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03/08/2005 11:18:29 PM · #1 |
Wanted to get some feedback on a project I am working on.
I know I have probably worn-out my welcome regarding the wrestling pictures, but an awards banquet is coming up to honor these young men and their coaches, and have put together a multimedia show that I have a smaller version of on my website.
These are imgages of the whole season. There are no shots of anyone wrestling, but rather the off-mat faces & experiences of the people in their comraderie amongst themselves, their coaches, assistants, the families and special moments, all set to music, with an emotional angle on it.
The link below will take a few minutes to load and for those running behind a firewall, access to Photodex will need to be allowed to view it. It runs 12 minutes long (3 songs on this smaller screen size version) and is rather pleasant to listen to as well.
Friends and Memories
(On a side note, I just found out today that one of my shots from this weekend's state finals meet is going to be on the front page of the newsapaper on Thursday, as well as 2 more on the front page of the sports section - w00t!)
Thanks in advance, and as the season is now over, NO MORE PICTURES! LOL
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03/08/2005 11:24:05 PM · #2 |
| I tried, even ran iexplorer. Said yes to install the ActiveX component, it start doing something and then said request to download the acivex component failed. I have a router, not a firewall that would block. |
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03/08/2005 11:28:42 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by nshapiro:
I tried, even ran iexplorer. Said yes to install the ActiveX component, it start doing something and then said request to download the acivex component failed. I have a router, not a firewall that would block. |
Same results here...
Starts out with an error (little yellow error icon bottom left IE status bar).
Edit: Error = Line 68 Character 2 Object doesn't support this Object or Method.
Message edited by author 2005-03-08 23:31:09. |
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03/08/2005 11:33:10 PM · #4 |
Thanks.
I just noticed that 2 out of 3 times I tried it in Firefox and IE6, it did the same. I think it has to do with loading the player on the Photodex (ProSHow Gold software) site.
If you don't mind, try it a couple times if needed. The actual version I will be using won't be a web-based player and is on a stand-alone auto-run CD.
Message edited by author 2005-03-08 23:33:57.
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03/08/2005 11:52:42 PM · #5 |
I tried a bunch of times and got the same error.
Then I just found their site, and tried the download manually, and the first time it failed. Their site is really slow, as if they are having major server problems. I am still waiting for the page to refresh to try downloading again.
Site:
//www.photodex.com/downloads/plugins.html
I check again later. I am interested in what you did. I've been producing the video show for our crew team for a couple of years now. Lots of fun, lots of work. |
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03/09/2005 12:06:52 AM · #6 |
It worked just fine for me. It is still running on the other monitor as I'm typing this.
So many great looking snapshots (and I am one of the people to whom snapshot is NOT a dirty word - there is skill and value in THAT type of photo, too).
You have a good mix of group vs single, serious vs light hearted, behind the scene vs action (but where is all the actual wrestling?).
The amount of time spent on each photo is mostly good - but the ones with many people and much detail could be a bit longer.
The slideshow is rather long. Quite a few of the shots (right behind each other) are nearly identical - no need to have both/all of those in there, stick to the truly different ones in this case.
Captions would be nice at times, too.
Background music is a bit of a tricky subject - hard to please everyone.
All the people who are IN those photos will loooooove your slideshow! |
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03/09/2005 12:06:56 AM · #7 |
Thanks Neil. I really appreciate the effort.
The full version I will use on the CD is all high-res shots and runs about 18 minutes long (620MB). I really don't expect anyone to get the emotional impact that I do, and suspect so many parents will do too when viewed and heard.
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03/09/2005 12:12:53 AM · #8 |
| It works for me but i already have the photodex software on my system... |
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03/09/2005 12:14:10 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by Beetle:
All the people who are IN those photos will loooooove your slideshow! |
Thanks Karin - I appreciate you taking the time.
It kind is supposed to be long, as it will be playing during dinner.
Where are all the action shots?
As soon as I get the State ones finished up (430 some of them) they will be added to the main site where the whole season's shots are, and will tally up 3,500+ shots: Season's Image Gallery
(Everyone involved all know where they are and is linked from the school's site as well)
I need a clone....LOL
Message edited by author 2005-03-09 00:14:56.
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03/09/2005 01:48:11 AM · #10 |
Hey Brad, it finally loaded. It took about 10 seconds to actually download. They have major server busy problems.
I watched it, and first let me say, I think it's very well done, and the pictures are excellent. You are lucky they were all your own. In the three years I've done this for the crew team, I have to take and sort through pictures people give me! (This past year I took a ton myself so I could minimize that--but even still I couldn't go to all the events.)
I am not sure what kind of feedback you are looking for, but here's my opinion based on my own experiences successfully doing this.
My own experience in doing the Crew shows tells me that this is too long. I have about 6 large teams to show in the crew videos, plus parents, boats, etc. I spend major time cutting down the shots to key ones. I keep the whole thing to 9-12 minutes, about 2-3 minutes per team, depending on size and the song I am trying to fit. I didn't time how long you have each slide showing, but I think you can trim it quite a bit. I keep it between 1.5 to 3.5 seconds per slide, and that includes the transition time (see below).
