1. Camera Locations
On most shoots, we start with a wide establishing shot, moving the camera closer after a few weeks to follow the core action. As your project nears completion, we pull back for a wide finishing view. This standard filmmaking practice - combined with Graeme Beck’s decades of production experience - ensures a highly polished final film. A seamless time-lapse requires both hands-on site expertise and high-end post-production. Watch the video below to see how we solve one of the most common industry challenges: camera movement.
Getting the camera shake out
2. Camera Foundations & Structural Base Shifts
When setting up a time-lapse project, the main challenge is camera movement caused by shifting structural bases or camera rigs being bumped by site workers or machinery. It is not a "set-and-forget" process. A camera mounted on a distant pole can record one long, static shot, but some projects require closer coverage. Over a multi-year build, cameras face extreme weather, changing light and physical disturbances. Careful planning and monitoring help reduce these risks. Getting a camera close to the action, on scaffolding or directly on a site crane, can produce a much stronger shot and is worth the extra effort.
We process our footage in Adobe After Effects. Stabilisation software smooths out minor camera movements, while a perspective corner-pin effect can align larger shifts. If the view changes substantially, we may need to reposition the camera to the opposite 90° angle to avoid a jarring "jump cut" when the shots are edited together.
Our rugged solar- or battery-powered time-lapse cameras are often mounted directly to existing site assets, such as scaffolding, cranes, and power or light poles. We handle permissions, permits and insurance in-house. If a nearby building offers a good vantage point, we liaise with site managers and build custom, non-destructive weighted cowling mounts that attach securely without compromising structural integrity. We also use standalone poles and, occasionally, tree mounts to find the best angle on your project.
Visual advantages of cameras mounted on cranes and scaffolding.
3. Mains, Solar & Battery Power Reliability
Mains electrical power across active construction sites is notoriously unreliable. Temporary power outages and supply lines being unplugged are continuous threats to long-term time-lapse shooting. If we deploy our time-lapse systems indoors, we always use batteries.
For outdoor construction, civil engineering and infrastructure projects, we use solar-powered time-lapse systems. We monitor each remote camera using audio or a web connection. For cameras connected to the web, images can be uploaded to our servers or synced to yours if required. We are on standby to address connectivity or power issues.
4. High Dynamic Range (HDR) Exposure & Deflicker Software
Changing weather moves the scene between bright sunlight and shadow, which can cause flicker during playback. Standard exposures lose detail in highlights or shadows. To address this, Electric Films uses bracketed High Dynamic Range (HDR) capture: three exposures, one overexposed, one underexposed, and one normally exposed. This helps preserve detail and smooth out changes in light.
During post-production, we use resource-intensive, time-consuming deflickering software to smooth out exposure shifts and create a more consistent flickerless image.
Normal vs high dynamic range exposure.
5. Final Project Handover: Sun to Moon Transitions
As a major infrastructure project or commercial build approaches completion, we shorten the time-lapse intervals to capture transitions from day into night. Interior spaces glow through glass facades as we balance the exposure against a star-filled, moonlit sky. This approach extends the "magic hour" and creates striking imagery for your project portfolio, future tenders or boardroom displays.
Stunning day to night transitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the monthly fee?
The monthly fee includes camera hire, daily remote monitoring, a progress video, and a site visit each month to check the equipment and clean the lens and solar panel. Regular maintenance is important on dusty construction sites. Site photographs are available anytime.
How are time-lapse cameras maintained?
Time-lapse camera service includes daily remote monitoring and on long term cameras, monthly site visits to clean the lens and solar panel and inspect the equipment. Camera positions are reviewed as construction progresses, with relocations discussed with the site manager when a better view becomes available on the Sydney site.
Can clients view images from the cameras remotely?
Yes. Remote access can be provided so project managers can view images from their Sydney or regional construction site on a mobile device. Images are uploaded daily directly to secure Electric Films servers. Project managers should discuss their access needs when planning the camera installation. Photographs are available anytime.
What shooting intervals are used for time-lapse filming?
The interval is tailored to the pace of the work. Long-term construction projects use ten-minute intervals. As construction nears completion, this is adjusted to five minutes to capture stunning day-to-night transitions, showcasing your finished building at its absolute best. For shorter projects lasting a day or two, intervals can be as brief as 30 seconds.
Do the cameras need a nearby power outlet?
Battery-powered time-lapse cameras are utilised for interior filming, so camera positions do not have to be beside a power outlet.
What videos do clients receive?
For long-term projects, you will receive monthly progress videos that are a good length for team reviews and sharing. Aerial footage is always included with our drone services.
What is HDR shooting?
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. At each time-lapse interval, the camera takes three exposures: one normal, one darker, and one brighter. These are combined into a single frame using intensive processing power to retain maximum detail in bright areas and deep shadows.
Are conventional video and still photography services available?
Yes. In addition to time-lapse, Electric Films provides a complete video production service.
Where are time-lapse cameras mounted on construction sites?
Construction cameras can be mounted on rooftops, scaffolding, cranes, street poles or our custom poles. Electric Films arranges the necessary permissions with local councils, power companies and building management. Street poles provide very useful viewpoints and allow installation within a day or two; negotiations with building managers can take longer. Camera positions are carefully selected by our multi-award-winning cinematographer.
What happens if a camera gets bumped or its mounting moves?
Minor camera movement is corrected by stabilising the footage in Adobe After Effects. More significant shifts require realigning the images using a corner pin filter, or physically repositioning the camera. The time-lapse filming guide explains these methods in more detail.
Where repositioning is required, changing the viewing angle by 45 degrees or framing a different subject avoids a jump cut.
Can a time-lapse camera be moved?
Yes. A time-lapse camera stays fixed while recording each sequence, but can be repositioned as the project develops. Moving it at key stages lets us capture the best angles that are more engaging to watch.
How many camera relocations should we budget for?
Camera relocations allow us to track the progression of your site from the best possible angles. While a static setup works for some sites, even small projects look better with changing viewpoints, and larger developments benefit from additional positions. We recommend budgeting for at least two moves. Contact Graeme to tailor the perfect approach for your site.
How is camera movement managed when attached to scaffolding or cranes?
On construction sites, scaffolding and cranes can provide excellent viewpoints, but they naturally move. Videos are stabilised in Adobe After Effects. See an example here.
Can industrial work be filmed overnight or over several days?
Yes. A number of portable time-lapse cameras can record a specific operation overnight or over a weekend, often alongside long-term cameras documenting the same project. The M2 Freeway Bridge project demonstrates this approach. Project managers can share their work schedules with Graeme so coverage is planned precisely around key stages.