INTERLACING FRAMES

Capture the movement of birds in flight using a technique that combines the best of videography and stills photography for stunning creative images

- Raghuvamsh Chavali

Video is the rapidly developing genre of the moment - moving images seem to have taken over the content creation world and all of the major social media platforms have shifted their focus away from stills photography and towards video. However, there are some dramatic aspects of a scene that a still image can capture far more concisely. Luckily, there are techniques that can bridge the gap between video and photography, making the most of both creative outlets.

The technique of interlacing frames isn't just about taking stunning photos of birds in flight; it's about mastering a skill that opens doors to a whole new realm of photographic expression.

By stitching together multiple frames into a single, seamless composition, photographers can capture the fluidity, grace, and intricate patterns of avian movement in a single image, like never before. This technique offers a unique perspective on the natural world, allowing photographers to document the beauty and diversity of bird flight in a way that static images simply cannot match, but that also might be lost in a video clip.

1 Frame Rates/Duration

Choose higher frame rates, such as 100fps, for fast and complex manoeuvres of birds in flight – a smaller fps number might miss key moments. Opt for slower rates, such as 50fps, when capturing regular flight patterns to ensure smoother playback.

2 Resolution

Use the highest resolution supported by your camera, such as 4K, to capture fine details of the birds’ movements and features. This will result in greater pixel density in each frame, allowing larger reproductions and greater cropping freedom in post-production.

3 Manual Focus