I like the music you selected, I don't know it, but the first song sounds perfect for the show (though it seems to go on a bit long itself). But the song is at a slow pace, and the second song follows suit. I use more songs, and vary from fast to slow, some oldies, some instrumental, some wilder and funny. In my opinion, the music is actually more than just background--it should be something the majority of people can "get into" in its own right while watching. I vary it, but some peppy music keeps the excitement level up. Something peppier, but still with a beat at the pace of the slide transitions (which can also be varied to fit the music).
Another thing you might consider: does your software support the Ken Burns Effect. That's the panning/zooming style video effect on stills you see on PBS. It's a great effect to make still images come alive.
Check out the memories on tv website (//www.picturetotv.com). There's a free demo. It produces a video you can burn to disc. The incredible thing is that it's really easy to get a meaningful effect--it is done pretty much automatically, and while you can control it, it works just as well in auto mode.
If you want to see an example of what I've done, I can email one of the 2-3 minute segments as a reduced resolution (14 MB) wmv file to you, or give you a download link. It might give you some ideas.
On the other hand, I know how much work these are, and you are pretty close to a good show here. Perhaps just speeding the slides up a bit and pepping up the music.
Just my own opinions from my own limited experience.
Regards--Neil
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03/09/2005 03:29:55 PM · #11 |
Thanks for taking the time Neil.
Seems the server issues are better today - geez.
This is my first attempt at doing a show like this, and the linked version is not quite as refined as the final 18 minute version.
Shorter in most cases would be better, but this will be presented to the families and guys at the typical 3 hour long banquet done every year.
In the past, a movie of clips assembled is typically shown of the guys during their matches and runs about 30 minutes, often finishing up as everyone is starting to eat, and does lose a bit of interest after a while with no sound othen than the ambient sound in the gyms.
I played with some of the transisition effects and think I'll stick to the fade as it is, so as not to make it look too gimmicky.
I'm going for an emotional aspect as a whole and may tweak some timings in the final version, and have a feeling it's gonna' hit Mom & Dads in an unsuspecting way, as it is presenting the people, not their sport, from a different viewpoint for a change. All the shots were chronological in their order except for the closing shot.
Thanks again!
Edit to add: One nice thing about the software version being used is that on the CD, all the image files are individually accessible in a directory and can be edited/printed by the families if wanted. Some of these slideshows turn them all into a single file and can't be extracted.
Message edited by author 2005-03-09 15:38:47.
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03/09/2005 03:41:48 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by BradP:
Thanks for taking the time Neil.
Seems the server issues are better today - geez.
This is my first attempt at doing a show like this, and the linked version is not quite as refined as the final 18 minute version.
Shorter in most cases would be better, but this will be presented to the families and guys at the typical 3 hour long banquet done every year.
In the past, a movie of clips assembled is typically shown of the guys during their matches and runs about 30 minutes, often finishing up as everyone is starting to eat, and does lose a bit of interest after a while with no sound othen than the ambient sound in the gyms.
I played with some of the transisition effects and think I'll stick to the fade as it is, so as not to make it look too gimmicky.
I'm going for an emotional aspect as a whole and may tweak some timings in the final version, and have a feeling it's gonna' hit Mom & Dads in an unsuspecting way, as it is presenting the people, not their sport, from a different viewpoint for a change.
Thanks again!
Edit to add: One nice thing about the software version being used is that on the CD, all the image files are individually accessible in a directory and can be edited/printed by the families if wanted. Some of these slideshows turn them all into a single file and can't be extracted. |
Ok--but do yourself a favor and take a look at the Ken Burns effect though. It's not a transition--it's a different presentation of the slide itself. As to the extra software feature, Memories on TV, which is what I use now, also keeps a copy of all the originals on the CD or DVD. But the main thing for me is how easily the professional KB effect is achieved.
Please don't feel socially obliged, but if you want, I'm happy to send you a link/copy of a sample that I produced--it might give a better idea of what I am talking about. If you have gmail or a mail that can handle a 17 mb file it will be easy to send. It's can come in mpeg or wmv format.
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03/09/2005 03:52:07 PM · #13 |
I'd be happy to see a sample Neil.
Hate to shell out $$ for something I will probably only use this one time.
No gmail here, and kinda' doubt a 17MB file will make it through. If you have a website that it can be downloaded from or a link to a sample it would be highly appreciated.
Like I said, this is my first try at something like this, and because I have known and followed many of these young men for the past 4-6 years, my emotional side may be blinding a technical issue that could be improved on.
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03/09/2005 04:02:19 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by BradP:
I'd be happy to see a sample Neil.
Hate to shell out $$ for something I will probably only use this one time.
No gmail here, and kinda' doubt a 17MB file will make it through. If you have a website that it can be downloaded from or a link to a sample it would be highly appreciated.
Like I said, this is my first try at something like this, and because I have known and followed many of these young men for the past 4-6 years, my emotional side may be blinding a technical issue that could be improved on. |
I'll send you a link to a download later.
