Five More Tips for Better Wedding Slideshows! Part II

Intro by Skip Cohen
 
The goal of every business owner is to always exceed customer expectations and technology has given photographers a golden opportunity to dramatically raise the bar on their storytelling skills.  So, if you're not offering slideshows to your clients you're missing an incredible opportunity to grow your business and increase customer satisfaction. 

Last week we launched our first Photodex Friday with preparation tips on creating an effective slideshow for a wedding client. Now it's time to get into the nitty gritty of the video production itself. Be sure to check out the links in this post - each one shares another example of an enhancement to make your slide show stronger.  Think of yourself as a chef and you're getting a chance to taste some new spices before you prepare the main course!

And, if you missed the first five tips, they're just a click away.

Click on the image to listen to William's "Building Your Business" post and view one of his wedding videos. Image copyright William Innes. All rights reserved.

6. Pick a Slideshow Theme!  Options like: (romantic, fun…)

• Montage (collage effect)
• Damask Elegance Theme
• Always Theme
• Infinity Theme
• Album layout feel  (Focus Imagery , Eric Hoffland , Contact Sheet slide styles
• Effects (ProShow Producer and ProShow Web compatible) StylePack - Weddings, Black and white images

7. Add a Custom Intro:

• Add an opening intro slide that speaks to the couple. Choose a fun font, add their names, the date and time, and even perhaps as a special touch add a quote. This is a narrative setting the stage for the story you're about to share.

8. Pick the Right Music (match to the images and/or feel of wedding) *Note: In ProShow this is referred to as “Energy Level”

• Pick music that fits the story, whether slow or fast it needs to be upbeat. Remember 3-4 minute slideshows can have 1-2 songs (depending on length)
• *Pro-Tip: Select a song that is similar to the couple’s first dance or wedding march.
• It's important to stay within a 3-4 minute time frame. Your slideshow needs to be long enough to tell the story, yet short enough to keep everyone interested.

9. Things to think about when making a SlideShow  

• Length- Shorter is better. Learn how to trim down and make the show more impactful
• Pick transitions that match the event’s style.  (traditional, modern, classic)
• *Pro-Tip: Families love recaps. Assemble an end of event quick slideshow video to share recapping some of the highlights of the wedding day. This gives the family something to share and you a bit of time to focus on postproduction edits. Some photographers actually set things up so they can be dropping images into their slide show during the evening and then showing during the reception. See "Live Show" below.

 
10. Lastly! Learn How to become more efficient as a Professional Wedding Photographer… Make a Live Show 

• More Info: With ProShow Producer, the Live Show function allows for creation on the go. Live Show can dynamically pull images from a folder on your hard drive as the show plays. Perfect for a live event (weddings).