Your time lapse questions, answered.

A construction time lapse camera is a professionally installed camera system that automatically photographs a site at set intervals over days, months or years. The images are securely transmitted to an online archive and later combined to create a time lapse video showing the complete project in a few engaging minutes.

Unlike a simple standalone camera, Time Lapse UK provides a fully managed construction time lapse service that includes planning, a site survey, professional installation, remote monitoring, image storage, a secure client portal, scheduled video updates and a final edited film.

Our cameras capture high-resolution still images automatically at an agreed frequency. Images are sent over a 4G connection to secure online storage, where authorised users can view the latest photographs through a dedicated client portal.

At agreed stages, our editors select and process the images to produce progress videos and a final time lapse film. Camera position, lens choice, power supply and capture frequency are planned around the site and programme.

The best capture interval depends on the speed and type of activity. For many long-term construction projects, an image approximately every 10 to 20 minutes provides a good balance between detailed coverage and a smooth final film.

Faster activity, demolition work or important milestones may require more frequent photographs. The schedule can be adjusted if the programme changes.

Yes. The image frequency and operating schedule can be altered during the project to reflect changes in working hours, programme or activity. For example, capture frequency can be increased during demolition, a crane lift or façade installation, then returned to the normal schedule afterwards.

Many of our outdoor systems can be powered by solar energy, making them suitable where a permanent mains supply is unavailable. The solar panel charges a battery that powers the camera, communications equipment and control system.

We assess available daylight, camera position, seasonal conditions and project duration before recommending solar or mains power.

Yes. A solar-powered system can often operate independently of the site mains supply. This is particularly useful during enabling works, demolition and remote infrastructure projects. Suitability depends on daylight, seasonal conditions, camera position and equipment power requirements.

A professionally installed camera can remain in position for anything from a single day to several years. Short-term time lapse is suitable for rapid installations and specialist operations, while long-term systems can document a complete construction programme.

If the programme changes, the service can normally be extended, adjusted or relocated.

We confirm the final capture date, arrange safe de-installation and prepare the agreed deliverables. These may include a professionally edited time lapse video, high-resolution still images and versions formatted for presentations, websites or social media.

Branding, titles, music and selected project information can also be incorporated into the final edit.

Construction time lapse is used across commercial developments, housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, retail, heritage, sports facilities and public-sector projects.

It can record new builds, refurbishments, fit-outs, roofing, façade installation, civil engineering, demolition and specialist installations.

Yes. Demolition is particularly well suited to time lapse because significant visual change can take place over a short period. A correctly positioned camera can document soft strip, deconstruction, machine demolition, material processing, site clearance and preparation for redevelopment.

Yes. We can provide multiple cameras on one development or across a nationwide programme. Multiple viewpoints are useful when a site is too large for one camera or when internal and external progress must be captured simultaneously.

Yes. A camera can be relocated when the original view becomes obstructed, the main work area changes or a later phase requires a different viewpoint. Relocations are planned carefully because changing position can affect visual continuity in the final video.

Time lapse cameras can often be installed for heritage, conservation and listed-building projects. Mounting methods are selected carefully to avoid damage to historic fabric and may include freestanding towers, existing structures or scaffold mounts.

Yes. Time lapse can support highways, bridges, utilities, energy, airports, ports and other infrastructure programmes. These projects often require detailed planning because of restricted access, security requirements and specialist safety procedures.

Yes. Before installation, we assess access, work at height, lifting, vehicle movements, exclusion zones, power and interaction with other trades. Suitable risk assessments and method statements are then prepared and attendance is coordinated with the site team.

Yes. Time Lapse UK provides professional installation and project support across England, Scotland and Wales. We work on individual projects as well as multi-site and nationwide programmes.

Installation times depend on the site, access arrangements, mounting method, power requirements and available project information. Straightforward installations can often be arranged quickly once the quotation, survey and documentation have been approved.

