hyperlapse series 2016

In the Summer of 2016 I decided to teach myself more about looped videos and how to create a seamless loop. I started off animating a few simple loops in After Effect, and once I mastered that I moved on to learning about hyperlapses. A hyperlapse is a photography technique that involves taking photos with a DSLR at fixed increments while keeping the lens focused on the subject. Creating multiple hyperlapses I was able to learn more and more about techniques on how to achieve certain effects. It wasn't until the final video that I finally felt comfortable enough to try out the "Vertigo Effect" with good results.

Hyperlapse v.1 from Stephen Amicucci on Vimeo.

The first in the series of my hyperlapses. I did not have much knowledge of the proper ways to shoot. I used the focal points inside the view finder of the camera to line each shot up with the bottom of the parking deck at the bottom of the building and the rim around the peach at the top of the building. Shot with a Nikon D5100 and composited in After Effects. 

Hyperlapse v.2 from Stephen Amicucci on Vimeo.

For this one I found a sidewalk that went in a straight line parallel to the building. I used the focal points on the camera to keep aim on the gold top of the building. I learned that I needed a second focal point to keep the image steady. I attempted to stabilize the video by hand in After Effects. 

Hyperlapse v.3 - Chateau Elan from Stephen Amicucci on Vimeo.

In this video I tried a new technique to change the focal length with each photo. I set the furthest left focal point on the left edge of the building and same with the right side. There are 60 photos ranging from 95 to 24mm. I reversed the footage to make it go backwards and create the loop. Shot with a Nikon D5100 and composited in After Effects. 

Hyperlapse v.4 from Stephen Amicucci on Vimeo.

Similar to the one above, I set the left edge of the building with the left most focal point and same with the right. 

Hyperlapse v.5 from Stephen Amicucci on Vimeo.

The final video in the series is one of my favorites. I changed the focal length from 150 to 18mm over a set of 50 photos. I set two focal points with this one. One on the top of the hat, and one on her knee. Shot with a Nikon D5100 and composited in After Effects.