chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

At camera club we watched a video from Will Crockett titled "Pictures Tha Move." This is not about video so much as it was about sequencing still photos to tell a story and evoke emotion. He talked about programs like Animoto and MS Movie Maker for this purpose. I thought the information was good and informative. What are other thoughts about this aspect of photogrpahy?

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

ephraim Imperio

If you are a Mac user, the Ken Burn's effect can be used in
I-Movie.

http://etc.usf.edu/techease/mac/images/how-do-i-create-a-slideshow-using-iphoto/

Perry Loc: Washington Michigan

A series of photos with a narrative and story line, always captivates audiences better than a group of photos without any order or explanation to them.

Think of it like someone standing with a projector explaining each photo they took on an exotic vacation or cruise, rather than handing you a shoe box to rummage through all the photos in it. Even if they are sitting with you and explaining each photo you draw out, it doesn't have the same appeal as being taken "virtually" through that adventure.

That is what that format does with a group of pictures. This is something I would like to get my skills honed on.

EstherP

I have just finished "rummaging through" 7000+ pictures taken at our son's wedding in Jamaica. (No, I didn't take them all, but asked everyone who came for the wedding if they'd be willing to let me have their photos too).
I have finished with about 900 images scrapbooked into 150 pages.
After deleting "bad" images (blurred, too dark, too light, very poor composition, etc), the first thing I did was to sort all of them into the order taken, because I wanted the scrapbook to tell the story without too much journaling. I think I succeeded, will be picking up the prints tonight!
My Dad was a professional photographer, and did many weddings and receptions. Before he took the prints to the clients, they were carefully numbered on the back, put in order and then wrapped to present them.
(The first set to the client was free, he made his money from repriints).

Anyway, yes, I would say that the order in which pictures are presented is extremely important, and has more impact on the viewer than a handful of "mixed" or "single" shots.
EstherP

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

For years I have been putting our travel photos on DVD's, adding captions, music, and in more recent years, have taken to including short video clips when appropriate. For me the sequencing, captions, and music are really important to telling the story. I use indigenous music whenever possible and use a lot of effort timing it to fit the particular sequence and, hopefully, having it fit the mood of the content. The program I'm using currently is ProShow Gold, which includes the Ken Burns option of "moving pictures" that I use rather sparingly. These productions are done mainly for our own use, although I have been asked on occasion for copies by fellow travelers. For me it's the only way to go when it comes to creating something that can be enjoyed indefinitely and really is able to bring back the experience in a comprehensible manner.

jasman Loc: Forte dei Marmi

Photodex ProShow is an amazing tool for creating "moving" photo stories. I have used several tools and have not found one better or with more artistic capabilities. If you wish, video can be incorporated as well. It has a broad range of image and audio editing tools... just fantastic.

http://www.photodex.com/

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

definitely...photodex is the best!!! without a doubt!!

pjarmit Loc: UK, now in Texas

Try muvee.com. Makes great moving photo shows and much cheaper than Photodex.

treehugger Loc: Eastern Idaho Highlands

Photo Essays are a great way to tell a story. This is one that I did for the chamber or commerce a few years back. The slide show was produced it I Movie. I think this type of format it a lot better then setting in a darkened room clicking from one slide to another while trying to explain what each photo represents.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1xoyb3Ious&feature=relmfu

pjarmit Loc: UK, now in Texas

That was really nice Treehugger.
It seems there are many programs that will make still photos move in slide shows....I liked it!

treehugger Loc: Eastern Idaho Highlands

Thanks for your comment.
You are right, there are many programs available, and the question should be; "Which one is the best?"

In my opinion, the best photo processing program; the best management program; and the best movie/slide show program is the one your are most comfortable with, and meets your needs.
The bottom line is, do you like what the final product looks like?

But then, what do I know about it? I'm just an old guy trying make the house payment.

Frank 2012 Loc: Olathe, Kansas

If you want a good software program to make "pictures move",
then I think you will love ProShow Producer by Photodex.

Perry Loc: Washington Michigan

Yes indeed, Treehugger. Very moving storyline. I can see how they would want to produce it for the COC. Excellent!