u/Feeling_Lobster_7914

Hey yall!

I've been thinking about creating a long term (year at minimum) timelapse project with some equipment I have laying around. I would like to document the seasonal changes in my garden or capture some Analemmas. This project would definitely be a learning experience for me, so I wanted to ask here for some recommendations on tools/ideas.

IP Cameras and scripts for taking photos with them:

• I have 3-4 old security cameras lyring around that could do the job, these are cameras that connect over RTSP and are powered through POE.
  • Is there any scripts/libraries that are good at handling this? I figured I could tinker with python until I figure it out.
• Backing up the photos: this camera will be very remote, but I can visit it often.
  • I could set it to backup to google drive when I turn on my hotspot and connect.
  • Or more ideally, I have the pi send the most recent batch of photos to my phone, which I then back up locally later. (I prefer this iterative process)
  • I am open to hearing any other thoughts or methods to this part.

Power

• Currently, I am looking for a battery that can power this system for a very short uptime to take the photo. I will have a real-time clock attached and setup to send a power on signal daily.
• I would also need a solar panel to keep this battery charged. This should be easy enough to find, as it doesn't need to be anything more than 5v 1amp.

If anyone has worked on a project similar to this, or has any advice/recommendations on the items listed above. I would love to hear it!