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How to Make a Timelapse Pan

A timelapse pan photo project is comprised of a series of photos taken at consistent intervals over a period of time. With each photo, the camera moves toward the left or right. This makes it seem like the viewer is turning his head or even spinning. Before starting the timelapse pan, decide on the amount of time between each photograph and the approximate number of frames for the project. Consider the photography subject. To capture a brief event, take photos at shorter intervals, whereas a longer event like a sunset requires photos taken at longer intervals. Also, determine the approximate size of the pan in terms of degrees. A 360-degree pan requires a full rotation, a 180-degree pan requires a half rotation and a 90-degree pan requires a one-quarter rotation.

Things You'll Need

Tripod
Cardboard
Marker
Digital camera
Egg timer or stopwatch
Computer
Photo software

Instructions

- 1
  Place the tripod on a piece of cardboard, with one of the feet at the very center of the cardboard.
- 2
  Mark an outline around the tripod foot that's at the center of the cardboard. The tripod will move around this foot, which will remain in the marked spot.
- 3
  Mark the position of one of the two front tripod legs with the marker. If you're panning to the left, use the left leg. If you're panning to the right, use the right leg. This line is called the "marker leg." This first mark is the position of the first photograph. Mark it with a "1."
- 4
  Slide the marker leg a few inches to the right or left (in the direction of the pan), while keeping the rear leg at the center of the cardboard on the marked spot.
- 5
  Mark the position of the marker leg with a marker. This indicates the tripod's position for the second photograph. Mark it with a "2."
- 6
  Slide the marker leg in the direction of the pan to mark the tripod's position for the third photograph, fourth photograph and so on, until you have one mark for each photo in the timelapse pan. Keep the rear foot on the mark at the center of the cardboard, while the front two legs rotate around it. Be consistent with the amount of distance between each tripod position. This will make for a smooth timelapse pan.
- 7
  Mount the camera on the tripod. The single foot at the center of the cardboard is positioned on the back side the camera, while the other two legs are in front of the camera.
- 8
  Slide the tripod's marker foot to mark 1. Keep the back foot on the center mark.
- 9
  Take the first photo and immediately start your stopwatch or egg timer, which will count down the amount of time until the next photo.
- 10
  Slide the marker foot into position 2. Ensure the rear foot is still at the center of the cardboard.
- 11
  Take the second photograph when the egg timer or stopwatch sounds. Immediately start the timer or stopwatch again to count down the amount of time until the next photo.
- 12
  Slide the marker foot to the next position and take a photo when the timer or stopwatch sounds. Continue this process until the timelapse pan is complete.
- 13
  Attach the data cord to the camera's port to the USB port on your computer and follow the prompts to upload the photos.
- 14
  Insert the photos in a timelapse photo slideshow using photo software. They must be in chronological order. Adjust the slideshow settings so each photo is displayed for a fraction of a second. The precise amount of time is a personal preference. Longer display times result in a slower, less-fluid timelapse.

Photography