Situated above the town of Nantlle in North Wales is Pen yr Orsedd Quarry.
The quarry started extracting slate in the late 18th to early 19th centuries, and was the last major works within a stones throw of Snowdon to close down in 1979. So as there are still a considerable amount of work buildings still standing, it is an ideal place to try out different types of Time Lapse with my motorized slider.
Here are some tips, tricks and secrets that seem to provide better time lapse results with the slider.
1. The rails must be well supported at all times and over the whole length of the track. Good mid range Manfrotto tripods can be used at either end, or one end can be wedged to stop wobble or craning during the time lapse. I have had many a problem with sequences starting off level and straight, and finishing off off-kilter, due to the shifting of the weight of the camera over the length of the track..
2. There should be a good strong opening frame, or closing frame. The time lapse aspect will help carry the middle of the sequence, but to begin or end with a well composed shot is a visual bonus.
3. Don't forget that these are more things than just clouds that move over time. Have a think, make a list, and go out and shoot them.
4. Experiment. I consider every sequence an experiment. Don't be precious, give stuff a go, see if it works. If you like it, do more, and think of ways of bettering your sequences. If you don't like it, try something else or think of ways of making it work...
5. Have a plan. Some times it's possible to get good results by improvising, but having a specific sequence in mind can provide better results.
6. Have fun.
Some other general suggestions for getting the best time lapse sequences possible.
1. Keep the DSLR clean. Outside and in.
2. Shoot RAW. It gives you more options in the your editing software. Its not a rule, just a suggestion.
3. Manual mode seems to work best for 80% of situations, but not always. As you get better you will know when to bracket or use Aperture priority. Google it.
4.A Wide Angle Lens seems to provide better results.
5.Make sure you have enough memory on your cards and enough juice in your batteries. Self explanatory.
