Creating Audio Visuals with your Photographs - Steve Mullarkey

Type of post: Learning Resource
Sub-type: Audio Visual
Posted By: Shane Clarkson
Status: Current
Date Posted: Thu, 15 Jan 2026

Creating Audio Visuals (AVs) with Your Photographs

Turning images into stories

Most photographers create thousands of images over time. While some are printed, shared online, or collected into books, many quietly sit on hard drives — unseen and unused.

An Audio Visual (AV) is one way to bring images to life by combining photographs with music, sound, text, and motion to create a cohesive story. AVs allow photographers to move beyond single images and explore narrative, pacing, and emotion.

As Ansel Adams famously said, “Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop.”
But what about the other 10,000 images?

To see some of NCP's AVs, check out the AV Interest group - see the Gallery. https://www.ncp.org.au/dbpage.php?pg=avgallery
 

What is an Audio Visual?

An Audio Visual presentation can include some or all of the following:

  • Still images (single or layered)

  • Music (a critical element)

  • Voice-over or spoken commentary

  • Text (titles, captions, credits)

  • Sound effects

  • Video clips or time-lapse sequences

AVs can be viewed on:

  • Computers and laptops

  • Projectors and TVs

  • Tablets and mobile phones

  • Online platforms such as YouTube

They are a powerful way to share work, reflect on projects, and communicate ideas.

Why create an AV?

Audio Visuals:

  • Give purpose to large image collections

  • Encourage thoughtful editing and sequencing

  • Add emotional depth through music and timing

  • Allow the same images to be interpreted in different ways

  • Combine photographic skill with storytelling

Two AVs using the same images can feel completely different depending on music, pacing, transitions, and structure.

What makes a good AV?

When watching (or creating) an AV, consider:

The introduction

  • Ease the audience in — don’t start with a bold title immediately

  • Use blank frames, music, or teaser images

  • Establish mood before information

Structure and pacing

  • Break the AV into chapters or sections

  • Vary rhythm to maintain interest

  • Five to six minutes is usually long enough

Visual variety

  • Mix image orientations (portrait and landscape)

  • Use pan, zoom, and subtle motion

  • Transition between monochrome and colour

  • Introduce images gradually (e.g. soft focus to sharp)

Text and credits

  • Use clear, pleasant fonts

  • Keep text readable and restrained

  • Scroll credits gently at the end

Good AVs feel intentional, not rushed.

Styles of AVs

AVs can range from:

  • Documentary — linear, descriptive, informative

  • Creative — interpretive, emotional, experimental

There is no “correct” style. The same images can support both approaches depending on how they are assembled.

Software options

There are many tools available, ranging from simple to highly powerful.

Lightroom

A great starting point:

  • Simple and quick to use

  • Outputs directly to MP4

  • Ideal for straightforward AVs

  • Most photographers already have it

Limitations include fewer animation and layering options.

More advanced AV software

For photographers who want greater creative control:

PTE AV Studio (Windows & Mac)

  • High image quality

  • Hardware rendering for smooth animation

  • Layering, masks, and keyframes

  • Strong community support and tutorials

  • Reasonably priced compared to video editors

Other options include:

  • FotoMagico (Mac)

  • Full video editors such as Final Cut Pro (very powerful, but with a steeper learning curve)

Preparing images for AVs

For smooth playback and rendering:

  • Avoid very high-resolution files

  • Most screens are 1920 × 1080 pixels

  • Slightly larger images (e.g. ~2200 × 1400 px) allow for panning and zooming

  • Export as JPEG at moderate quality (around 75%)

  • Smaller files improve performance without visible quality loss

Organisation also matters:

  • Separate folders for images, audio, project files, and output

  • Keep each AV project in its own folder

Learning through practice

AV creation is best learned by doing:

  • Start with a short project

  • Use a small, coherent set of images

  • Try different music tracks to see how meaning changes

  • Experiment with both simple and more complex tools

Creating multiple versions of the same AV is a powerful learning exercise.

In summary

Audio Visuals offer photographers a way to:

  • Extend the life of their images

  • Explore storytelling and emotion

  • Combine technical skill with creative intent

They reward patience, experimentation, and thoughtful editing — and they can be deeply satisfying to create and share.

This article is based on a presentation by Steve Mullarkey, delivered to Northside Creative Photography in June 2021, and is shared as part of the club’s Learning Hub