I have some experience making slideshow but most of it is from my college days. Back in the dark ages with slide projectors, dissolve units and cassette tape recorders. I loved the two classes I took. I’ve done a couple of quick slideshows in the past year but so far they have just been put in the photos and the music and let the software make all the decisions on timing and transitions. One of the things that I find most powerful about using a slideshow to tell a story is the merging of images and music. It can make a powerful impact if done right.

I found some good advice on squidoo for making great slideshows. You can read the full article here. But the basics are:

Key #1: Story

• have a good story
• avoid distracting transitions

Key #2: Timing

• time transitions to the music
• mix it up if you use zoom effects
• sync the speed of the movement with the mood of the music

Key #3: Music

• picking the right music for the emotions you want to invoke

The article on squidoo has a nice list of suggested music for the following topics:

• Happy/nostalgic – any occasion
• Sad/relief – funerals
• Romantic – weddings & anniversaries
• Intense/fast – Party, just for fun

Key #4: Audience

Always keep your audience in mind as you make your choices. It isn’t as important that you like the show as that your audience will relate to the show.