PhotoLapse

We’ve all seen time-lapse videos on the web, and they are certainly an interesting way to showcase the passage of long periods of time. However, a similar technique can be used to create a single picture, known as a HDTR image.

PhotoLapse is a lightweight, open-source application that enables you to create single-frame time-lapse pictures using two or more photos taken at the same location. It doesn’t offer an extensive feature set, but it is easy to use and gets the job done.

You will notice right away that this application isn’t terribly complex, and this is something less experienced users will certainly appreciate. You won’t need a user manual to get started, as everything is very straightforward.

When importing images, you can just add them to the processing queue using drag and drop. You can then select which of the pictures should be processed, and they can be ordered based on name or date.

Once you have loaded your images, you can see their thumbnails in the left-hand panel, and a preview will be generated one you select the preferred rendering mode.

If you go with the Gradient mode, the transitions between photos will be seamless, while the Stripe technique leaves a visible line between each image fragment. The width of these fragments is customizable, and padding can even be inserted between them.

If you’re trying to create an HDTR image, it would certainly be a good idea to download PhotoLapse before looking to more complex image editors. There is a very good chance that you will get great results with very little effort, although it has to be said that the application lacks more advanced editing tools.