diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 4de143d..7fd6f51 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -132,7 +132,6 @@ python3 movmaker.py input \
   --audio-fade 10 \
   --audio-fade-in 2 \
   --video-fade 1.5 \
-  --first-transition-at 12 \
   --resolution 1920x1080 \
   --fps 30
 ```
@@ -148,7 +147,7 @@ python3 movmaker.py input --preview
 - scans one flat input directory
 - auto-detects media/audio/data files by extension
 - shows each image fully visible for 6 seconds by default, not counting crossfades
-- keeps the first image longer so the first transition starts at 12 seconds by default
+- keeps the first image longer so the first transition starts after 2x image duration, 12 seconds by default
 - includes video clips inline
 - crossfades between media items over 3 seconds by default
 - loops/trims music to match the video
diff --git a/movmaker.py b/movmaker.py
index f0948e6..9aea354 100755
--- a/movmaker.py
+++ b/movmaker.py
@@ -573,7 +573,6 @@ def main(argv: list[str] | None = None) -> int:
     parser.add_argument("--audio-fade", type=float, default=10.0, help="music fade-out duration in seconds")
     parser.add_argument("--audio-fade-in", type=float, default=2.0, help="music fade-in duration in seconds")
     parser.add_argument("--video-fade", type=float, default=1.5, help="video fade-in/fade-out duration in seconds")
-    parser.add_argument("--first-transition-at", type=float, default=12.0, help="seconds before first transition starts")
     parser.add_argument("--resolution", type=parse_resolution, default=(1920, 1080), help="output resolution, e.g. 1920x1080")
     parser.add_argument("--fps", type=int, default=30, help="output frames per second")
     parser.add_argument("--preset", default="veryfast", help="x264 speed preset, e.g. ultrafast, superfast, veryfast")
@@ -613,7 +612,7 @@ def main(argv: list[str] | None = None) -> int:
             if item.kind != "image":
                 continue
             if idx == 0:
-                item.duration = max(item.duration, args.first_transition_at + fade)
+                item.duration = max(item.duration, (args.image_duration * 2) + fade)
             elif idx == len(media) - 1:
                 item.duration = item.duration + fade
             else: