Wildlife photography and Audio/Video presentations

Audio/Visual (A/V) presentations are the perfect way of sharing your experiences. You do, however, need to plan your audio/visual before you leave home to ensure that you shoot sufficient material that is different and can be used effectively to tell the story. An A/V is not just a selection of salon slides; an audio/visual makes use of sound and images to create a story. The story can be formal or informal, but it is the effective combination of all the elements that ensures a successful audio/visual.

Any subject matter can successfully be turned into an audio/visual and wildlife photography is no exception. In addition to sharing your experiences, you are also able to make good use of the many images that you shot, but cannot use for club or salon submissions for whatever reason.

1. Selection of Images

Quality--while each image used in an A/V need not be of salon quality, it is important to consider the difference between a non-salon type photograph and one that is suitable for an audio/visual. An A/V is not a depository for poor pictures.

Composition, lighting, exposure, etc. are still important and must enhance the subject. It is important also that all the images are of equal density in terms of lighting and exposure, as by following each other they will reveal any inconsistencies in technique. A good rule of thumb for an audio/visual is to follow the time sequence of a day; do not skip around between different times of day as you will ruin the feeling of consistency. Start, for instance, in the morning and proceed to sunset.

An audio/visual is often a means of telling a story and as such, can have a number of similar images used to tell the story. Care must be taken, however, not to be too repetitive and to only include those images which will further the story. When photographing, consider that you might want to make an A/V when you return. Make sure that you shoot the same scene from different angles and view-points and use a variety of lenses so that you have both wide-angle and close-up shots. This will ensure that your sequence is interesting. (See images 1-4.)

When considering how long to make the presentation, the rule of thumb is to err on the short side and leave viewers wanting more. I prefer to produce a number of short A/Vs for a program rather than one long one; this allows me the opportunity to talk to my audience between sequences, thereby ensuring that they are all participating in the event.

2. Soundtrack

Music is an obvious and easy choice, but be sure that the music fits the mood you are trying to create. Steer clear of using music that is too well known and be sure that you understand the copyright ramifications before embarking on your production.

If you are intending to use a voice, make sure that the recording is done in a professional manner. Hiss, background noise, uneven modulation, etc. reflect poor technique and will detract from your presentation. The person who is speaking should have a pleasing voice and care must be taken to avoid monotony. This refers not only to the actual recording, but to the combination of voice and images--do not plan on one slide for each sentence. Local theatrical groups are a good source for narrators as actors generally have good speaking voices and are also animated, making the difference between an interesting and a boring soundtrack.

Sound effects can be included to add effect, but its with any effect, be sure that you don't overdo it.

3. Audio/Visual Techniques

Slide projectors--make use of A/V techniques when presenting a show; otherwise, it can merely be considered a slide show. Techniques vary depending on the type of equipment being used and whether you are using a single projector, dissolve or side-by-side projection.

Dissolve techniques are probably the most exciting, as you have within your means the possibility of producing "third images." This occurs when the projection lamps of both projectors are reduced power, allowing both images to be projected at once. It is only possible through practice to see which images will successfully create a "third image," but after a while you will know which ones work and which ones don't and you will begin to photograph Specifically for an audio/visual presentation. For instance, if you have a dark area in your first slide then that is the area that will show the next image first and thus create a new picture. In the example I have used a profusion of doves to suggest the confusion arising as the lanner falcon strikes. (See images 5-7--dissolve projection--the combination of 5 and 6 create 7--the "third image.")

Side-by-side projection also lends itself to A/V techniques, as you are often able to tell a much fuller story by showing two images at the same time, the second reinforcing the first. For effect, you can use a third image to reinforce it further. (See images 8-10--side -by-side projection--the first two images compliment each other and then by changing one of those two only, you further reinforce the message.)