My Passion: Photo Videos

1. What did you make?
I created a photo video for a history class recently that my teacher really liked! A photo video is a collection of pictures and quotes put to music to inspire and teach people. I made my video on my laptop using pictures, music, iMovie, and a LOT of time. Usually when I make a video, it takes me over 5 hours. This video took me probably 7 hours to complete. These videos work on all computers and because of YouTube and Facebook, I can share my videos with anyone.

2. How did you make it?
I started making these videos because it was an assignment I received in 8th grade English. Through that project, I learned that I love to create these videos. I love to work alone and in a quiet place because it helps me focus, but I still have fun with myself doing it. I sometimes take small breaks or get distracted, but when I start a photo video project, I get into it to the point where I sacrifice a lot of time and sleep to get it done. I just love doing it so much that when I start, I can't stop! A lot of times, my video morphs as I work on it. NEVER do my projects turn out precisely how I thought they would because I think of good ideas while I work. I don't mind the changes from start to finish, I think it is good to be able to change the project when you think you should. Sometimes, though, I change so much that by the end, I’m not even talking about the same thing! This is why I love to work on my project all at one time. I usually take a Friday or Saturday night and get it all done.

3. Where did you make it?
I worked on my project strictly at home. I love to use my personal laptop because I have all the things I need available. I like to make the videos alone and on my own and I don't typically show someone how they turn out until I am done with them. The things in my life affected the project I made at that time because I used music I enjoyed at the time. Also, the format I used for the video, like the colors, fonts, and themes, were affected by what was going on in my life at that time. It is fun to look back at many videos I have made in the past because they reflect on the emotions I had in my life at that time. There are peaceful, happy videos, and there are videos from when I experienced great sadness. Emotions help me create my videos and I think people can feel what I'm feeling when they watch my videos.

4. What did you learn?
The biggest challenge of creating this video was in the editing. I always have to make the clips perfect; the transitions are smooth, the pictures hit with the beat of the music, and the amount of time for each clip is perfect. I have found that the awe factor I can create in the videos comes from how precise I edit it and how much time I put into it. If I could do this project again, I would play around more with the music. I cut my own music and edit it to sound how I want using GarageBand. I would probably change the song and try new things even though I do like the song I chose for this video. The thing I am proudest of with this project is the fact that I can teach people and inspire them. I can take a topic that isn't very interesting, and make people want to know more about it. I can create emotions in people to make them understand what I am trying to convey. I love being able to help people learn and feel at the same time! What surprised me about the project is how much people liked it. I didn’t think it was all that great, until I took it to class and showed it to the class. People listened and asked questions and I got a great response. Also, as I make a new video, I learn more about myself. I learn what things I prefer and who I want to be. By the end, I feel like I have learned a lot about who I am. I also feel like a zombie from sitting at a computer for so many hours! All in all, I love photo videos because they are fun to play around with, they help teach and convey an idea, and they make people feel an emotion through inspiration. Photo videos are my passion!