Efficient Batch Converting of Large Project Photos to Video Sequences?

[andrewmil85]

Hi everyone, I'm working on a project where I need to turn extensive high-resolution project photos (think before-and-after shots from renovation sites) into a smooth video sequence—similar to a time-lapse slideshow, but with more refined transitions and overlays.

I already have a growing library of these on my roofing business site for documentation and marketing. I’d like to automate batch rendering with:

Consistent frame duration (2–3s per photo)

Crossfade transitions

Optional text overlays (date, location)

Output formats friendly for both web (MP4 H.264) and local playback (MKV)

Looking for tools or FFmpeg workflows that handle this efficiently. Bonus points if you can suggest command-line pipelines that preserve image metadata, optimize for both quality and file size, or support GPU acceleration.

[johnmeyer]

I used to do this all the time in Vegas. You just drop all the photos onto the timeline. It will automatically create a transition between each photo, with a duration that you specify. For further refinement you can get a script which will randomize the transitions. Those scripts can also create "Ken Burns" movement of each photo.

I used to create DVDs for the graduating class of the local high school. I got photos from the 200+ graduates and then created about a dozen 4-6 minutes "music videos." I did exactly what I described above and was done in a few minutes. However, because the process was so quick, I then scrubbed through the video and on about 20% of the photos I added addition animation or, sometimes, created a more advance effect. Some of those took quite a bit of time (i.e., when I cut out the foreground and animated it separately from the background). Here is an example:

2009 Carmel High School Music Video (Outdoor Activities)

[krykmoon]

Shotcut (that is opensource and free) should do something very similar.. it has a slideshow generator that mixes photos (and video) with random transitions and zooming/panning effects.