Slideshows and Intro to Photography

Slideshows and Intro to PhotographyJan. 31, 2013

Selecting a multimedia storyConsiderations:

What stories could be (better) understood and told through pictures, images or audio?

What subjects, places and events would provide interesting visuals or sounds?

How can you use a multimedia component to add dimension to your reporting? How will it build upon written content?

Selecting a multimedia storyGood stories don’t just happen. You need to plan.

- Create an outline of your intended story. Pay attention to your available resources and time constraints.- Brainstorm potential interviewees and visuals.- Conduct preliminary interviews as needed.- Research what, if any, related content has been developed by other news entities. Determine how yours will differ.- Scan for missing pieces. What critical information is not available to you, and how will you overcome these shortcomings?- Based on the above, hone your story

Create a storyboard of your project using slides/sketches and bullet points.

PhotosCapture everything

Start documenting immediately. Don’t be bashful.

~ 5 seconds per photograph

2 or 3 minute slideshow = 24-36 good images

If about ¼ of the shots you take are “good” …

You should take at least 100 photos.

Keep your options open!

PhotosCapture everything

Start documenting immediately. Don’t be bashful.

Take multiple images of key items or individuals.

Use different views or angles for variety.

Assume that everyone wants to be photographed. But be respectful.

Pay special attention to capturing images which will serve as good introductions to your story (start of slideshow) and kickers (end).

Gather a variety of types of shots.

PhotosShoot horizontal

When creating images for your slideshow, commit to shooting your photos with one orientation. Specifically, a horizontal one.

Horizontal images are almost always preferred.

PhotosRule of Thirds: Compose your image to place the focal point or point(s) of interest along the lines or at the intersection of the lines of a Tic Tac Toe grid.

Capturing imagesWide shots: Establishes the location or context for the story. The scene-setter. May establish characters. Also known as the “long shot.”

Capturing imagesMedium Shots: Presents and frames subjects, often from about the waist up. The go-to image. Brings viewers closer to what was presented in a long shot. Adds depth and focus to scene-setter.

Capturing imagesClose-Ups: Show a particular part of your subject. Adds detail.

Capturing imagesPortrait: Identifies the main subjects, speakers or players in your story. Does not need to be a mugshot. Try to document the individual in his or her “natural habitat,” rather than trying to manufacture one.

Capturing imagesAction shot: Conveys movement or progress. Features people, likely your main subject. Action shots should be directly related to the story you are telling, rather than conveying information about unrelated activities.

Producing your videoAim for a video no longer than 2:30 seconds.

5 second rule of thumb for image rotation, but add some variety.

Adjust display to compliment music.

Variety! A good slideshow needs visual variety. Use creative angles.

Rotating through images quickly helps convey action.

If photographs are worth 1,000 words…

Don’t use them to repeat words already used in text or other elements of your story.

Producing your video

Sister Judy

http://vimeo.com/23760902

China’s Future Champions

http://www.npr.org/multimedia/2008/07/china_gymnastics/gallery/index.html

Dinkytown Tattoo

http://jerrybroeckert.com/jb_resources/ss_news/mercy/index.html

School construction

http://jerrybroeckert.com/jb_resources/ss_news/ben/index.html

King Pong

http://www.drakejournalism.com/NewsInternet/J102/2012/03/02/king-pong-table-tennis-league/

Chicago Street Musicians

http://redlineproject.org/jacksonstreetmusicians.php

Slideshow No-No’s

Slideshow is too long. Or too short.Slideshows lasting more than a couple minutes run a very high risk of boring viewers.

The Too-Quick-Photo-ShuffleImages rotate too rapidly, leaving insufficient time for readers to digest the photograph or read captions.

Slideshow No-No’sAudio-Visual DiscordMusic, soundbytes or narration does not pair with images displayed. Such as images of frowning children with upbeat music.

Often the result of sloppy editing and failing to evaluate the overall package after production.

No captionsCaptions provide readers with information needed to understand the story being told. This is important when using music (rather than soundbites) to accompany your slideshow.

SoundslidesThe program:

Web-based program that can be used for free on Mac or PCResizes images (does not distort)Allows users to reorder photos once uploadedAllows users to create captions in program or import themAllows users to determine for how many seconds an image is displayedCreating a project creates an entire project folder, which will hold all

relevant materials and final product

But Soundslides won’t let you:Color correct, rotate or crop imagesEdit or shorten the audio file you upload to it (.mp3 only)Use images that aren’t in .JPGNo Ken Burns-ing in the free versionAdjust the length of your video

SoundslidesToday:1) E-mail me links to your blog and Twitter2) Download Soundslides, images and the (one-minute) audio clip. Links are at wwoodwa.wordpress.com3) Plan the flow of your story. Select about 12-15 images. Upload and practice organizing them within Soundslides.4) Adjust display time of images, explore custom options5) Practice writing captions and adjusting display options

For next week:1) Practice using Soundslides at home2) Blog3) Identify the story or subject for your slideshow. Conduct interviews and do research as needed. Take photographs. Lots of photographs.