Digital Pictures Resources

I've had a couple of requests come in for iPad apps that can be used in high school Digital Pictures courses. I've done some searching, through my devices and other online sources, and have come up with a list of some good apps to try:

1- Photo Grid Pro (photo display)
Allows you to easily select photos from your photo library and insert them into a photo collage.  You have editing capabilities such as enhancing the picture, adding effects and stickers, as well as cropping the photo. Very user friendly and allows you to email or share through social media forums such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

2- SnapSeed (photo editing)
A highly rated photo editing app that includes some very intuitive, touch-based editing all for the great price of free.

3- ComicStrip (photo display)
This app allows you to create comic strips using digital pictures.  More fun than a serious photography app.

4- Lego SuperHeroes Movie Maker (stop motion animation)
This app is meant for kids- it's so easy to use- as it allows the user to take photos, moving the feature character slightly in each shot. In minutes, you can plug them into a stop motion animated film with effects, music, and slides.

5- Halftone
Similar to ComicStrip, this app allows the user to take images and add comic strip effects to the photo.

6-InstaFrame
Allows some pretty fun frames to photos that can then be shared on all kinds of social media websites.

7- Cycloramic Studio 360 Panorama
This app came up on Apps Gone Free a couple of weeks ago and actually allows you to use your iPhone or iPad to capture panoramic shots.  Should have remembered to use this on Vancouver Island this summer!


Every Stock Photo- I thought I would make mention a search domain that has Creative Commons licensed pictures.  What that means is that you can find copyright free images on this website. If you click on an image in your search results, you will be taken to a larger version of the image, a link to the source, and the attribution requirements for using that picture.  Alternatively, you are welcome to visit search.creativecommons.org for images free of copyright.  Teaching students to use these alternatives to Google Images will help promote a more responsible user of digital content.

Videography using the iPad 2

The iPad can be a great tool for creating videos for a variety of purposes. As an educator, you can capture video for video modeling scenarios, documenting student progress, and for curricular support. Imagine having your students create a movie trailer using iMovie for their favourite novel. Engagement and entertainment!
Here are some tips for creating great videos with the iPad 2:

1- Shoot your film using landscape orientation.  If you shoot video while holding the device upright, you will not be collecting video in the correct resolution.
2- Allow location services if prompted to when you open up your video editing app. This allows you to have access to videos in your camera roll.  If you have disallowed location servies for your iMovie app, you can allow it by going into Settings>Privacy>and turn on locations services for iMovie.
3-Allow time at the start and the end of capturing your footage- 2 seconds at both ends should be enough. This allows for transitions when you are editing your film in iMovie or another editing application.
4- Add a variety of camera angles when you are shooting your footage. Think close-ups, medium depth shots, and faraway shots. This will add depth and visual interest to your final edited product.
5- Source out royalty-free, no cost music. Check out Kevin McLeod's website http://incompetech.com for copyright free music.

Which apps to start with?
Online:
Animoto.com. This site is a great tool for beginner videographers. It is easy to upload and edit video clips into a great compilation.  There are free options, but for a mere $3/month, you can create some amazing videos, incorporating music and your photos. There is an app available for iOS devices.

Videolicious (Free) This iPad app allows to you integrate video and photos into a narrated visual presentation.  Could be used to create a tutorial or create a narrative video.

iOS:
iMotion HD (Stop Motion animation- $1.99)
Action Movie FX  (in app upgrades) Allows you to add some special effects which can be incorporated into iMovie for further editing.
iMovie ($4.99)
Lego Super Heroes Movie Maker (stop motion animation-free)
Avid Studio- editing application