Irish Photographic Federation Audio Visual Championships

So I wanted to challenge myself, to do something new and different. As you all know I love photography, but I also love Videography also. As I check out the IPF(Irish Photographic Federation) website often, I researched what Audio/Visuals(AV) means. The Audio-Visual medium is a great way to tell a story, interpret music, make a documentary, tell about your hobby/interest or anything that captures your imagination, and can hold the attention of both the judges and the audience and get the message across. The IPF AV National Championships takes place in October each year and is usually held in conjunction with the IPF International AV Competition.

For my own sequences I used Pictures2Exe software, which is recognized worldwide. I watched many different tutorials and done hours of research, to try and understand the software as best I could. I only used a small proportion of what the software can achieve. I thought long and hard on what theme and photographs to use, and also what I found most important was the music choice. The music really sets the tone, emotions, story and so much more. My first sequence I created is called Lost & Found, and contains various photos I took in abandoned buildings throughout Ireland. I have a love for whats known as Urbex Photography. Even before I ever picked up a camera, I always had a fascination with it for some reason. I had not intended to add a voice-over, but after watching some previous entries, I felt mine was missing something. So I used a small microphone and the Audacity software to record it. 

See below for one my winning sequence:

My second sequence I entered into the championships is titled Hometown. It contains many different video files and photographs, from my hometown of Bailieborough in County Cavan, here in Ireland. I spent quite some time putting it together. I kept coming back to it as I wasn't overly happy with it at times. Eventually I said enough can be done. I got a fantastic reaction from friends and family when I played it for them. They even suggested some changes to be made, that I wouldn't of seen. My sequences are by no means perfect or professional, as I've only used the software for a month or so. 

See below for my 2nd sequence "Hometown"

I attended the 36th Irish Photographic Federation, Audio-Visual Championships, for the first time, on the 21st October this year. It runs over the weekend in the beautiful Áras Chrónáin Irish Cultural Centre, in Clondalkin Dublin. Was so nice to meet and talk to so many like-minded and talented people yesterday. The words of encouragement and advice from everyone was amazing. I won a bronze medal for 3rd place in the intermediate section, best photography, best first time entrant, and also an honorable mention certificate, in the intermediate section also. Hope to attend some AV meeting now in the future, and start creating more sequences. 

See below for some of my prizes, and also photos from a fantastic day. Thanks again for reading my blog post. 

Above: Myself and Dominic Reddin President of Irish Photographic Federation.