A Brief Flash Through Time

Time lapse photography is one of the most amazing visual spectates possible.  In the same way a microscope lets us see very small objects and telescopes let us see objects very far away, time lapse photography lets us see objects quicker.  Some changes over time are so gradual they are unnoticeable, and when sped up through cinematic magic, they become almost surreal.  Whether it's the aurora borealis, the growth of a plant, the drawing of an object, the construction of a building, or the falling of snow, time lapse photography compresses extended periods of time into a very short segment.

One man decided to take this principle and apply it to his own life, taking a picture of himself everyday for 12.5 years.  4541 days in a row, he took a picture of his face in generally the same position.  The effect is stunning.

The random position of his hair from day to day makes it look as if it is particularly windy, and the different colors of his shirts resemble flipping through a carpet selection catalog.  His eyes stay nearly identical throughout the whole time period, giving reassurance that he actually is the same person.  The video is very eerie, as if his life is flashing before our eyes.  It is slightly depressing and also slightly inspiring, leaving you in a weird spot after watching it.