Photo montage (or presentation) Tips and ideas

If you're like me, you have old photos in boxes, images scattered in various scrapbooks or albums, a computer hard drive with the photos stored in places that do not even remember, maybe even some undeveloped film (who knows what may be there!). If you're looking for something to do with all this, why not take a photo slideshow on full of music and special effects DVD? It 's a great way to keep a permanent record of all those photos, like the DVD can take up to 100 years. There are many companies that provide this service for you (including your author) or you can do it yourself. If you want to do it yourself, here are some ideas to help you.

Know your audience

The most important aspect in creating a photomontage is knowing your audience. Ultimately, what are you doing with the assembly is to tell a story. To tell the story effectively, you need to know who you are saying. The public will have an important role in how many images you want included, the type of music you want, and the length of the presentation. Here are some specific ideas:

* If you plan to show the assembly to a wider audience (such as a birthday, wedding reception / rehearsal dinner or anniversary party) be sure to consider how you are going to present it. Your slideshow will be a backdrop for the party or there will be a time where everyone will gather to sit and watch? If this is a scenario, you probably want to use multiple images. In this way, people can look at parts at their leisure, mingle, and then return to watch the different parts as the party moves. If the assembly is to be displayed with the expectation that most people will stop doing what they're watching, keep your presentation limited to about 4 songs (about 125-175 photos). It is a good length to create beautiful but short enough that emotions will not stop the event.

* If you plan to show a presentation to an audience small and intimate, the best thing to do is to make it short and sweet. One or two personal songs with about 75 photographs makes a great surprise gift.

The importance of the order

There are a variety of approaches you can take your pictures in order (thematic, chronological, etc..) What usually has the best flow is a chronological order. Chronologically encapsulates all aspects of a person's life in a way that everyone will understand. It also creates a great nostalgia effect soon capture the attention of your audience immediately.

Music

Generally speaking, songs with lyrics are better. Since most of the DVD will be pictures with text really helps to attach the photos to music. If a particular lyric matches what is happening in a particular picture that is even better.

As for the music genre, which is a matter of personal taste. From experience, however, is usually a mix of the most powerful. If you are doing an upbeat, light show, so it should match. If you are looking for something engaging and emotional, so think about your presentation, as it's a great film. Do you want a lighter side, some dramatic, and a grand finale. Depending on the number of photos you have, probably one or two up-tempo songs, one or two slower songs, and then the song homerun for the end.

When picking specific songs, it's a good idea to think beyond the most common popular songs. What is your favorite song of the person? How about a song from their childhood? Perhaps a version of a song works better than another (like acoustic than electric)? There is an incredible amount of music available online, but it's a good idea to explore. You'll know when you see it in your presentation, if you really suits.

Photo Quality

A big problem is the creation of a montage editing. There is plenty of software that can clean cracks, lighting conditions, adjust color, remove blemishes, etc., some work better than others (check out for http://www.cnet.com reviews for this product) . The only problem no software can solve, however, is a grainy picture. Unfortunately, an out-of-focus photography is to remain an out-of-focus pictures in slideshow. When you select the photos are going to include, you should choose the lightest ones you have. Keep in mind that your presentation can have a lot of transitions, backgrounds, pan and zoom, etc. so you want photos with a focal point that is as clean as possible. Clean pictures help to maintain the flow of the presentation.

Video

A good way to add a little 'touch to your installation is to add video. If you can find and isolate some good video clips, add a touch high. If you decide to add video clips are not too long. Remember, you have a story to tell and the need to keep it moving. Keep the clip up to thirty seconds and consider using video as a breakpoint between "chapters" or songs.

Tell

Another great touch is to use the voice recordings in personal presentation. If the submission is a gift, to hear your voice makes it much more personal (and memorable). Voice recording can be done on many computers. Turn on the microphone and go for it!

Quotes and Poems

If you are really trying to create an emotional assembly, use the photo captions. They can be personal quotes, famous quotes, short poems, etc. Whatever your preference, a good estimate can help convey the true meaning behind a certain photo or bring out deep emotions.

Customize it

What makes a special gift? The thought of course - especially the thought that comes to you. Since it is the case, some pieces of personalization, however small, is critical. Think of it as your signature on a painting. Whether it's a song, a caption, or even some photos sure to make it your own.

The End

Sometimes one of the best parts of a film is the Highlight Reel at the end (think "Build Me Up Buttercup" at the end of There's Something About Mary). If you can come up with their own "bloopers reel," would be a great final touch to your presentation.

Back-Up Plan

Once all images have been analyzed, cataloged, and you're ready to begin your installation, do not forget to create a file with only the originals in case you need to get back to them for some reason. It 'a good idea to also create a separate folder with your edited photos. In this way you have copies of both for a "doomsday scenario". This also provides a way to store all your photo printing, which can degrade over time (cracked, becoming yellow, etc.).

We hope that these ideas are useful to you. Create a photo slideshow is a lot of work but is always out to be worth it in the end....