Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Arts & Entertainment

Video: This Timelapse Of A Day In NYC Will Give You Summer Ache


By

Ben Yakas

Published Feb 24, 2013

Modified Feb 24, 2013


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

Via Motion Kicker

 


By

Ben Yakas

Published Feb 24, 2013

Modified Feb 24, 2013


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

We know a little something about timelapses—and the one you can watch below is worth your time. "I shot this film over 4 trips to NYC 2011-2012," explained photographer Samuel Orr. "The time-lapse sequences you see here were made (mostly) from hundreds of thousands of still images." Those still images show people pouring over grassy hills, meandering under swaying trees, and splashing in emerald pools—all much preferable to sped-up footage of people shivering in the waning sunlight and polishing off the next episode of My Strange Addiction along with the bottle of cheap red.

But the video above is just a primer for what Orr really has in mind: a short film (20-25 minutes)—made mostly of timelapse sequences—that covers a year in the life of NYC. As he explains:

I want to film ice flowing and thawing on area waterways, tidal flats in Jamaica Bay as Horseshoe crabs creep ashore, growing shifts of the forests along the Jersey Palisade and in Central Park, Fog and mist along the rivers, and of course all the seasonal events of the city itself (fireworks over the Hudson, marathons, parades, etc.). In addition, I plan to film sequences that involve the ever-changing nature of NYC, as local neighborhood businesses and landmarks (some unique in the "only in NYC" way) are increasingly priced out of their neighborhoods as the city gentrifies. These sequences will remember the city that currently is, before "progress" renders much of beyond recognition.

If you enjoyed the video above, he has a Kickstarter set up for the project.

Tagged

new york day

new york year

photography

pretty

timelapse


Ben Yakas

Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE arts-entertainment

A Mumford & Sons member is opening a new venue in Williamsburg's Domino Sugar Factory

Domino will welcome audiences in April of 2027.

By

Sonia Rao

Published Nov 13, 2026


An expert guide to navigating the Fulton Center subway frankenstation

Bonus tip: There's a Krispy Kreme.

By

Elizabeth Shwe

and

James Ramsay

Arts & Entertainment

An expert guide to navigating the Fulton Center subway frankenstation

Bonus tip: There's a Krispy Kreme.

By

Elizabeth Shwe

and

James Ramsay


A good bet: New Yorkers are lining up to become casino dealers

By

Hannah Frishberg

Long-lost Georgia O’Keeffe painting found in East Village closet

By

Hannah Frishberg

The real race at the NYC Marathon is getting to the front of the toilet line

By

Samantha Max


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .