Photoshow by Roxio

Photo Show

PhotoShow offers quick and easy way to make musical photo slide shows and Video CDs. This software includes some fun extras like frames, animated clip art, and photo effects. In my opinion, the Deluxe version of PhotoShow is not worth the extra cost compared to the standard version which is simple and fun to use (as long as you don't require DVD burning). The Standard version is available for both Windows and Mac, but the Deluxe version is Windows only.

Visit Their Website

Pros

• Simple and fun way to share photos; now with VCD burning and many photo gift options.
• One-click authoring makes slide show creation fast and easy.
• Thorough documentation within the program

Cons

• Can't make DVDs on home burner; DVD can only be ordered.
• Built-in burning only allows one show per CD. No option to erase a CD-RW before burning.
• Many photo gifts showed a 'not currently available' message when selected.

Description

• Create slide shows with your own photos and music. Share via CD or online.
• Shows can be shared online through photoshow.net photo community or published to your own Web site.
• Slide shows can be archived to CD, made into stand-alone executables, or saved as a screen saver.
• Makes autorun CDs that can include an archive of hi-resolution originals. Burning is built-in.
• Slide transitions: dissolve, blinds, cut, fade, pinwheel, rain drops, stars, zoom, wipe, film roll.
• Photo effects: black & white, old film, color tints, strobe, negative, blur, flicker.
• Includes over 100 MP3 songs licensed for distribution or you can add your own MP3 music.
• Touch up photos and add effects. Rotate, crop, fix red-eye, fix color, paint, clone, etc.
• Add fun extras including animated clipart, caption balloons, and decorative frames.
• Standard version for Windows & Macintosh. Deluxe version for Windows. 15-day trial available.

Guide Review - Simple Star PhotoShow Deluxe 3

PhotoShow will have you creating musical photo slide shows within minutes. It's fast and easy and includes some fun extras such as animated clip art and effects. You can set options for the entire show and produce them very quickly, or add captions, text, music, and effects on a per-photo basis for more elaborate shows. Shows can be published as a free upload to PhotoShow.net where they are stored for up to 30 days, or you can publish to HTML for uploading to a personal site, burn a CD-ROM or VCD, make a self-running executable, or a screen saver. Shows posted to PhotoShow.net can only include bundled sound clips for licensing reasons.

Since my original review of PhotoShow 2.0, Simple Star has released PhotoShow Deluxe 3.0. This version adds photo editing and photo management features to PhotoShow, as well as options for ordering prints and a variety of photo gifts online. I was disappointed to find that PhotoShow Deluxe 3 does not support DVD burning. You can burn VCDs (Video Cds), but if you want a DVD of your shows they must be ordered for an additional fee. The photo editing and management features are convenient for working within the program, but too simplified to replace a dedicated photo editor or photo organizer. In my opinion, the Deluxe version of PhotoShow is not worth the extra cost compared to the standard version, which is simple and fun to use (as long as you don't require DVD burning).

View some examples

Instagram and Hipstamatic

Instagram on iPhone has kind of taken over my photography.  It is (as the title suggests) instant- you shoot, compose, filter and publish for hundreds to see, in a matter of seconds and I am totally addicted. (My username is Socobloke also).  Which brings me on to 'Hipstamatic'.

This App (iPhone only I think) is based on a toy camera that allowed you to change lenses to produce different effects.  The App loads to show you a very retro looking camera which allows you to swap the type of lens used, each one giving you a different and sometimes random effect on your images. You can also select various film types which mimic films from yesteryear.







 

This is a great App which allows me to recreate techniques that you would traditionally spend hours in a smelly darkroom trying to reproduce (There is a bit of me that misses those days though). The App 'Swankolab' reproduces these happy times, apart from the smells!in an amusing but creative way.

I find using the 'Hipstamatic'  App fun but at the same time frustrating as it takes an age (a few seconds!) to 'process' an image and during this time you are unable to see the results.  The fact that this annoys me is an indication of how impatient I have become in this digital age!

Hipstamatic, unlike some other apps, only allows you to use images captured in the App rather than load previously captured or imported images. This does frustrate me, however it does focus your eye and slows you down enough to take more care over your composition etc.

I have heard several photographers rubbish camera phones and the fact that they feel it creates a false feeling that anyone can take good pictures, this is contrary to what I have experienced.  The more I use my iPhone, and see the images of other photographers I realise that far from making it easier, it actually focuses your eye as you strive to produce nice images using the limited optics of camera phones and compacts.  If you check out some of the images on Instagram you can see this is the case, and it does allow those who appreciate good images to see them and interact with the photographer and learn from them.  One guy in particular who promotes and offers great advice to people discovering photography is Josh Johnson (user- joshjohnson)








 





 I find myself using my iPhone camera on a daily basis but obviously it is no match for a DSLR, however its fun, engaging, and instant.







 By Scott Johnston