on how to proceed. Finally, after an honest reflection, I had a plan.

Next I re-started with the basics. Then slowly but surely my skill improved. Week after week I began showing smoother and smoother results. After a great deal of trial and error I became frustrated again. Finally I realized that mastering this technique required time and patience. Therefore I kept up with tutorials.  Additionally I put more time into my efforts. I finally published the final cut in November. Afterwords, to my surprise, I received terrific feedback in personal and commercial accolades. Furthermore it really struck me how much I had enjoyed the project. That finally mustered my confidence so I decided to continue producing new timelapses. I enjoyed making this video, and I hope that you enjoy ‘Hello Toronto’.


Workflow

  • Adobe Lightroom (pre-treatment of the pictures)
  • Adobe Photoshop (Batch Treatment Sharpening, Color adjustments etc.)
  • LR Timelapse (Deflickering)
  • Adobe After Effects (Video effects, stabilization)
  • Adobe premiere (Final video editing)

Gear

  • Nikon D600
  • 14mm
  • 17-35mm
  • 70-200mm
  • ND and polarizing filters

Soundtrack

[:]