The biggest change that jumps to mind is simple: The amount of sessions (and attendance in such sessions) for attendees ostensibly in the still photographer track relating to audio, video, and non-static image presentations, whether that be as simple as a series of still images with added audio tracks presented inside a a video player using Soundslides, or even iMovie, 360º panoramics with overdubbed audio, all the way up to HDSLR/SLRgraphy projects involving cinematography rigs, and all sorts of other specialized (and costly) add-ons for the Canon EOS 5DMII, or Nikon D3s.
I checked out a session on creating panoramics, with and without additional audio tracks by Will Yurman of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, which are featured in a section of their site called “Round Rochester.” Photography fans will especially appreciate this 360º view from the top of Kodak Tower, as the building undergoes renovations.
Another session I attended focused on audio capture, from ambient to interviews to personal narratives, for enhancing still image inside video players. And it was a packed room in a session on video storytelling using SLRs presented Zach Wise of the New York Times.
One breed of multimedia image presentation that I did not see a focus on at this year’s NSC was time lapse. But I would be willing to wager a few bucks that we will start to see much more in the way of time lapse presentations on news and media sites over the next few years. And I wouldn’t be surprised to start to see workshops on time lapse popping up at events like the Short Course next year up Boston way.
It was also cool to catch a couple of sessions taught by guests on my TechTock podcast! Tom Sperduto gave a great high-energy workshop on lighting, and John Harrington gave a great session on dealing with the business side of photography.
The web is revolutionizing still photography, and that is a great thing! The biggest takeaway to be learned from all I saw at my day at the NPPA Northern Short Course XXIX is this: adapt, evolve, and learn new skills to continue to succeed in the new multimedia world of visual storytelling.
How are you energizing your still photography for the web? Share links below!
