Posted by Jim Erhardt on September 10, 2015 at 6:58 AM
We are in the planning stages of creating a short video (under five minutes) that addresses the topic and that will also serve as promotion for NPN membership. Here is our preliminary description of what it will entail;
A series of still photos with voice-overs of NPN members describing why they enjoy nature photography
We will ask any member who wishes to participate to supply about 6 photos and 20 to 30 seconds of audio describing in their own words why they enjoy nature photography
Your voice over will be used with the photos you supply
Your name will appear in your section, along with the state you reside in
There will be background music during the video to help tie all sections together
There will be a short section at the end encouraging viewers to visit NPN
We are working on the tech details of the file sizes needed for the photos, as well as creating a list of options for providing the audio, which we hope to have ready in a week or so. We plan on publishing the video on NPN is a higher-res format (probably 1024 X 768) and also on the NPN FB page and Youtube in compressed versions.
If you are interested in participating in the project, stay tuned to this thread where we will be updating NPN members, and where only NPN members can view the discussion.
Any questions or suggestions, please post them below. Othewise, stay tuned!
Update 9/16
Here is the full info, including specs so you don't have to scroll through this entire thread;
The Why nature photography? trailer can be viewed here .
Some basic info;
Our target length for this audio slideshow is around six minutes
We will need six photos plus one blurry/textured photo to use as your title slide, and an audio file that should be between 20 and 30 seconds long for your "section"
We will need to limit the number of sections to about 10 total to keep the slideshow close to its target run time
New sections will be inserted between my opening section and Jim Deasy's closing section
NPN member Jim Deasy is using ProShow Producer to create the show
Any submissions not used for this audio slideshow can be saved and used for future versions (there will be more!)
Getting Started
Along with great photos we are also looking for great narration. Start by writing your narration keeping in mind that it will be heard, not read by viewers. Select words that not only express your feelings about nature photography, but roll off your tongue smoothly as well. Feel free to mention NPN, but that is not required! If you would like assistance in composing your narration, please feel free to contact me at editor@naturephotographers.net .
Find a quiet place to record your narration (remember, 30 seconds max). Avoid speaking in a monotone, use inflection in your voice, be passionate about what you are saying!
FYI, I used my iPhone to record my narration in a quiet room, saved it to an iTunes playlist and then exported the file to my PC. I found this tutorial helpful - http://www.imore.com/how-get-voice-memos-your-iPhone
You can also record your narration directly to your PC using a microphone. When done, be sure to review your narration on a set of computer speakers, checking for any distortion or issues with the file, background noise, etc.
Tech spec for image and audio files for the video
Image Files
6 Image files with the following spec
Format:jpg
Dimensions:1000 x 750 pixels
Resolution: 240 dpi
Size: not larger than 600kb
As you see from the sample video there will be a title slide for each person’s section. If you have a good slide that will give some character to your images and will allow your name to be placed on the slide and be seen clearly then please include that with your 6 images (total of 7 images).
You may include your copyright and name on each of your photos, except for the title photo. If you have a standard mark that you use on your photos, that will be fine but try to keep it as discreet as possible.
We will use the authoring software to add your name and location to your lead-in slide so we have a consistent font and color on those titles.
Audio Files
Record you audio in a quiet place with no back ground noise. That includes air conditioners, clocks, the fan on your computer, etc. Please try and say what you need to say in 25 seconds. Send the files in one of the following formats: MP3 (preferred), wav, m4a, mp4, mp2 or almost any common format.
If you get a good recording and have a lead in or tail that does not belong send and tell us and we can edit out the unwanted lead in and tail so it will fit into the 25 second time slot.
If you have questions about this please ask.
All submissions can be sent to editor@naturephotographers.net . Feel free to send your submission over multiple emails if the file size exceeds the limits of your email account. We have no limits on our end.
Submission deadline for Volume I is September 27, 2015!
Sounds like a neat project, Jim. Is there a thought to keeping all images the same size for consistency and continuity over a variety of sizes passing along in the video? Also A good review in the lounge for members to see before going live maybe?
Posted by Jim Erhardt on September 10, 2015 at 6:29 PM
Neil, we look forward to your contribution!
Paul, we will have the specs figured out very soon. Obviously, we will need to accommodate photos of different proportions but keeping them all reasonably similar in size would be helpful.
We will actually have a first-draft mini version to show here before we solicit contributions. It will include the intro, one or two sections of member photos/voice-overs and the ending. This way, you'll see exactly how your contributions will be used.
Posted by Keith Bauer on September 10, 2015 at 8:21 PM
Count me in Jim. Thx.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on September 11, 2015 at 6:26 AM
Thanks Keith!
Posted by Mark Seaver on September 11, 2015 at 8:53 AM
I'll happily contribute, Jim.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on September 11, 2015 at 5:47 PM
Excellent, thanks Mark!
Posted by Jim Erhardt on September 13, 2015 at 9:39 AM
Found this video, the theme of which is very much like what we'll be doing;
Posted by Keith Bauer on September 15, 2015 at 9:52 PM
In viewing the trailer provided (very nice!), it looks like the images are all 1024 wide but not necessarily 768 high (landscape format images at least). I'm assuming that is OK as long as they are 1024 wide? Correct?
