Martin Heck

Industry

Photography & videography

Specialization

Nature, documentaries, commercial videos, time-lapse, hyperlapse

Products in use

AV PRO CFexpress A 1 TB

AV PRO SD V90 512 GB

Card Reader PKT CFexpress A

Card Reader PKT SD

SSD2GO PKT 2 TB

timestormfilms.net

Martin Heck is a photographer based in Bavaria, Germany, who is a leading specialist in time-lapse videos. He is best known for his breathtaking videos of natural landscapes, from the night sky to volcanic eruptions.

Capturing the invisible with time-lapse photographer Martin Heck

While many photographers focus on specific subjects like fashion, sport, or nature, Martin Heck specializes in something truly unique — the passage of time.

His work allows viewers to witness phenomena like the movement of stars, changing of seasons, or the construction of buildings in fast motion. "Time-lapse is about capturing slow changes that happen naturally or artificially”, he explains. “This is engaging, because it reveals things we can’t usually perceive with our own eyes.”

Martin has spent the last 10 years fine-tuning his approach to time-lapse photography, building up a spectacular body of work. His company, Timestorm Films, is a go-to resource for documentary makers, and he collaborates with companies around the world.

Turning a passion project into a rewarding career as a time-lapse photographer

Martin’s journey into time-lapse photography started at a young age. Inspired by nature documentaries like Planet Earth, he quickly became fascinated by the time-lapse footage he occasionally saw.

"I figured out that time-lapse is simply about taking still photos at regular intervals”, he explains. “This means it’s something you can do even if you don’t have a fancy, high-end camera. So being young, with no money, I realized I could make these really high-quality videos — and that was exciting!”

At just 19, Martin started creating time-lapse videos as a hobby and sharing them online. As his videos gained traction on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, brands and production companies began reaching out to him.

His first big break came with a project in New Zealand, where he shot time-lapse footage that eventually went viral. This success was a turning point, propelling Martin into the professional world of time-lapse photography.

Career highlight: capturing a volcanic eruption in Chile

One of Martin’s most memorable projects was filming a volcanic eruption in Chile in 2015. "We were on a ferry, and everyone went crazy turning around. There was this massive ash cloud behind us, and it was just unbelievable. The eruption happened during sunset, so we had this 12-kilometer mushroom cloud that was lit up red in the sky”, Martin recalls.

The eruption, set against the glowing backdrop of the setting sun, became one of the defining moments of his career. "We couldn’t have planned it better — just the perfect conditions and the perfect light", he says. This project solidified his reputation as one of the leading time-lapse photographers in the world.

This revelation — that a pod of sperm whales will remain in one location year-round — was previously unknown to science.

What most people don’t know about time-lapse photography

Creating a captivating time-lapse video requires much more than simply setting up a camera and pressing record. As Martin explains, the process starts long before the first shot is taken.

"A lot goes into planning", he says. "You have to know your location, the weather patterns, the time of day, and even where the sun and moon will rise and set."

Martin stresses the importance of anticipating every detail of the shoot, from the direction of shadows to the potential environmental challenges. "You have to predict what will happen and what could go wrong", he adds. "The best shots are often about being in the right place at the right time, but also being prepared for whatever nature throws at you."

The secrets for transforming raw footage into a masterpiece

However, the magic doesn’t happen in the camera alone. "A lot of people don’t realize how much post-production matters in time-lapse photography", Martin explains. "There’s a lot of color grading, and noise reduction involved — it’s an art and a science."

For Martin, post-production is just as important as taking the photos — and one of the reasons that completing a video can take months. "It’s not just about shooting a bunch of frames and slapping them together. You need to carefully adjust each frame to ensure that the final product is as smooth and visually appealing as possible."

Workflow tip: stay organized and focus on quality

When it comes to workflow, Martin’s top tip is organization. "Time-lapse photography involves a lot of individual RAW files, so it’s crucial to keep things structured", he explains.

