Stunning iPhone Time-Lapses: A Step-by-Step Guide with Relapse App

Updated at: 19/06/2025

Unleash your inner filmmaker! Transform everyday moments into breathtaking time-lapses using nothing but your iPhone and the powerful Relapse app. This guide provides a simple, step-by-step process, from choosing the perfect subject to mastering essential editing techniques. Learn how to create stunning visuals that will captivate your audience, regardless of your experience level. Get ready to be amazed by what your iPhone can do.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Setting up the Relapse App

    • Control ISO and move it up or down for optimal time-lapse settings.
    • Control shadow speed (double tap for auto).
    • Adjust EV for exposure control (darker or brighter scenes).
    • Use manual focus to precisely select your focus point.
    Use manual focus to precisely select your focus point. Use manual focus to precisely select your focus point. Use manual focus to precisely select your focus point. Use manual focus to precisely select your focus point.
    Setting up the Relapse App
    • Adjust white balance.
    • Select lens (ultra-wide, telephoto, or 48MP wide lens recommended).
    • Choose Max or 4K resolution (Max utilizes the entire sensor for cropping flexibility during editing).
    Choose Max or 4K resolution (Max utilizes the entire sensor for cropping flexibility during editing). Choose Max or 4K resolution (Max utilizes the entire sensor for cropping flexibility during editing). Choose Max or 4K resolution (Max utilizes the entire sensor for cropping flexibility during editing).
    Setting up the Relapse App

  2. Framing and Composition

    • Use guidelines for composition and set a shadow delay (e.g., 3 seconds).
    Use guidelines for composition and set a shadow delay (e.g., 3 seconds).
    Framing and Composition

  3. Time-Lapse Settings

    • Determine desired output length (frames determine duration).
    • Set the interval (faster movement needs faster intervals).
    • Add cloud or star effects (adds motion blur without ND filters, increasing capture time).
    Add cloud or star effects (adds motion blur without ND filters, increasing capture time). Add cloud or star effects (adds motion blur without ND filters, increasing capture time).
    Time-Lapse Settings

  4. Initiating Capture

    • Start the time-lapse capture (capture time depends on settings).
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Tips

  • Keep ISO as low as possible for time-lapses.
  • Use the 48MP wide lens for better quality.
  • Compose higher in the frame to capture cloud movements.
  • Darkening the composition adds drama.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Shaky Footage

Reason: Holding the iPhone still for extended periods is difficult, leading to blurry and unstable time-lapses.
Solution: Use a tripod or stabilizer to keep your iPhone perfectly still throughout the recording.

2. Poor Lighting Conditions

Reason: Insufficient or inconsistent light results in dark, grainy, or unevenly exposed time-lapses.
Solution: Shoot in well-lit areas, or use external lighting sources to ensure consistent brightness.

3. Incorrect Interval Setting

Reason: Choosing an interval that's too short or too long can lead to either jerky or overly slow time-lapses.
Solution: Experiment with different interval settings within Relapse to find the optimal speed for your subject and desired effect.

FAQs

What is the Relapse app, and why is it better than the built-in iPhone time-lapse feature?
Relapse is a third-party app offering more advanced controls than the native iPhone camera. It allows for greater customization of time-lapse speed, resolution, and stabilization, resulting in smoother, higher-quality videos. It also often provides features like intervalometer control and more advanced editing options.
My time-lapses are blurry. What can I do?
Blurriness can be caused by shaky hands or low light. Use a tripod for stability. In the Relapse app, increase the frame rate (frames per second) for smoother motion; however, this will increase file size. For low light, use a higher ISO setting (if available in your app), but be aware of potential graininess.
How do I share my stunning time-lapses?
Once you’ve finished editing your time-lapse in Relapse, you can typically export it in various resolutions (e.g., 1080p or 4K). Then, share directly from your iPhone's Photos app to platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, or email.