Posted by Jim Erhardt on September 18, 2015 at 8:38 AM
I'm assuming that is OK as long as they are 1024 wide? Correct?
Keith, that is correct. More specifically, all photos will be placed on a 1024X768 black background so that the member's name and location, as well an their email address or website URL can be added under each photo. The rest of the screen will be black (see trailer).
We will actually downsize all photos to 1000 pixels in width and 750 pixels (maximum) in height. If you wish to send your photos already sized to 1000 pixels in width, that is fine!
I have uploaded one of my slides so you can see how they will appear.
Discussion
10 repliesWe are in the planning stages of creating a short video (under five minutes) that addresses the topic and that will also serve as promotion for NPN membership. Here is our preliminary description of what it will entail;
We are working on the tech details of the file sizes needed for the photos, as well as creating a list of options for providing the audio, which we hope to have ready in a week or so. We plan on publishing the video on NPN is a higher-res format (probably 1024 X 768) and also on the NPN FB page and Youtube in compressed versions.
If you are interested in participating in the project, stay tuned to this thread where we will be updating NPN members, and where only NPN members can view the discussion.
Any questions or suggestions, please post them below. Othewise, stay tuned!
Update 9/16
Here is the full info, including specs so you don't have to scroll through this entire thread;
The Why nature photography? trailer can be viewed here .
Some basic info;
Any submissions not used for this audio slideshow can be saved and used for future versions (there will be more!)
Getting Started
Along with great photos we are also looking for great narration. Start by writing your narration keeping in mind that it will be heard, not read by viewers. Select words that not only express your feelings about nature photography, but roll off your tongue smoothly as well. Feel free to mention NPN, but that is not required! If you would like assistance in composing your narration, please feel free to contact me at editor@naturephotographers.net .
Find a quiet place to record your narration (remember, 30 seconds max). Avoid speaking in a monotone, use inflection in your voice, be passionate about what you are saying!
FYI, I used my iPhone to record my narration in a quiet room, saved it to an iTunes playlist and then exported the file to my PC. I found this tutorial helpful - http://www.imore.com/how-get-voice-memos-your-iPhone
You can also record your narration directly to your PC using a microphone. When done, be sure to review your narration on a set of computer speakers, checking for any distortion or issues with the file, background noise, etc.
Tech spec for image and audio files for the video
Image Files
6 Image files with the following spec
Format:jpg
Dimensions:1000 x 750 pixels
Resolution: 240 dpi
Size: not larger than 600kb
As you see from the sample video there will be a title slide for each person’s section. If you have a good slide that will give some character to your images and will allow your name to be placed on the slide and be seen clearly then please include that with your 6 images (total of 7 images).
You may include your copyright and name on each of your photos, except for the title photo. If you have a standard mark that you use on your photos, that will be fine but try to keep it as discreet as possible.
We will use the authoring software to add your name and location to your lead-in slide so we have a consistent font and color on those titles.
Audio Files
Record you audio in a quiet place with no back ground noise. That includes air conditioners, clocks, the fan on your computer, etc. Please try and say what you need to say in 25 seconds. Send the files in one of the following formats: MP3 (preferred), wav, m4a, mp4, mp2 or almost any common format.
If you get a good recording and have a lead in or tail that does not belong send and tell us and we can edit out the unwanted lead in and tail so it will fit into the 25 second time slot.
If you have questions about this please ask.
All submissions can be sent to editor@naturephotographers.net . Feel free to send your submission over multiple emails if the file size exceeds the limits of your email account. We have no limits on our end.
Submission deadline for Volume I is September 27, 2015!
As a returning member I'd be glad to participate.
Sounds like a neat project, Jim. Is there a thought to keeping all images the same size for consistency and continuity over a variety of sizes passing along in the video? Also A good review in the lounge for members to see before going live maybe?
Neil, we look forward to your contribution!
Paul, we will have the specs figured out very soon. Obviously, we will need to accommodate photos of different proportions but keeping them all reasonably similar in size would be helpful.
We will actually have a first-draft mini version to show here before we solicit contributions. It will include the intro, one or two sections of member photos/voice-overs and the ending. This way, you'll see exactly how your contributions will be used.
Count me in Jim. Thx.
Thanks Keith!
I'll happily contribute, Jim.
Excellent, thanks Mark!
Found this video, the theme of which is very much like what we'll be doing;
http://www.outsideonline.com/2010526/we-wish-more-doctors-prescribed
In viewing the trailer provided (very nice!), it looks like the images are all 1024 wide but not necessarily 768 high (landscape format images at least). I'm assuming that is OK as long as they are 1024 wide? Correct?
Keith, that is correct. More specifically, all photos will be placed on a 1024X768 black background so that the member's name and location, as well an their email address or website URL can be added under each photo. The rest of the screen will be black (see trailer).
We will actually downsize all photos to 1000 pixels in width and 750 pixels (maximum) in height. If you wish to send your photos already sized to 1000 pixels in width, that is fine!
I have uploaded one of my slides so you can see how they will appear.