This Incredible New York City Time-Lapse May Be the Best I've Seen

Anyone who has ever been to New York City remembers their first impression, amazement, and awe. Photographer Michael Shainblum credits this feeling as one of the main reasons he got into photography in the first place. You will be glad he did when you check out this amazing three-minute tribute to the city that never sleeps.

If you have never been to New York City, it is truly hard to imagine what it is like. I have vivid memories of visiting the city with my dad when I was very young. We visited the Statue of Liberty, the Twin Towers, and FAO Schwarz, the iconic toy store. I've only returned a few times as an adult and consider myself more of a small town type, so videos like this are a great way to take in the scenery without leaving my zip code.

Shainblum's photography is impressive on its own, being both strong compositionally and extremely sharp and clean. I'm always blown away by what he can create with just about any subject. Needless to say, shooting something as picturesque as the Big Apple turned out very well. I also enjoyed the music, which was done by James Everingham.

The piece is called "Liberty" and is described as a visual journey through New York City, featuring both time-lapse and hyper-lapse photography. It has been Shainblum's hope that he could someday convey the feeling he had that day in a short film. The final video contains about 15,000 still photographs captured in 2016 and 2018. You can see more stills from New York City on Shainblum's website.

Is it the best New York City time-lapse you have seen too?

Log in or register to post comments


Philipp Pley's picture

That's a great timelapse! Can also highly recommend one called "A Taste of New York".

Michael B. Stuart's picture

Thank you for taking the time to suggest one! I'll definitely check that out.

michaeljin's picture

"Anyone who has ever been to New York City remembers their first impression, amazement, and awe."

And pretty much everyone who was born in New York City wants to get the hell out.

user-156929's picture

Unfortunately, the first, and only, time I visited New York City was after spending lots of time, on multiple occasions, in Tokyo. My first impression of New York...meh! ;-)

michaeljin's picture

That's pretty much the sentiment of all of the relatives I've had visiting from Korea.

Lorin Duckman's picture

You are an idiot.

michaeljin's picture

I'm rubber, you're glue... 😂

user-156929's picture

You do realize you live in Florida, right? :-/

Compelling Imaging's picture

Michael Shainblum is definitely one of the most talented photographers and time-lapse artists out there right now! He did another video a short while ago of the waterfalls in the PNW that is amazing as well. Not to mention his seascape images will knock your socks off!

Michael B. Stuart's picture

Agreed! Glad you liked. Thank you.

user-156929's picture

I don't know if it's due to so many time lapses, but I wasn't impressed at all. Not that it wasn't really good; I'm just burned out on them.

michaeljin's picture

Same here.

Michael B. Stuart's picture

You aren't kidding! Very cool.

Michael Dougherty's picture

The images are all fuzzy. I'm logged into Fstoppers. Vimeo doesn't work either.

Tony Clark's picture

Outstanding work!

Koyaanisqatsi 1982. Music by Philip Glass.

user-156929's picture

I'm glad I skipped through it rather than watching the whole thing. :-/

user-206807's picture

The fundamental difference between Koyyanisqatsi and Powaqqatsi and the most modern timelapses is that in the firsts there was a full story, while in the seconds you generally have only a succession of (nice) images.

user-156929's picture

In my opinion, and ONLY in my opinion, they both pale in comparison to a single thought out, well composed image.

Tom Fuldner's picture

Glorious. Simply glorious.

I love this. So many iconic scenes we've all shot ourselves, but so alive and vibrant. Thanks for the post.

Rick Cho's picture

truly amazing. a lot to learn

Michael Kormos's picture

Beautifully done. Watched it through Apple TV on my 4K screen. Wish there was a way to save it and set it as the Apple TV screensaver.

Michael Shainblum's picture

Thank you so much for sharing Michael, I really appreciate it!

Michael B. Stuart's picture

My pleasure! Keep creating. Great stuff :)