How To Present a Digital Slideshow

Slideshows are an age-old photographic tradition. Digital cameras make it easier than ever to present your images to many people at once.
Most digicams have a "video out" capability that lets you connect your camera directly to a television for playback on a large screen. If your camera has this functionality, it most likely has a slideshow mode that allows you to choose images that are stored on the memory card and present them on the television in timed intervals. All you have to do is turn on the stereo for some background music and add a little witty commentary, and you'll have a full-fledged multimedia presentation to share with others.
Another option is to use the software that comes with your camera to assemble slideshows on the computer, then either show them on the computer monitor or connect the computer to a television for big-screen presentations. Computer slideshows have the advantage of enabling you to add transitions and special effects to your presentations. They can also be saved and played long after the memory card has been erased and reused.
You can also use independent software that didn't come with your camera for this purpose. Apple Computer's iPhoto not only enables you to make slideshows from your digital images, but also allows you to incorporate music directly into the presentation. You can even save the show as a QuickTime movie and send it to others.
Regardless of which method you use to create your presentations, keep in mind these basic tips that will help make your shows engaging and leave your audience begging for more:

• Include only your best images.
• Tell a story with your pictures as well as with your words.
• Keep your presentations short—5 to 10 minutes is all the time that's usually needed, or wanted, by your audience.
• Add music and anecdotes for more interest.
• Be creative. Add close-ups, distance shots, low angles, and high angles for variety.
• Never apologize for your pictures. If you don't think it's good enough to be in your show, don't include it.

Slideshows have never been easier to create, and people do like them when they're done well.