TIME-LAPSE SHOOT FOR DCT ABU DHABI
Project study; client commissioned architectural photography of the Rove Downtown hotel by Emaar Properties. I invite you to learn how I approach my professional architectural shoots and to check out the final result.
TIME-LAPSE SHOOT IN ABU DHABI, UAE
THE APPROACH AND EXECUTION
This set of time-lapse sequences was produced for the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi. They were featured on a highly elaborate and immersive, 8k video wall installation at the DCT Abu Dhabi's stand at the Arabian Travel Market exhibition in Dubai in May 2022.
The brief called for a set of time-lapse sequences, capturing a transition of light from day to night as well as from night to day. The sequences were to feature iconic, high-angle views of the Abu Dhabi’s skyline and its landmarks, such as the Qasr Al Sarab hotel resort by Anantara, built at the threshold of the world’s largest sand desert, the Rub’ Al Khali, or the Empty Quarter. Due to the unusual design of the video wall installation, the requested format for the time-lapse sequences was unconventional too. Ultrawide panoramas, four times wider than their height (4:1) at 8k resolution. As an added challenge, the whole project needed to be delivered in less than 1 week from the initial briefing!
Because the client requested time-lapses with an exceptionally wide field of view and 8k resolution, I decided to shoot them with a mix of 50MP and 100MP DSRL and medium format cameras, fit with the widest lenses on the market such as the Canon 11-24mm f/4, Medium Format Fujinon GF 23mm (17mm equivalent in 35mm full frame) and Medium Format Laowa 17mm f/4 Ultra-Wide GFX Zero-D (equivalent of 13mm in 35mm full frame). Every location was shot with 4 simultaneous cameras, with 2 as main cameras and 2 for redundancy. I had two very experienced assistants and a driver to quickly and safely move the 8 cases of equipment from A to B. Working on such tight deadlines leaves you with no margin for error.
As a long-time resident of Abu Dhabi with many years of experience in this field, I’ve photographed and filmed literally every corner of it, and access locations most people never have a chance to visit. I was able to identify and suggest the perfect spots for the shoot within an hour of receiving the brief and deliver the whole project before the 1 week deadline had passed.
Production company: Ivo Film Production FZ LLE
End client: Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
Deliverables: Multiple Time-Lapse sequences mastered at 8k resolution
Shoot Timeline: 1 day for recce, 3 days for the shoot and 4 days for post-production
