It just isn't enough to make good photographs of wildlife and landscapes. Eventually we want to share those images with other people. We all look for outlets, both to validate our vision of wild places and things, and to teach and educate the public about nature and photography. An effective way to do this is through a slide show, either digital or film. Over a decade ago, after years of subjecting my friends and family to long and boring slide shows of trips and vacations filled with mediocre images, I realized I had begun to learn a few things about what was interesting to viewers. At about the same time I had begun to learn enough about photography to take better images. I started with church groups, classrooms, and work groups, gradually working up to paying engagements with larger audiences. Along the way, I have suffered some, but it was all a learning experience. To guide you along the path, I offer a few of those ideas.

1. 1. Embrace your fear of public speaking. Sure your knees are quaking, and you have had diarrhea right up to show time (at least I did), but consider this. You know much more about the images you are showing than anyone in your audience. It is your show, and you made these images. You are the expert, so just tell them what you know. I have found it best not to have a script, or crib notes. Prepare yourself by running through the show and deciding what you want to say, without trying to memorize it. I use my slides as visual cues for the next topic. Don't be afraid to do a little teaching along the way. As you gain experience with this method you will gain confidence.
2. 2. Use humor, tell a joke or story even if it is on yourself. I recently told a story to an audience about a woman who came up to me in a national park while I was photographing bugling elk. She tapped me on the shoulder and said " excuse me sir, but what time of the year do the deer turn into elk?" I was tempted to reply sarcastically that she needed to learn more about wildlife, but instead I found myself replying in my sweetest voice, "Ms, I believe it is the second week in August". If there are large sections where you will not be speaking consider adding some appropriate music, like Indian flute music for landscapes of the Southwest.
3. 3. Take some of your images and turn them into title slides. Title slides make your show look more professional, and serve as cues for you and the audience about when you are about to change subjects. Making title slides is easy in Photoshop. Simply open the image in PhotoShop, select the Text Tool, and type the image on the slide. Pick a color that compliments the colors in the image, but stands out nice and bright and has contrast. If additional lines of text are needed, exit the Text Tool by momentarily selecting the Move Tool. Again select the Text Tool and type your second line and so on, for additional lines. When you are finished, select Flatten Layers in the drop down menu of the Layers Palette and save your work. If you will be using a film projector, you need to turn your finished titles back into slides. Some photo finishing stores will do this for you, but it is expensive, up to $20 per slide. For several years I have been using a service that is very economical and has quick turnaround and excellent quality. The owner will accept CDs or a JPEG file via e-mail. The link is: http://homepage.mac.com/elliszacharias48.
4. 4. Get familiar with your equipment. Nothing wrecks a show like a jammed projector. If you have any slides that jam in the tray, straighten them or remount them. Buy a brand new projector bulb and install it, keeping the old one for a spare. I use a dissolve unit that operates two projectors. This allows one slide to fade from the screen and a new one to appear in a smooth transition. If a digital projector is rented, get thoroughly familiar with the operation and review how to adjust brightness and color saturation. Be sure you know how to download your files, and if they are on the hard drive, have a backup.
5. 5. In the arrangement of your slides in the show, consider visual interest. Intersperse large expanse shots with close-ups, and avoid having too many slides with the same color tones all in one place. Additionally, watch that very bright slides are not followed or preceded by very dark slides. Most importantly don't put too many slides in a show - keep them wanting more. Use only your best work, and use those slides that have visual impact. It is worth repeating - edit ruthlessly.
6. 6. Finally, have fun! If possible know your audience and their interests. Allow them to interact with you, either after the show, or during if you are comfortable doing so. Be sure and thank your host for having you and don't forget to mention Photo Migrations. I always give folks that are interested the link to our site.

Well I hope some of this is useful. As for me, I can't wait to see your next show! It is going to be great!

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Colin has been a wildlife and outdoor photographer for over 15 years, and still enjoys himself in a wild place, looking through a viewfinder.