I did exactly as you said. I mainly bought it to do the crew show. But I always find ways to leverage it later. I've done three crew shows, and now I'll do my son's bar mitzvah, future weddings, etc. Who knows, maybe eventually a paid gig. Plus I'm sure I'll be doing crew a few more times (they have their banquets twice a year, but I've said I'd only do it once a year, it's still a lot of work.)
Was the software you used free?
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03/09/2005 04:09:25 PM · #15 |
I downloaded the Demo version and had someone let me use their registration code to drop the banner off.
I did find a demo of the effects you mentioned, and I must say making the still images less static has a real nice effect:
Ken Burns Pan/Zoom effects
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03/09/2005 07:09:57 PM · #16 |
Got your email Neil - Thanks.
I may need to look into the software too, as I really like the refined feel to the presentation.
Once again Karin, thanks for the feedback.
Sorry I bothered everyone else.
:(
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03/09/2005 07:30:51 PM · #17 |
I was able to download the little software quickly. (I'm hooked directly into a T1 line, which may have something to do with it :) If I read correctly you were going for that 'hit at home' with the parents? If so.....a suggestion....(if you even have time!) is to get a picture from each of the boys from when they were little and interject them throughout the program. That's a big knot in the chest/tear jerker for the parent. I do a similar PPT presentation every year for Senior Day and we have the fast music that someone mentioned earlier....like what you hear playing at basketball games...clips of songs that kids like....but this music is good if your going for the affect to reach the parents. It's a little long....the kids may get a little bored...but the parents will love it! Be prepared to have them coming up to you asking for CD/DVD's of it.
Anyhow...just my 2cents... :)
~Colette~
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03/09/2005 07:41:35 PM · #18 |
Took me a whole 11 seconds to download and then the music and photos started. I'm on 5meg download here..working for the cable company does have advantages!!! It looks nice by the way..good job.
Billy
http:/www.bigdphoto.com
BUY MY ONE AND ONLY PRINT!!! //www.dpcprints.com/my_print.php?IMAGE_ID=153069
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03/09/2005 07:59:11 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by BradP:
I downloaded the Demo version and had someone let me use their registration code to drop the banner off.
I did find a demo of the effects you mentioned, and I must say making the still images less static has a real nice effect:
Ken Burns Pan/Zoom effects |
FWIW, ProShow Gold can do this. You can make the effects random and make them very subtle too. Or you can specifically add the transitions to each image and make them more personal to the shot (i.e. zooming away from a boys face, going left to right to match the gaze of a person, etc.) |
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03/09/2005 08:21:33 PM · #20 |
I had no trouble downloading and playing tonight. Nice job! I am sure that everybody will love it.
I am also a fan of the simple fade transitions, adn they work really well in your show. I really like the Ken Burns effect idea, though, and it wouldn't change the transitions. With the length that you are running this each picture is displayed long enough to do some cool zooming and panning. It could be subtle, if you wanted, but I really think it adds alot to still shows like this. I guess that is why he got the effect named after him.
There are alot of (great) shots here, and I know how much work putting this together is.
Liza |
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03/10/2005 03:28:18 PM · #21 |
Blinked and more replies - Thanks Colette, Billy, Brad & Elizabeth. I really appreciate the input.
After following up on Brad's input, I was able to utilize the software's KB effect, and one very nice feature, was the composition grid overlay:
Nice to utilize the rule of thirds when appropriate, and probably made a couple hundred adjustments before ending up with a Slide Show with KB effects (low-resolution, but you can right-click the screen and choose full screen for a better feel, though a bit pixelized.)
Starting or final placement of the shot is crucial to the impact, and what I found was to not think it too hard. I looked at the shot, found what drew my eyes to it, and worked from there. Often the eyes were a start/stop point, with an occasional fine rotation to level it out too.
If any of you have time again to sit through it again (gasp) I would appreciate it. Completely different feel now.
BTW Neil - thanks for the push to look into KB - what a change!
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03/10/2005 03:57:09 PM · #22 |
I tried the link and it came up to an automotive page :-(
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03/10/2005 04:20:06 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by Sunniee:
I tried the link and it came up to an automotive page :-( |
Odd.. maybe their server can only handle so many requests at one time?
The Automotive page is my shop's website that I have the slide show on. Probably was a 404 error.
When you get a chance, may need to try it again.
So far I am geting it to load OK today on Firefox and IE6, but has been a bit buggy due to having to access the software's site. The final version is on a stand-alone CD (thank goodness).
Thanks Michele.
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03/10/2005 04:28:00 PM · #24 |
Tried again, got this message:
We are sorry.
The page you have selected is either linked improperly or was removed.
Please notify us what you selected and we will do our best to correct it ASAP.
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03/10/2005 04:37:15 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by Sunniee:
Tried again, got this message:
We are sorry.
The page you have selected is either linked improperly or was removed.
Please notify us what you selected and we will do our best to correct it ASAP. |
Pretty strange...
I just rebooted my PC to follow the link myself with no cache, and comes up everytime in IE6 and Firefox. I will say that in this case, IE6 looks better because of the javascript presenter having control buttons on it.
Link is right and files are in place.
Odd....
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