Martin recommends naming folders by date and keeping everything neatly organized to avoid chaos when working with thousands of files. He also emphasizes the importance of using high-quality software and focusing on image quality.
“Sometimes, you can get away with quicker methods, but I prefer maximizing image quality, even if it means a slower process”, says Martin. "It’s that extra 2% that makes a big difference in the final result, especially for high-end projects."

Adapting to the pressures of being a freelancer

Freelancing has its challenges, and for Martin, one of the toughest aspects has been the constant pressure to prove himself. "When you're a freelancer, there’s always the fear that you’re only as good as your last project", he says. "It’s a constant up-and-down experience, and you have to keep pushing yourself even when things seem uncertain."

Over the years, Martin learned to deal with the unpredictable nature of freelance work. He advises others to stay motivated, even during lean periods, and keep proving their value to clients. "Ups and downs are normal, but you just have to keep your nerve.”

In addition to doing assignments for clients, Martin sells footage through his website. This helps him make money during quieter periods — and gives production companies a fast, affordable way to get incredible time-lapse videos.

Relying on Angelbird gear in challenging environments

Martin’s discovered Angelbird through a friend several years ago. He uses a range of Angelbird products, including CF Express Type A cards, SD cards, and SSD drives.

“I shoot tens of thousands of RAW photos, so I need gear I can trust”, he explains. I can’t afford to lose any footage, but I’ve had cards before that would stop working in the cold", says Martin. "I’ve been using Angelbirds products for years now, and they’re incredibly reliable. I’ve never had issues with them, even in extreme environments.”

Martin highlights that a major difference with Angelbird products is the improvement in backup time. "Back in the day, it used to take me 2-4 hours to back up my footage. Now, with Angelbird products, it only takes about 15-20 minutes. It’s effortless and allows me to focus on what really matters."

Choosing the right camera gear for time-lapse photography

In addition to Angelbird’s products, Martin relies on a variety of other equipment to bring his projects to life. His primary cameras are the Sony A1 and A7R III, both capable of capturing stunning 8K photos.

He also uses an eMotimo ST4 multi-mode motion control head, camera sliders, and even a custom-built camera buggy for added flexibility in his shoots. "I built a little buggy myself that I can use on a railing or street. It has a gimbal on top, and I can use it as a track for my camera", Martin explains.

Martin’s gear also includes Sony G Master lenses, ND filters, and polarizers for specific shots — but apart from that, he keeps things minimal. "I don’t use any lights. Most of my work is about capturing natural light and the beauty of the environment."

Sharing advice for newbie creators looking to make their mark

For aspiring creators, Martin offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: "do it for yourself. If you’re truly passionate about something, that’s what will make it stand out."

“It’s very easy to worry about what people are saying about photography on social media, and even I’m guilty of that sometimes. But don’t rely on social media for feedback or motivation. If you're dedicated to what you do, then usually that shows—and somebody will recognize it. So do it for yourself.”

"Start with whatever gear you have”, Martin continues. “Even a phone can produce amazing results if you’re dedicated to learning and improving."

Staying inspired as a time-lapse photographer

When asked what keeps him inspired, Martin mentions that appreciation for his work is important. “It’s rewarding to work for professional companies and see that they value what I do”, he explains.

However, it’s the quiet moments in nature that recharge him. "Sometimes, I just leave the camera behind and take a bike tour through the mountains. No social media, no distractions — just nature," he says.

For Martin, finding this peace in nature is as important as his work itself, as it allows him to reconnect with his creative roots.

What creative freedom means for Martin Heck

For Martin, creative freedom means having the flexibility to follow his own vision. "It’s about being able to work in the way that feels most natural to me," he explains. “It means having good communications with clients and understanding their expectations but still having the space to follow my own workflow.”

“Creative freedom is also knowing that when I set up my gear and let it run through the night, everything will be captured the next morning. It’s about having the right tools and opportunities to do my best work.”

Big thanks to Martin for being part of the Angelbird Collective. We look forward to seeing what you do next as you enjoy creative freedom—without limits.

Connect with Martin online:

Website

Instagram

YouTube