need help with 140 photo slideshow please

[baldrn]

I have a client who wants a 140 photo slideshow. Now..I don't WANT to do that, but he is the client. I think it's obviously too much..
So..that said...is there a javascript that I can, I guess... "bulk load" all of the photos/text onto the server and let it run from there? Or any other options that might work here instead of uploading/labelling/linking each one like in the normal javascript slideshows that DD offers? That's what I'm used to using. But then again, I've never had to publish 140 photos in a slideshow.

He said he has "friends" who have a program that they stick 140 photos in and it creates it from there. I assume he's talking Flash. I don't do Flash.
Any help/links appreciated.
Thanks!

[Medyman]

I don't do Flash.
Too bad, b/c it would be dead easy to do this with Flash. I'm assuming this means you don't know ActionScript. How about looking into SlideShowPro (http://slideshowpro.net/). It's very fairly priced and there is a standalone version (so you don't need Adobe Flash). You simply have to drop all the images into a directory and link SSP to a PHP script that automagically writes the XML. The PHP is included in the download.

Seems like a perfect fit for your situation.

[baldrn]

That looks great. I feel so stupid and in over my head I guess.
I have DW and PSD CS3, but never use the Flash. I worry that it might be irritating to some people to have to go download Adobe Flash if they want to view the slideshow.
Javascript has worked fine but I dont' think it's reasonable to label/link each individual photo for 140 photos.
I need to find out more about what this
SSP to a PHP script that automagically writes the XML means.
My server supports PHP I know.
I hate it when simple things get complicated.:o

Maybe some links or tutorials out there...
Thanks!

[baldrn]

I have taken a look at that and it does look good.
Having never used a program like that, I am cautious.
-I can't find Lighthouse in my Master Suite cs3..is it included or do I have to buy another program?
-If I purchase the flash version of the slideshow pro...is it easy to use? Do I have to know coding?
Thanks!

[Medyman]

I can't find Lighthouse in my Master Suite cs3..is it included or do I have to buy another program?

Do you mean Lightroom? If so, I don't think it's in the CS3 Master Suite. You have to buy it separately, if you want it. But that's complicated your workflow. You don't need Lightroom.

I would suggest buying SlideShowPro for Flash.


If I purchase the flash version of the slideshow pro...is it easy to use? Do I have to know coding?
Very easy! You don't have to do ANY coding at all. You don't even have to open Flash.


I need to find out more about what this

SSP to a PHP script that automagically writes the XML
means.
It means that all you have to do is drop new images into the directory and the slideshow automatically updates with the new image. So, once you build it, you don't have to keep opening the source file to change anything.

When you download SlideShoPro (SSP), there will be a folder called Standalone. That's the one you want to use. All of the settings (colors, transitions, etc...) are set in param.xml. Here (http://wiki.slideshowpro.net/SSPfl/Standalone)is a explanation of all of the files included for the Standalone version.


I worry that it might be irritating to some people to have to go download Adobe Flash if they want to view the slideshow.
Flash has 95% market penetration. The whole plugin argument isn't really valid any more.

[baldrn]

Thanks! I downloaded the trial version installed for cs3.
This page http://wiki.slideshowpro.net/SSPfl/QuickStart
indicates writing xml and opening flash.

I can copy the xml that is there into an XML document I guess.
I hate feeling stupid. Just never HAD to work with flash :confused:
Any other way of using this slideshowpro, like you said without opening Flash?

[Medyman]

Have you read the instructions here (http://wiki.slideshowpro.net/SSPfl/Standalone)?

That explains the process of using the standalone version. This is the version for which you don't need to open Flash.

SSP's main usage remains for usage with Flash. So, most of the documentation relates to that workflow. Ignore it. Rely on the page above.

A file called images.xml should have been in that package. That's where you add your images. You set all of the properties in param.xml. Here (http://wiki.slideshowpro.net/SSPfl/API-ParameterList) is a list of all the properties. They are each explained via it's link in the left hand menu (under the "properties" heading).

[baldrn]

I have it working LOCALLY..
:)
But when I put it out on the server, it only is displaying the .jpg that came with the pg. Here is the xml..tell me what's wrong please

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<gallery>
<album id="ssp" lgPath="album1/images/" tnPath="album1/thumb/" title="Album title" description="Album description" tn="album1/preview.jpg">
<img src="front.jpg" title="" caption="" link="" target="_blank" pause="" />
<img src="side.jpg" title="" caption="" link="" target="_blank" pause="" />
<img src="1.jpg" title="" caption="" link="" target="_blank" pause="" />
<img src="1.jpg" title="" caption="" link="" target="_blank" pause="" />
<img src="1.jpg" title="" caption="" link="" target="_blank" pause="" />
</album>
</gallery>
The pix front.jpg and side.jpg are out on the server.
Also, I can't get the thumbs of those two .jpgs to show up.
Since it worked locally, I just used the same .xml and uploaded it in a folder called "standalone". It should look to the same album if it's showing the test photo that came with it.
THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP!

