Time-Lapse Magic: Tropicana’s Harvest Festival in Faneuil Hall

The Power of Time-Lapse Photography

When trying to convey the passage of time or the course of change, time-lapse photography is a popular option because it’s a visually exciting way to truly highlight progress.

SVG recently had the opportunity to capture this dynamic technique for Tropicana at their Harvest Festival in Faneuil Hall, right outside our office.

Our Director of Photography (DP) was responsible for obtaining 21 hours of footage in the square, capturing the vibrant energy and continuous flow of festival-goers.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Originally, the client intended for the lapse to be captured on a DSLR camera.

However, our DP advised against this decision due to several technical and practical considerations.

DSLR cameras, while capable of producing high-quality images, are less resistant to the elements than a GoPro.

Additionally, DSLRs have a significantly shorter battery life, running on about two hours per battery.

This limitation would have required near-constant battery changes, which is impractical for a 21-hour time-lapse. Moreover, the file sizes generated by a DSLR would have been enormous, necessitating a large amount of storage space.

In contrast, GoPro files are much more manageable, making the GoPro the superior choice for this project.

Overcoming Positional Challenges

Once it was decided that a GoPro would be used, its positioning needed to be addressed.

The DP could not attach it to any Boston monuments, statues, or buildings without incurring liability concerns, so he opted to use a small tree in the square.

To support the GoPro, a wooden box structure was constructed to balance the camera and protect it from the weather.

Along with being a seasoned filmmaker, our DP has a strong background in construction, having just built a twenty-foot platform for an independent film two months earlier.

He designed a smaller but similar structure for this shoot, which was then attached to the tree with straps, avoiding any damage to the tree.

Innovative Solutions and Technical Expertise

A different tree was initially selected, but upon redesigning the festival layout, the DP chose a tree with a better view and modified his design based on location.

He also connected his phone to a live stream from the GoPro so he could monitor the footage in real-time and ensure that everything was being recorded as formatted.

This level of preparation and adaptability was crucial in capturing the perfect shots for the time-lapse.

The Human Element in Videography

Live event videography can be stressful, especially in the center of a thriving city.

Although there were signs indicating that the entire event was being recorded, many people were shy or bashful when they saw Chuck filming with his camera.

The GoPro, on the other hand, was well-camouflaged in the tree, attracting no attention and allowing people to feel relaxed and natural in front of it.

This stealthy approach ensured that the footage captured was authentic and unfiltered, truly reflecting the atmosphere of the event.

Capturing the Festival’s Spirit

Having the GoPro running from the night before the festival until 9 PM the next day supplemented all of the footage Chuck recorded and expressed the sheer volume of people reached by Tropicana’s Boston promotional video project.

The time-lapse technique beautifully showcased the festival’s energy, capturing the ebb and flow of the crowd as they enjoyed games, free juice, and the lively atmosphere of a historic meeting place.

The Broader Impact of Time-Lapse Photography

A time-lapse is a great way to display growth and change.

In this case, it expanded the promotion beyond a few passersby who stopped for an interview to encompass an entire city that came together to enjoy Tropicana’s Harvest Festival.

The goal was to connect with the people of Boston, and the time-lapse footage proved that we succeeded in reaching a significant portion of the city’s population that day.

The vibrant, continuous flow of attendees depicted in the time-lapse underscored the event’s success and Tropicana’s effective engagement with the community.

Reflecting on the Success

Overall, the project was a testament to the power of innovative videography and meticulous planning.

The combination of technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and the use of appropriate equipment allowed us to capture the essence of Tropicana’s Harvest Festival.

The time-lapse video not only highlighted the event’s energy and joy but also demonstrated our team’s ability to adapt and deliver high-quality content under challenging conditions.