|  |
Photo Montage and Photo Slideshow Notes
I think it might be helpful if I describe the difference between a photo montage and a photo slideshow. A slideshow includes all the photos and the photos are cropped for a nice appearance and music can be included, but there is no motion attached to the photos. A montage includes everything a slideshow does but adds pans and zooms to the photos to create a video effect. Ken Burns used this technique in his well-known Civil War series. These are both alternatives to a scrapbook.
I always tell people to put their photos into an order, divide them up by sections if they choose and number the photos on the back from 1 on up. This needs to be done in pencil or pen. Someone once used marker and it rubbed off on the photos that came in contact with it. I ended up having to scrub marker off of photos and redo the scanning.
People come to me with both organized photos and photos that have no order whatsoever. I understand how difficult it can be to get photos from various people and places and turn them into something coordinated. I am always happy to work with people to organize their photos in a way they will be happy with.
Something I tell people is that, while it's incredibly difficult to leave photos out of the mix, it immediately becomes less painful once the photos have left their hands and are in mine. It feels like every photo is crucial but once the decision is made, people forget and the feeling disappears. I created one of these for my father's birthday. I was in charge of the photos and, because I was the one to limit the number and selection but felt the same way, I kept adding photos. I thought I'd never get done and finally had to have a talk with myself, after which I put the unused photos down and walked away!
I always say that a montage isn't a success unless everyone in the room cries. Usually I deliver the DVD and watch it with whoever is there. I see many happy tears as people relive the special people and events in their lives. One woman narrated the photos as they went by and I got to learn who everyone in the photos was. I'm always interested but usually have to guess.
Another lady invited me to the birthday party for her husband. While I truly appreciated the invitation I felt I had to turn it down. When a montage is shown the person throwing the party gets the credit and that's a good thing to happen. If I were there I would get the credit and that's just not as much fun!
|
|
