Capturing Winter Magic: DJI Pocket 3 Timelapse at The Forks Skating Trail (4K)

Winnipeg’s Forks skating trail is a winter wonderland, filled with skaters gliding through scenic ice paths surrounded by city lights and open skies. To truly capture the energy and beauty of this iconic location, I took the DJI Pocket 3 out for a test run, using its 4K timelapse mode to document the movement, light, and atmosphere of this vibrant winter scene.

Why the DJI Pocket 3 for Timelapse?

The DJI Pocket 3 is a compact powerhouse, making it ideal for dynamic filming in busy locations like The Forks. It offers:

4K resolution for ultra-sharp detail
HDR processing to handle bright winter sunlight
Stabilized timelapse mode for smooth motion sequences
Easy setup on a tripod for hands-free shooting

Filming the Timelapse: A Step-by-Step Approach

1. Choosing the Best Locations

I positioned the camera in high-traffic areas where skaters flowed naturally through the frame. The best spots included:

Skating trail entrance – Capturing the excitement as people step onto the ice.
Under the bridge – Showcasing light transitions from bright sun to shadow.
Elevated angles – Offering a broad view of skaters weaving through the trails.
Sunset reflections – Highlighting the golden hour glow on the ice.

2. Adjusting Camera Settings for the Best Look

To make the most of the sunny conditions, I tweaked a few settings:

Resolution: 4K (Ultra HD)
Timelapse Interval: 1-3 seconds for smooth motion
White Balance: 5000-5500K to maintain natural tones
ND Filter: ND8 to prevent overexposure in bright light
Tripod Stability: Ensuring shake-free shots with a sturdy mount

3. Shooting the Footage

I set the DJI Pocket 3 on a tripod, let the timelapse mode do its work, and recorded sequences ranging from 5 to 15 minutes each. The result? Beautifully fluid movement where skaters seem to dance across the ice.

Editing & Final Touches

Once the footage was captured, I enhanced the video with:

Color grading to balance the cool winter tones with warm sunlight
Smooth transitions between timelapse segments
Subtle ambient sound effects (skates gliding, distant chatter)
A cinematic winter soundtrack to tie it all together

Final Thoughts: A Perfect Timelapse Setup

The DJI Pocket 3 performed flawlessly, handling extreme lighting conditions and fast-moving subjects with ease. Its lightweight build, easy stabilization, and high-quality timelapse mode made it the perfect tool for capturing the essence of winter at The Forks.

Would you try a timelapse shoot at The Forks with the DJI Pocket 3? Let me know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this breakdown, don’t forget to check out my YouTube video for the full experience.

Capturing Winter Magic: DJI Pocket 3 Timelapse at The Forks Skating Trail (4K)