Looking for something different? I discovered Animoto at this year’s SXSW conference… Load up your photos, pick a song, and within a few minutes you have a rocking music video. You can use their cleared music or load up your own. Thirty-second movies are free, full-length videos cost $3. You can get a full year’s access for $30. Here is a discount for $5 off.

The whole process is a piece of cake. Be sure to check them out – here. You can post the videos to a website, download them for an iPod, or even use YouTube to share. 

Here are a two more of mine that you can check out.

When dragging tracks in the Timeline, where you drag is as important as what you drag. Careless dragging may result in an unintended overwrite edit when you intended
an insert edit.

If you look closely at the Timeline, you’ll notice that it’s divided by a thin gray line. When dragging, look to see which region you enter to determine the edit type.

When dragging from the Viewer or a bin, use these tips:

* Dragging to the upper-third of the track results in an insert edit.
* Dragging to the lower two-thirds of the track results in an overwrite edit.

Several different options are available when dragging within the Timeline.

When dragging in the Timeline, use these tips:

* Dragging in the Timeline horizontally results in an overwrite edit by default.
* Dragging in the Timeline horizontally results in an insert or swap edit when you hold down the Option key.
* Dragging in the Timeline vertically results in an overwrite edit by default.
* Dragging in the Timeline vertically results in an insert edit when you press the Option key after you start to drag.
* Pressing the Option key and then dragging in the Timeline vertically results in a cloned copy added to the Timeline via an insert edit.
* Pressing the Option and Shift keys and then dragging in the Timeline vertically results in a cloned copy added to the Timeline directly above the clip.

Like this tip? It comes from the book
Final Cut Studio On the Spot from Focal Press.

Instructor Richard Harrington explains how to handle logos and give them alpha channels so they will work in a video environment.

Instructor Richard Harrington explains how you can create a spot color effect by working with your video clips in Photoshop CS3.

Want 30 minutes of free training on Adobe Photoshop CS3? Adobe had me in their theater at NAB giving lessons. Here’s a recording from one of the days so you can see what was taught.

Looking for more training?

At the recent Photoshop World conference, I picked up a new camera bag. This one is a lens bag, and is designed to condense your camera bag into a few lenses and essential gear. Be sure to check out the BODA Dry (a ton of the Photoshop World instructors and staff picked up on this). Here’s what’s cool.

The bag hold 4+ lenses (including long lenses) It’s very comfortable with both a shoulder and a waist strap (I find the shoulder strap more comfortable, but the waist strap fits well and has hip pads like a backpackers pack). The product looks durable with waterproof bullistic cordura and even a very tight zipper to keep rain out. It has a media card wallet, lens changing pouch, and even business card case. The gear is designed to be used with one hand (and the thoughtful construction shows).

I used the bag while hiking around Red Rock (outside Las Vegas) and it was a true joy. Very comfortable and very easy to use… I still love my Kata bag for lugging the gear, but when I trim down to go mobile… this one is great.