Tips + Techniques


Creating Same-Day Slideshows, Step by Step

May 3, 2017

By Jerry Ghionis

© Jerry Ghionis

The immediate impact of playing the slideshow during the wedding is shown all over their faces.

THE PROCESS

It’s important that you arrange to present your slideshow during the reception when you have everyone’s attention. Do not simply have it playing on a laptop or TV screen in the corner of the room. You want to create the maximum amount of impact and excitement for the couple and of your work. In my experience, the best time to try and play the slideshow is immediately after the groom’s speech, when emotions are at their peak. Try not to promise the couple or the coordinator an exact time as the process is unpredictable depending on your other photography commitments at the reception that evening. Simply reassure them that the slideshow will last no longer than 10 minutes and that you will give them 30 minutes notice as to when you’re ready. If it must be scheduled, simply nominate a time that you can guarantee.

To add even more value, I provide the slideshow to my clients on a USB drive from PhotoFlashDrives.com. Most couples have smart TVs, which means they can plug the USB straight into their television and play it. The perceived value is much higher to your clients if they walk away with something in their hands.

© Jerry Ghionis

THE CREATION

  • I shoot RAW and JPEG to two separate cards.
  •  Download your JPEGS—they will be quicker to work with. Use the RAW files if your images need more attention.
  • Open your images in Photo Mechanic (camerabits.com) and sort your images by capture date (if you have two or more cameras).
  • Choose your favorite photos. I typically select about 100 images in 5 to 10 minutes. The key, of course, is to not overshoot on the day.
  • Select and view only your favorites.
  • In your preferred program (and if there is time), you may tweak the images for color, contrast and tone.
  • Upload your selection of images (I use Animoto.com) and create your favorite slideshow within minutes.
  • You will need the royalty to the music. (I use TripleScoopMusic.com.)
  • Make sure you insert your logo at the end of the slideshow.
  • If you don’t have an internet connection, you can export a slideshow straight out of Lightroom (though Animoto gives me more creative control).
  • I supply the slideshow on a branded USB stick with the mp4 file to my clients and their parents on the evening of the wedding.
  • Make sure you have plenty of business cards to give to all the people that swamp you after the slideshow ends.
  • Ask the MC to thank you publicly by your full name and company name once the show ends.
  • Linger around after the reception to give yourself more opportunity for guests to thank you. I know that might sound strange, but it works. You will get more referrals later on.

 

NECESSARY HARDWARE

  • Laptop computer and card reader.
  • Sound/audio: Portable speakers. 30-foot RCA cable (red/ black) to a headphone jack that you plug into the band or DJ’s sound system.
  • A USB stick to put your music on and give to the band or DJ. The band or DJ should press “play” on the audio at the same time that you press play for the slideshow on your computer.
  • Mobile device with a 3mm jack (plus an RCA adapter to be safe) to connect to the band or DJ’s sound system.
  • Data projector (I use the Epson PowerLite 1776W) and HDMI cable.
  • A portable 8-foot screen. There may not be a blank wall to project onto at the reception. You can also ask your clients or their reception venue to supply the screen. (I use the Da-Lite 87063 Deluxe Insta-Theater.)
  • Long extension cord and power strip.
  • A small portable table for your projector and laptop.
  • Duct tape to secure the cord that runs along the floor.

 

Jerry Ghionis is widely regarded as one of the top wedding/portrait photographers and educators in the world. He is a USA Nikon Ambassador and has won more awards than any other photographer at WPPI, where he became the first Grand Master.

Related: Tyler Branch’s Slideshow Storytelling 

Quickly and Easily Create Slideshows with SmartSlides 

5 Steps To Playing Matchmaker Between Music and Motion