by David W. Powell

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Image Sequencing

Most of our photo club activity is centered around showing our images as stand-alone items in a contest to prove to ourselves and others “Boy, I’m a really good photographer”. After the contest these shots often end up in a box, pile, or digital folder not to be seen again until the year end contest or entered in another contest.  Anything else: slideshow, portfolio, website, framed and hung on walls (yours or someone else’s, e.g. single photog show… in our dreams) involves grouping and sequencing our images. Here are some things to think about:

• How do the images relate to each other?
• Am I trying to say something in addition to “I’m a good photographer”?
• How many images is enough?  Sometimes its not our call.
• How do I keep the sequence lively?   Not repetitious or boring.

When shooting I try to think: wide shot, medium shot, close-up, close-up, close-up, change the point of view (move: left, right, up, down, turn around… repeat).  In my work, I usually need more than one shot, so it’s a habit for me even when I’m shooting recreationally, giving me a wide pallet to work with when sequencing. 

Here is a simple five-image sequence:

• The aspect ratio and size are all the same (11×14 verticals)
• The subjects are looking: left, right, left, head-on, left
• The number of men and women balance
• The head size in the frame varies
• We work through red, white, and blue, and end with the American flag
• There is a variety of moods and expressions
• The first and last images make good bookends

These images were all shot from the same spot, subjects in the same spot, with the same background and lighting. I couldn’t have done this with only chest shots of everyone looking into the camera and smiling… that’s the planning ahead part. It’s also very important to work with a curator or editor (interested friend), one needs a second set of eyes for feedback and ideas.  

Try out your sequencing ideas with the Slideshow Module (Ctrl + Alt + 5) in Lr.

P.S. I’ve just started working with Topaz AI Clear… Wow!  More later.