1. Choose the photo package that best fits your needs.  Print the Planning Form to help to plan your video.

2. Select your first song and determine how long the song lasts.  

3. Choose the photos, digital photos or slides for this song by following this guideline: 12 photos per minute (or 5 seconds per photo.)  For example, a 3:00 minute song would use 36 photos.  These numbers are just a guide.  For example, use more photos per minute to make the video have a quicker pace or fewer photos for a slower, more dramatic video.  We will edit the photo length to fit the music.

4. Use an ink pen (never a marker) to number each photo on the back in the lower corner (never in the center). Do not start over with #1 at any point. Song #1 could be photos 1 - 36, so Song #2 would be 37 - 82, and so on.  Be sure to allow the ink to dry before stacking your photos.

5. Decide the titles you would like to add to this song/section.  Count them as a photo in your numbering and timing. Titles can be on a color background, motion background or over one of your photos.   

6. Repeat the above steps for each additional song.

7. Decide how many duplications you would like to have to share with family and friends.

"Your professionalism and attention to detail are evident throughout the video.  Having spent many hours going over the included photographs and knowing their original condition, I appreciate your ability to make them all appear high quality."

Kathy M.

Indianapolis

Tips about Photos on Video

• If you need to add a photo after you have numbered all of them, just add it where it goes and make, for example, a 23A and a 23B.
• Use a ballpoint pen to number the photos. Be sure to allow the ink to dry before stacking photos. DO NOT use any kind of marker (Sharpie, etc.).
• If you prefer not to have sections, it is not necessary to separate your photos into groups. For example, if you have 150 photos, just choose songs totaling 12 to 13 minutes.
• If you prefer to use only parts of songs, you need to provide us with the exact CD time you want the song to be faded out.  For example, you may only want to use a song from the beginning (0:00) to 2:10.  There is an additional charge for audio editing.
• Digital camera images can also be included at no extra charge. Each file must be named with the number it corresponds to in your order (always 3 digits).  For example, you may have photos at 076, 077, then want a digital camera image (named 078.jpg), followed by a photo at 079. Burn the digital images onto one CD and bring it with your photos.  For more info, click here.
• Remove all photos from albums and frames.
• Plan where you would like titles to appear. Write out a short phrase on an index card and number it where it should appear in your photos. Be sure to account for it in your timing.
• If you have slides, after numbering, separate the slides from the photos.
• Avoid using paper clips because they can scratch the surface of your photos.  Use an envelope to keep your photos together.
• Non-rectangular photos (photos cut into shapes or irregular sizes) may need graphic editing at an additional charge.
• If you bring your music on a burned CD, make sure there is a list of the disc contents.
• If you plan to mail your order to us, enclose all the photos and slides in a zippered plastic bag to protect from moisture.  Then send the photos, music and the Planning Form to us in a well-padded envelope or box.