[baldrn]

Ok..I found out that I had .jpg capped..fixed it!
Now...
a few other questions:
-how do I make the thumbs? And do I just put them in the thumbs folder? Making sure the thumbs are named the same as the larger pictures?
-I'm trying to embed this using the instructions on the standalone but obviously not doing it correctly. Any hints?
-I need to do this with 140 pictures. Is there an easier way? I would like to just dump those pictures in a folder, but like this, I have to go in and wrap each pic in code. Of course, I could build one ground up in Flash (OMG..I'd be doing Flash!). But, even building it ground up, I"d have to wrap each single image in code wouldn't I?
-why am I not seeing the text I put in for the photo descriptions/captions? I even added testtitle for the 1.jpg that comes with the standalone and it's not showing up. I've cleared cache and refreshed. The album title shows up and description. The one labelled "front" shows up. Why does the 1.jpg not show up?

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<gallery>
<album id="ssp" lgPath="album1/images/" tnPath="album1/thumb/" title="" description=" " tn="album1/preview.jpg">
<img src="front.JPG" title="front.jpg" caption="front" link="" target="_blank" pause="" />
<img src="side.JPG" title="" caption="" link="" target="_blank" pause="" />
<img src="1.jpg" title="testtitle" caption="testcaption" link="" target="_blank" pause="" />
</album>
</gallery>
Thanks again for all of your help!
Mark

[Medyman]

how do I make the thumbs?
First, you don't have to have thumbs. If you want them, you would create them with any image editing software. I'd suggest using a batch action (http://www.larry-bolch.com/thumbnails/) in Photoshop to create them all in one sweep.


And do I just put them in the thumbs folder? Making sure the thumbs are named the same as the larger pictures?
Yup, exactly. You actually don't have to name it the same thing. If it's named differently, you can add a tn="" attribute to the <img /> node. But, if you don't supply this it assumes that it's named the same.


I'm trying to embed this using the instructions on the standalone but obviously not doing it correctly. Any hints?
Use SWFObject 2. (http://code.google.com/p/swfobject/)0. It's the de facto standard for embedding Flash content. There is a code generator here (http://www.swffix.org/swfobject/generator/).


I need to do this with 140 pictures. Is there an easier way? I would like to just dump those pictures in a folder, but like this, I have to go in and wrap each pic in code.
Of course there is. You could use PHP (or another server-side script) to do this automatically for you. There are some scripts in the SSP forums that would help here. This would be beneficial if you plan to update the slideshow (i.e. add more images later on down the line). If you're only going to be dealing with these 140 images, there is a free Windows based application called XML4SSP (http://www.locandadelborgo.com/download/) that will generate the entire XML file for you.


Of course, I could build one ground up in Flash (OMG..I'd be doing Flash!). But, even building it ground up, I"d have to wrap each single image in code wouldn't I?
Yes, you would. But why waste all that energy when Tood Dominey has put so much effort into this great application.


why am I not seeing the text I put in for the photo descriptions/captions?
What are the settings in param.xml relating to captions? Specifically check captionApperance (http://wiki.slideshowpro.net/SSPfl/API-captionAppearance), captionPosition (http://wiki.slideshowpro.net/SSPfl/API-captionPosition) and captionTextColor (http://wiki.slideshowpro.net/SSPfl/API-captionTextColor).


Finally, the following page will make your life a whole lot easier: SlideShowPr Extras (http://slideshowpro.net/products/slideshowpro/slideshowpro_extras). It includes a PHP script for automatically generating your XML file (as I mentioned before, this helps if you'll be updating your slideshow often). And it also includes a PhotoShop extension that will create the thumbnails AND XML for you. I think you need a valid license to download these extras.

Let me know if you have other questions.

[baldrn]

WOW!!! What a post of great information!!
THANK YOU!!
I have, HOPEFULLY, talked this guy into having 4 or 5 simple html pages with 5 pictures or so that I can detail, in text, his work on these jobs rather than potential customers having 140 pictures to sort thru and briefly loook at.
BUT...I have enjoyed the challenge of working with this and will continue to do so...
I especially like the xml generator noted here: http://www.locandadelborgo.com/download/

Does that work well???
Thanks again!

[Medyman]

Does that work well???
Couldn't say. I've never used it. But consider the fact that the makers of SSP endorse it, I'm sure it does.

I've only used SSP on large projects. I then either have used SSP Director (http://slideshowpro.net/products/slideshowpro_director/slideshowpro_director) or used the API to integrate with ExpressionEngine (my CMS of choice).

[baldrn]

Ok..I got the xml generator going and got the images generated using http://www.locandadelborgo.com/download/support.asp

It calls for an index and .swf ssp file to be in the main folder. I don't understand where those come from? I mean the files are in the standalone folder but they are relevant to it only..right?
I click on them just to see and it sits there, no flash.
But..the xml the generator made looks correct in that the .jpgs I needed are included in the .xml.
I had to rename the folders to Output-Layout like his was in the folder structure, but that isn't what it takes in Flash..
yikes...

