time-lapse photography

American  

noun

1. the photographing on motion-picture film of a slow and continuous process, as the growth of a plant, at regular intervals, especially by exposing a single frame at a time, for projection at a higher speed.

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time-lapse photography British  

noun

1. the technique of recording a very slow process, such as the withering of a flower, by taking a large number of photographs on a strip of film at regular intervals. The film is then projected at normal speed

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Example Sentences

The exhibition also features works from scientist Harold Edgerton and photographer Eadweard Muybridge that explore the history of motion studies and time-lapse photography.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

The best way to see them, should they appear, will be using time-lapse photography or long-exposure photos.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 21, 2022

By talking on camera for hours every day, he has made it possible to reconstruct, through a kind of time-lapse photography, how he develops, embellishes, and markets his lies.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2020

But at each round on the grass at Wimbledon, Williams has raised her level, improving like time-lapse photography.

From Washington Post • Jul. 11, 2019

His jacket hung on his chair back; his napkin uncrumpled slowly beside his plate, blooming like something out of a time-lapse photography sequence.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen