Time-Lapse Sports As an action sports photographer in Atlanta, Ga, Chris Hamilton developed a time-lapse style that helped catapult his career. Chris gained national attention when Sports Illustrated used this award-winning photography in a 12-page photo spread. Time lapse photography has established itself as a legitimate style that can be used in a variety of situations to show movement of some sort. With time-lapse photography, there is a longer shutter release, or segment of time, instead of freezing the frame in one instant. The camera captures that segment of time and the results can vary depending on how the camera and lens are moved during that time.