How many of you have ever created a slideshow video? This is a great way to present design ideas to clients, share a special event or to use in your next marketing campaign.
Now, you might be thinking this sounds too hard or that you are not computer literate enough to make something like a video. Well, I am here to tell you it’s EASY and FREE! All you need is approximately 15 images, possibly your logo and a great song.
Click the play arrow below and get inspired! I created a slideshow video for the store and it was easy.
Follw these basic steps and you too can make a slideshow video. Get creative and most importantly have fun!
First download the free software.
http://download.cnet.com/Photo-Story-3-for-Windows/3000-12511_4-10339154.html
• Once installed, open the program, begin a New Story and hit Next.
• Import and Arrange Your Pictures. This is the screen where you want to import all your images. Keep in mind that horizontally arranged images work best. Don’t worry if your image is not horizontal however do be aware the system will attempt to automatically crop the image to fit in a horizontal format. You can also choose to manually crop, rotate and add effects to each image by selecting edit under the image preview window. You can also arrange the order of your images by simply dragging and dropping. After you have cropped and arranged be sure to save your project and select Next.
• Add a Title to Your Pictures. Here you can add text to each of your slides. This is a great tool to create a title page, to label a room, describe a look or tag people in the image. After you have finished select Next.
• Narrate Your Pictures and Customize Motion. You can even narrate your slideshow and write notes for each image to make the narration seamless. My FAVORITE part of this screen is the customize motion. This is what makes your images come to life and move across the viewer’s screen. The software will automatically create motion for each slide however you can also do each one manually to get the flow and rhythm you desire. Under the Motion and Duration tab put a check mark in the box next to specify start and end position of motion. For the start position resize the box around the image to be smaller and focused on a center object. Then for the end position resize the box around the image to be the full size of the image. Now click preview. AMAZING, right! You can also select the duration each slide is displayed or let the software select it automatically. Go through each slide and be creative. For example, try starting in one corner at the start position and ending in the opposite corner of your image at the end position. Now the image is really moving!
See the Transition tab at the top? Click on that for more fun! Here you determine how you want to transition from one slide to the next. I always use the Cross Fade but there are many great options to liven up your slideshow. You could select different transitions throughout your slideshow or use the same one for all. Go through each image and be sure to save as you go. When you are finished making the slide move with the speed and rhythm you desire select Close and Next.
• Add Background Music. My biggest advice here is to make sure the song is at least as long as the slideshow. The software will automatically fade the music out with the final slide. Once the music is in place preview your slide show. You might want to go back and make sure each slide transitions well with the beat and mood of the music. Also, if you are posting your slideshow somewhere like Youtube be sure you have the rights to use the song. Once everything is to your liking Save Project and select Next.
• Save Your Story. This dialog box lets you save your project according to your needs and how you plan to share it. It will be saved as a .wmv file which is viewable on most PCs with Microsoft Windows Media Player and compatible for online uploading. Once saved select Next.
• In this last window, select View your story.
Now that you see how easy it can be get out there and make a video today!
Hope you have a happy New Year.
~Tracy
