Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for providing visual indication that the image capture device is actively recording frames for a time lapse output sequence by providing indicia that communicates to a user that the image capture device is actively recording frames for the time lapse output sequence. Allowing user to perform time lapse sequence captures with a simple set up and with auto-adjustments when events occur that might otherwise detract from output quality.