Photo Story

Hello,

Following a brief demonstration during tea break on Tues 8 Nov, I have put some information together for people that might like to start producing AVs (Audio Visual presentations) for fun and possibly towards competitions. Please feel free to contact me if you have any queries or find information that could be shared.

Thanks,

Matthew

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Photo Story is free software from Microsoft that allows the creation of moving sequences of still images combined with narration and / or music.

It is an easy way to get started with AV activities.

Download the free software from: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=11132 You may be asked to download a Windows validation tool to confirm you are using a valid MS Windows operating system.

The download appears to be just for Windows XP but I have used it with Windows 7. Vista users may already have it installed or require a small adjustment for it to work.

Install the software and explore.

Search for Photo Story tutorials and examples for ideas. E.g:

· Photo Story tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR7CpW-A3g4&feature=related

· Example of Photo Story used for wedding celebrations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJYBX-9G22k&feature=related

· Example for holiday memories: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt9ifJar2GE&feature=related

· Advanced features: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6kMnyyUUss&feature=related

For free music sources: http://www.seabreezecomputers.com/tips/freemusic.htm

There are many forums regarding creating AVs—the core themes being that a good AV has good quality images with a strong beginning (B), middle (M) and end (E) and be matched with music . Others look for a sequence of good images and transitions harmonised with music.

Competition entries are around four minutes in duration and image sizes around 1400 pixels wide by 1050 pixels high (as with PDIs for competitions) so that they can be projected correctly.