Slideshow software?

[markhennings]

What does everyone use for making slide shows?

Do you use your standard video-editing software?

I used Premiere for one, but it took too long for a simple slide show. I'd like some software that makes the process faster and will zoom toward people's faces automatically for me... and I've seen some really cool slide shows that flip pictures 3d this way and that - does anyone know what software is used to make those?

Some suggestions would be helpful

[DavidPartington]

In the past I've used Proshow Gold (from photodex.com), but I've not had much reason to do standalone slide shows lately.  There is a free trial you can download.

[Cole]

I use a combination of Premiere Pro, Photoshop and After Effects (All CS4). There are some more automated software options but I prefer to do it myself. I like to separate the subject from the foreground and background to give a subtle 3d effect and also adjust the DOF for a more artistic look. If I think of the software I came across when researching 3d montages I will post it.

[markhennings]

Thanks I'll check out that software.

How much do you charge per photo or slideshow if you do it all manually like that? It must take a significant amount of time.

[Cole]

I don't really charge for them anymore as a stand alone service. When I do them it is usually built into the price of a video package. Originally all I offered were montages and video transfers (home video to DVD). While I did this I was assisting local production teams learning the ins and outs of promotional videos. After I started getting videography work I stopped marketing the other stuff. I will do it for people that approach me about it but I'd rather focus on full video productions. The most I ever received for a montage was $750 for 15 minutes worth of pictures and music being shown at a Bar Mitzvah. And charging for these is just as tricky as figuring out pricing for any other service you will offer. It is a balance of what you feel your time is worth vs what they are willing to spend.

Here is one I did a little over a year ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFH7uZTuLKY

Back then I was using Premiere Elements and Photoshop Elements. This one is a little rough compared to what I have done lately but I like it. And they were quite time consuming at first but as with anything the more you do it the better and more efficient you get. If you have any questions about the process feel free to ask.

[ampsonic]

Animoto.com

It does it all for you. Takes 10 minutes, then you download the hd file.

Check out one I made here:
http://nickbodmer.com/?page_id=82