[baldrn]

Why can I only get the first three images to show up in Flash. I can move these around and they all will show, but only the first three. Is it because it is a trial version?
I have sent this question to the company, but it is a long time for them to resond...days actually..to my first question.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<gallery>
<album id="ssp" lgPath="album1/images/" tnPath="album1/thumb/" title="NT slideshow test" description="just pix of our camper" tn="album1/preview.jpg">
<img src="1.jpg" title="testtitle" caption="testcaption" link="" target="_blank" pause="" />
<img src="Cicis Pizza.jpg" title="testtitle" caption="testcaption" link="" target="_blank" pause="" />
<img src="front.JPG" title="front.jpg" caption="front" link="" target="_blank" pause="" />
<img src="side.JPG" title="" caption="" link="" target="_blank" pause="" />
</album>
</gallery>

[Medyman]

Why can I only get the first three images to show up in Flash
That's the limitation of the trial version of SSP.

[baldrn]

WELL HEY!That's good news!
That tells me I am doing something right then!
Thanks!
Now, all I have to do is:
-figure out bout the thumbnails..
-embed the slideshows.

[Medyman]

figure out bout the thumbnails..
If you plan to buy it, use the Photoshop add-on that I linked to before. It's a piece of cake.


embed the slideshows
See my long post above. SWFObject 2.0 and that generator will do all the heavy lifting.

[baldrn]

Very good. I'm buying it tonite.
I have a random question about charging.
I just sort of do this on the side, as a hobby..obviously I'm not the pro. But..I enjoy it and I do small sites for people. Usually, tho, it's just html tables, templates, js slideshows, that sort.
Now, this guy surprised me and asked me to build this 140 photo slideshow. I actually have to divide it into three parts.
So, i'm building 3 slideshows of about 46 photos each, with a caption.
What would someone charge for that? typically..not in a busy metro area with a lot of competition.
Rural...this is for a sign and awning company.
It's with about 4 or 5 pages...
just a range to go by...
Thanks for the input...

[Medyman]

It depends on your payment structure and how much you plan to make. As your hobby, you can probably be a little on the cheaper side, I guess.

I started out in web design the same way... a side thing when I was in school A site here and a site there. Then suddenly people started recommending their friends to me. Web design/development isn't my chosen career. It kind of found me. Well temporarily anyway, until I finish my masters.

You should 100% charge the cost of SSP and anything else that you've paid out of pocket. Then set a hourly rate and come up a nice round number that seems fair to you. I haven't seen the site, so I can't say how much work you've done for it. But I would say $500.00 is probably a good round, fair price.

FreelanceSwitch has a hourly rate calculator (http://freelanceswitch.com/rates/)for freelancers. Give that a try and see what it gives you. It puts things into perspective.

The biggest thing is don't sell yourself short. People pay a lot for websites. And if you can do it, why not get paid market price. Most small web firms would probably charge between $1000 - $1500 for a 5 page site.

[baldrn]

VERY GOOD INFO!
As much work as I've put in this project, I'm leaning towards the 1K. I mean, it grew from 5 pages and a 20 pic jscript ss to this big thing. Even without learning SSP, 140 pix is a lot to handle.
I'm sure glad I'm not the client having to look thru 140 pix!
I have made the slideshow and am tweaking it. I have discovered that I can just copy the "standalone" folder to the server and rename it there. I can divide his slideshow into 3 folders and embed the swf,( when I learn how to embed), for each folder..correct?
one folder renamed awnings..another signs..etc. And each folder will have the .swf file in it relevant to the images in it. I just edit the images.xml file relevant to the pix in the images/tn folders..Am I thinking right?
Thanks!
Now...I have another question.
1-I have resized the pix down, due to the amount of pix the client wants and the amount of space they'll take on my server space. When I view my slidewshow locally, I can click on the enlarge button and it goes full screen.
Online, it will not. It stays the same size. Is that due to me resizing them? Or does SSP do that? Is it possible to make them fullscreen from the server?
Thanksx2!

[Medyman]

. I can divide his slideshow into 3 folders and embed the swf,( when I learn how to embed), for each folder..correct?

Sure, if that's neater for you. Another option would be to keep all the images together, use only one copy of the SWF and use multiple XML files.


one folder renamed awnings..another signs..etc. And each folder will have the .swf file in it relevant to the images in it. I just edit the images.xml file relevant to the pix in the images/tn folders..Am I thinking right?

Right, sure. Again, you don't need them in different folders. You can of course. The important part is what is in the XML files. I'm getting the impression that there are three portfolio-type pages -- one of signs, one for awnings, etc... If that's not the case, and you want to just use one instance of SSP, you can add multiple "albums" to your XML file (like this example (http://slideshowpro.net/examples/pictorial_gallery)).


Online, it will not. It stays the same size. Is that due to me resizing them? Or does SSP do that? Is it possible to make them fullscreen from the server?
It depends on how you're embedding it. You have to explicitly allow fullscreen access to Flash players (at least with FP8 and above).

Here (http://wiki.slideshowpro.net/SSPfl/UG-EnablingFullScreen) are instructions on how to enable it.

[baldrn]

Thanks!

I have found this link:
http://wiki.slideshowpro.net/SSPfl/Standalone
relevant to the slandalone version to embed. I think I can make that work once I get home from work today.

Does Standalone have restrictions as to Full Screen?