Guides — Travel

Written By Douw-Steyn Lessing

Time-lapse videos are simple and a great way to practice using your gear. "Time-lapse photography is a technique whereby the frequency at which film frames are captured (the frame rate) is much lower than that used to view the sequence. When played at normal speed, time appears to be moving faster and thus lapsing. For example, an image of a scene may be captured once every second, then played back at 30 frames per second; the result is an apparent 30 times speed increase. Time-lapse photography can be considered the opposite of high speed photography or slow motion." Wiki.

Here are 2 great examples of time-lapse videos.

Suikerbos bushveld time lapse with GoPro Hero 3+ black

Victoria West Timelapse 720 HD

Keep reading to get a break-down of how to do your own time-lapse video, with Douw-Steyn Lessing!

Good day fellow adventurers

Today I’m going to take you through the basics of making a Time Lapse with your GoPro.

When you see a video of the sun rising in 30 seconds, it’s most probably a Time Lapse video.

A Time Lapse video shows you life the eyes don’t catch – it’s truly amazing.

Let’s get to it!

Here are the different GoPro icons you'll see.

1. Switch on your GoPro and press Power/Mode until you get to Settings.

2. Go inside settings and press mode until you find the Time Lapse Settings.

3. All you need to choose here is the interval at which the GoPro will take photos.

4. Press mode until you’re on the 5sec option and select.

5. Exit the settings and go on Time Lapse mode!

For the Time Lapse video you’ll be shooting clouds, sunrises, sunsets or thunder storms.

Mount your GoPro somewhere steady, press the shutter (top button) and leave it for an hour or two.

That was the difficult part.

Below is a video of how to edit your photos into a Time Lapse video with the GoPro Studio which can be downloaded on the GoPro website for free

This is this the basics of a Time Lapse video and there’s so much more you can achieve once you know your GoPro better and start playing with all the effect in the GoPro Studio.

To get the most out of your Time Lapse videos I’d recommend the following:

• Shoot with either the 3+ Black or the new Hero 4 Models for best resolution.

• Buy a tripod for your GoPro that’s available on Action Gear.

• Practice makes perfect. Keep on shooting!

#GetoutStayout   #GetInvolved

Written By Thato

Experiencing our beautiful country via road tripping is a breath taking experience not many South African get to have. With vast sea like valleys, long winding dirt roads or the odd looking mountains tops, South Africa has some of the world’s best scenic routes. Now if you add the element of open motor bikes and a few biking club buddies, you have yourself a road trip worthy of ‘Harley Davison Club’ status.

But Harleys aside, there are a few things you will need to do before you can get out to hit the open road.

Remember that unlike a car, motorbikes have limited storage space. You will have to decide exactly what you want to take and what you will need. Good questions to ask yourself are, how long will I be gone? Where do I indent to go? What type of accommodation will I make use of? How many people are coming with me?

Baggage

Unless you are a proud owner of a touring bike, you will probably need to have a set of saddle bags (and backpacks don’t count) or a tank bag to carry your stuff in. You can choose the option of hard case or soft case bags. Hard cased bags offer much better weather protection but are harder to install. A good option is the ATG Overlander, which is 100% waterproof and durable but is also light weight and foldable.

How many people are coming with you?

Have a list of the people who are coming with you. This will help you keep track of all the participants and will also help you add fun activities for a larger group of people to do. Add a section with everybody’s connected details and details of people to contact in case of an emergency.

Check your bike

Next you will need to do an inspection of your bike. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends the T CLOCS guidelines.

• Tires – Make sure that your tires are properly inflated by using your air pressure metre or one made available at a filling station.

• Controls – Make sure that your clutch and brake cables are working.
• Lights – Check that your headlights, taillights and indicator lights work correctly.
• Oil – Check your oil and cooling fluid.
• Chassis – ensure that your frame, chain, suspension and fasteners are all in working condition.
• Stands – Make sure that your bikes stand is not cracked or bent and that the springs work correctly.

Communication

Being able to speak to your fellow riders is a great way to add an extra fun element to your trip. A biker to biker communication headset will help you quickly relay details to your co- riders. A good option is The Cardo G9, which allows you to connect and speak to up to 9 other riders (4 rider, cross-communication). Another one is the Scala Rider Q3 which also has built in FM radio and GPS audio out.

Packing

Packing all the right items without over stocking can be tricky. A good idea is to make use a good touring suit that can keep you comfortable during your rides. Pack a good selection of thin clothes rather than heavy, bulky clothes. Its far better to stop and add layers of clothes than to sweat through what would otherwise be a fun, scenic route ride.

When packing your saddle bag, remember to but heavier, more solid items at the bottom, with lighter items at the top. Roll your clothes instead of stacking them to save space.

Because you’re riding in a group, comparing packing lists to see if you have duplicate items that you can save space on. If your traveling will your ‘special someone’ ask yourself questions like, can we share toothpaste or shampoo?

Be sure to pack energy drinks and snack bars in case you find yourself far from any store during your trip.

Action Tip! : Zip lock bag also offer you an excellent way of organising smaller items in your sable bag.

Ride using a full faced helmet. Not only because they more protection and safety but they also offer more protection against rain and cold winds. A well ventilated helmet will also give you some comfort in warm weather too.

Though it's tempting to hit the open road and simply follow your nose, don't forget that you're more vulnerable to the elements, fatigue, and potentially serious injury on a motorcycle. Prepare yourself with clothing appropriate for the weather. Plan a route and, if you don't have a portable GPS system, do whatever it takes not to get lost, even if it means taping directions to the top of your fuel tank.