Our trained installation team carries out setup, inspection, maintenance and de-installation. After commissioning, the system is remotely monitored so that image capture and transmission can be checked without relying on site staff.

Planning permission is not usually required for a temporary camera, but consent may be needed from the landowner, building owner, landlord, principal contractor, local authority or another asset owner. Listed buildings, highways, railways and airports may require additional approval.

We can often support short-notice projects, subject to equipment availability, site access, survey requirements and approval of installation documentation. Site details, photographs, drawings and preferred viewpoints help us respond quickly.

We normally need the site address, project type, approximate programme, preferred start date, intended use of the images, expected working hours and the area to be captured. Plans, elevations, photographs and proposed viewpoints are especially helpful.

Yes. Progress videos can be produced monthly, quarterly or at agreed milestones. These concise edits help clients, contractors and stakeholders understand progress without reviewing thousands of individual photographs.

Our managed construction time lapse service provides 4K output as standard, with 6K or 8K production available where required. We can also supply optimised versions for websites, LinkedIn, Instagram and other channels.

Yes. Aerial video and photography can be combined with fixed-camera time lapse to add scale, context and movement. We can also incorporate ground video, interviews, 360-degree content and existing client footage.

Yes. Video options include logos, opening and closing titles, project dates, captions, brand colours and approved music. The client portal can also be presented with suitable project or company branding.

Yes. Authorised users can access and download high-resolution images through the secure client portal for reports, presentations, press releases, websites and social media.

Our systems are selected for long-term commercial use and challenging construction environments. They use high-quality cameras, IP66 weather-resistant housings, 4G communications and solar or mains power arrangements with battery support where appropriate.

Because the system is remotely monitored, many issues can be identified without waiting for someone on site to notice. We assess the camera, power supply and communications remotely, then arrange a site visit or replacement where required.

Yes. Our outdoor systems are housed in IP66-rated weather-resistant enclosures and are designed for changing UK conditions. The survey considers wind exposure, water run-off, sunlight, shading, temperature, salt, dust and access for cleaning.

Images transmitted from the camera are stored away from the physical site, reducing the risk of losing the complete record if equipment is damaged or stolen. Access is provided through a secure online portal for authorised users.

No, not unless the client chooses to publish or share them. Project images are normally accessed through a private client portal intended for authorised users.

Time lapse photography can involve personal data when identifiable people, vehicle registrations or neighbouring property are captured. Camera position, framing, capture frequency, access controls, retention and signage should therefore be considered as part of the project privacy assessment.

The price depends on the number of cameras, project duration, location, installation method, power arrangement, access requirements and video deliverables. We provide a clear project quotation after reviewing the requirements and, where necessary, completing a site survey.

A typical package includes consultation, camera specification, survey where required, installation planning, health and safety documentation, installation, configuration, remote monitoring, image transmission, secure portal access, storage, agreed video updates, final editing and de-installation.

Our quotation sets out what is included before work begins. Exceptional access requirements, specialist equipment, permits, additional relocations, aborted visits or client-requested changes may be charged separately where stated and agreed.

Yes. Construction programmes often change, and the filming period can normally be extended subject to continued equipment availability and the agreed commercial terms.

Yes. We quote for projects throughout the UK, from a single short-term camera to multi-camera, multi-site programmes. Site photographs, plans and programme information help us make the most appropriate recommendation.

Yes. Our managed service includes access to a dedicated online client portal where authorised users can view the latest images from a computer, tablet or phone. Calendar navigation, zoom and image comparison tools make it easier to review progress.

Yes. The portal can be shared with authorised members of the contractor, client, consultant or project team, subject to any confidentiality requirements.

Yes. Date navigation and comparison tools allow users to review the same camera view at different stages of the programme, which is useful for reporting and stakeholder communication.

Retention depends on the agreed service package and contract. During the live project, transmitted images are stored in the online archive. Continued portal access or longer-term retention can be arranged where required.