Create videos from still pictures using tools you probably have at hand

Everyday video

I was teaching a group of students media technology using Apple computers. They didn’t believe they could make a movie of their still images covering the school on a computer, so I spent my prep period throwing together this PowerPoint using copyright-free YouTube audio to show them the next day.

They loved it and wanted to know how to do their own videos—so I taught them how. Amazing the difference 24 hours can make.

Personally, I thought it would be fun to re-create the multi-image slide shows we did during the 1970s and ‘80s. Back then, when I started teaching journalism and photography at Roseburg High School, I wanted my photographers to have a culminating project to showcase their work.

I had created two-projector dissolve-controlled slide shows in college, and knew how to get students started creating segments throughout the year that were then pieced together before the final performance—which was so popular is became a spring assembly with rockin’ music and lots of cheering and applause. I can’t remember the last time a group of photographers had such an appreciate audience. We used eight projectors, three screens, and a soundtrack. It was amazing.

Of course you could create videos, too. You’ll notice at the end of “Explore Oregon” I included a video just to show that it can be done.

If you can dream it, you can find a way!

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