I have a friend who would like me to create a photo show for her wedding. You know the years before as they were growing up. I would like to have transitions to be different and add different music. What program could I use to do this? Do I maybe have one already like in DIP?
Smiles,
Chelsea

I don't know how in depth you want to get, but Microsoft has a free download on their website for a very easy to use program called Photo Story. You plunk down the photos, change the transitions (one of the neat transitions is the "pan and zoom" move that really makes your still photos look like part of a movie...technically it's the "Ken Burns Effect"), and then add either your music or use the music generator which is built into the program.

One consideration that should not be overlooked is the question of copyright on music. I'm sure there's probably some huge legal issues with using copyrighted music (without the artist's permission) and then SELLING the DVD to your customer. I've heard of some people who create these videos but claim that the music was provided to them by the customer who supposedly already has purchased the music. I've also heard that just because you purchase an artist's CDs it DOES NOT MEAN that you have rights to distribute it (as in the case of the video.)

I've made videos for the grandparents at Christmas time or even just for my own personal use and sometimes I'll come across a song that I've paid for and downloaded from iTunes or Napster that Photo Story will not allow to be used. I end up with an error message that says the song I'm trying to use is copyrighted.

Unfortunately, I have no idea how copyright laws apply to a gift that you're giving to someone?? Probably more info than you wanted to know, LOL, but worthwhile to be aware of. Personally, I really like Photo Story for its quick interface. It's super easy to use. And at the very end, it walks you through the steps of burning to a DVD (there are additional options for what to do with your video...save to computer, etc.)

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*Oh, and did you know? I blog!

and PhotoStory is actually part of/bundled with the latest versions of DIP

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I use ProShow Gold. Easy to use and very professional results. You are correct. Due to copyright laws, you are not suppose to use music without the written permission from copyright holder.

Hey guys, I guess I should ask you this too. I also have Windows Movie Maker and Photo Story 3 but I didn't use them yet. Do they allow you to save and played in DVD player? Just wondering. Any help would be greatly appreciated

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...y/default.mspx

All you wnat to know about Photo Story 3

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Microsoft Movie Maker, part of my XP bundle works fine. A newphew made a great presentation from photos from Iraq. I did one using power point for 50th birthday. Photo's for 49 years and birthdays. Also scanned items, toys, yearbook stuff, took photo's and worked it all in. I also have NERO with I have done several shows with. Check your computer for Movie Maker!

Just my 2 cents...

This is my business... so I have a little different take on it.

First, since it is my business I got the best program you can (IMHO) - iLife. This comes with the purchase of a Mac. Before I got my Mac I used Roxio. It's got it's good and bad issues. If you're just wanting something basic then the programs listed before will be fine. If you are wanting a little more control and creativity then something like Roxio might be good, but be warned - it does have it's bugs.

As far as the music - I've talked in length about this very issue with several people in the business. With music (unlike with scrap kits) it's very very very difficult and VERY VERY VERY expensive to get a license to use the music. Especially if you're just a little in-home business.
Having said that - I make all my clients provide their music. Sometimes I can suggest something and if they don't have it they go and buy the cd, either way - they have to provide it. Otherwise they get the royalty free synthesizer music that's disgusting.

So, just wanted to offer up what I do. Hope it helps ya a little!

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