Planning Tips:
These 4 simple tips will assist you as the creator and story teller in getting started as well as to stay organized and keep on track when gathering your artifacts for your keepsake video.
step One:Planning
Step Two:Choosing your photos
Step Three:Choosing your music
Step Four:Selecting your home video clips
Step One: Planning
Planning is the key. Having a general idea of where you are going with your keepsake video before you begin will make the rest of the planning process easier. Before rummaging through old photo albums, you must be clear on the purpose of your video.
Ask yourself:
1. About how long do you want the video to be? The number of photos that you choose to use will determine the length of the video. If you are wanting to use the traditional sideshow format (simple fade-in and fade-out style), the average 10 minute video will feature about 70-80 photos. The length will of course vary with the song choice and "style" of video.
2. Do you want your video to include photos from the person(s) entire life or is the keepsake video going to focus on a specific aspect of the person(s) life, such as a hobby or a special family occasion?
3. Would you like your keepsake video to be funny, sentimental, or both?
4. What do you want the audience to feel when it’s over?
5. Are captions necessary for the audience to understand the photos?
6. For wedding videos, do you want the groom's childhood photos to be separate from the brides or intertwined?
7. Do you have any other items that you would like to include? Newspaper articles, memorabilia, cards, etc?
8.Do you want a custom background? Custom backgrounds are made specifically based upon your theme and are added to All your photos.
Step Two: Choosing Your Photos
Choosing the photos for your keepsake video is probably one of the most challenging steps of the entire process.
Organize your photos chronologically or by a theme (or both). Try to find the "best" photos for a specific time period. Usually we suggest 3 - 5 pictures at each specific age. Obviously to keep the video at an appropriate length, we will not be able to use every picture that you have. If you are wanting a video that spans a lifetime of a particular person (graduation video), you will want to start by finding all photos... organize them by year, and then go back and select your favorites for each time period. It might also help to have a friend or relative (someone more objective) help you in determining the best photos to use. It might require another look through before you determine the ones that must be included and which ones can be omitted.
If possible, choose quality photos. Although we can do photo touch ups, there are some photos that cannot be enhanced. Before sending the photos, ask yourself these questions:
A. Is the photograph clear, not blurred or hazy? The blurring and haziness will be enhanced the more enlarged the photo is.B. How is the lighting? Too dark or washed out?C. Is the photo too grainy? Grainy photos do not scan well.D. Has the photo been cut in an odd shape? – Although these work great for scrapbooking they are poor for video quality.
Picture files must be sent in bmp, dib, gif, jfif,jpe, jpeg, jpg, tif, tiff, or wmf format only.
Important if you scan your photos: (and send to us on cd)photos that are 4 x 6 or larger should be scanned at a minimum of 300dpi, photos that are 3 ½ x 5 at a minimum of 400 dpi, photos that are 2 ½ x 2 ½ at a minimum of 600 dpi, photos that are any smaller than this should be at a minimum of 720 dpi. The higher the dpi, the better the quality. If too small of a dpi is used, then the picture will not look good when displayed at a large size for television screens.
Organizing Photos:
1). If you want a definite order then each photo will need to be numbered. You can write on the back of the photo with a pencil or photo pen ( please do not use a marker or sharpie to mark your photos because these can bleed through the photos). Or you can place a small sticky note on the back of each photo.
2). If you want to sort the photos by song, and do not care about any the order of photos within the song, then simply place the photos in a plastic baggie or envelope and label it with the name of the song you want with those photos. A good rule of thumb to use is 9 seconds per photo (which includes transaction time).
3). You can sort the photos by a specific time frame. For example: All the photos in this envelope are from the year 1991 and the order doesn’t matter.
You have two options for submitting your photos. You can scan your pictures yourself and send them to us on a CD or, you can send your photos to us and we will scan them for you. If you are scanning your photos:
Thoroughly clean the scanner to avoid any dust and fingerprint smudges on the scanned photos.Scan each photo and save it in .jpg format. Save each picture with a 3 digit number indicating the order that you would like for it to appear in the video. (001.jpg, 002.jpg, 131.jpg).
For best picture quality photos follow these recommended scanning tips: that are 4 x 6 or larger should be scanned at a minimum of 300dpiphotos that are 3 ½ x 5 at a minimum of 400 dpi photos that are 2 ½ x 2 ½ at a minimum of 600 dpiphotos that are any smaller than this should be at a minimum of 720 dpi
The higher the dpi, the better the quality. If too small of a dpi is used, then the picture will not look good when displayed at a large size for television screens., set the scanning resolution as high as possible. (300 DPI or higher). Put the photos for each section/song in a separate folder on your disc. Name each folder the name of the song to be used.Number each folder in the correct order for the video (i.e. "There She Goes 1", "My Girl" 2)
Send the CD(s) of your images by priority mail. If you are sending photos to be scanned:
Number each photo in the order you would like it to appear in each song. Place a sticky note on the BACK of each picture or write the number on the BACK of the picture. Do not put the sticky note or write on the front of your photos!Place your photos in Zip-lock bags labeled by the song you want each group of pictures to appear in.
You photos will be returned to you when your Keepsake video is shipped.
Step Three: Choosing your music
The music you choose is in many ways just as important as the photos when creating your video. The music you select will set the mood of your video.
1. If possible, use both sentimental and upbeat songs to inspire laughter and tears from your audience.
2. Try to include favorite songs of the person(s) that you are creating the video for. What were their favorite songs growing up? Who are their favorite artists? When creating the video for couples, do they have a song that is especially meaningful to them or "their song"? Is there a song with lyrics that fit especially well?
3. Know your audience. Keep in mind the age, or generation of the audience. Try to choose songs and music that will appeal to them.
4. If you have a song (or songs) in mind but do not wish to play the entire song, we can edit your music selections and blend several songs together without any pauses in music within the video.
Step Four: Selecting home video clips
Home videos are a fun way to insert a break or transition in your keepsake video as well as adding a new chapter. When selecting home video there are several things to keep in mind.
-At MMT we are not yet able to do video transfers. This means that we can not convert the video format for you. All video must be sent to us already in asf, avi, dvr-ms, mlv, mp2, mp2v, mpeg, mpg,mpv2,wm,or wmv format and labled on your data disc.Be sure that the video clip is visible.We will not be able to change it's visibility.
-Do you want the video sound on or off?-Where do you want your home video placed in your keepsake?
-Do you want captions added to your home video portion of your keepsake?
These 4 simple tips will assist you as the creator and story teller in getting started as well as to stay organized and keep on track when gathering your artifacts for your keepsake video.
step One:Planning
Step Two:Choosing your photos
Step Three:Choosing your music
Step Four:Selecting your home video clips
Step One: Planning
Planning is the key. Having a general idea of where you are going with your keepsake video before you begin will make the rest of the planning process easier. Before rummaging through old photo albums, you must be clear on the purpose of your video.
Ask yourself:
1. About how long do you want the video to be? The number of photos that you choose to use will determine the length of the video. If you are wanting to use the traditional sideshow format (simple fade-in and fade-out style), the average 10 minute video will feature about 70-80 photos. The length will of course vary with the song choice and "style" of video.
2. Do you want your video to include photos from the person(s) entire life or is the keepsake video going to focus on a specific aspect of the person(s) life, such as a hobby or a special family occasion?
3. Would you like your keepsake video to be funny, sentimental, or both?
4. What do you want the audience to feel when it’s over?
5. Are captions necessary for the audience to understand the photos?
6. For wedding videos, do you want the groom's childhood photos to be separate from the brides or intertwined?
7. Do you have any other items that you would like to include? Newspaper articles, memorabilia, cards, etc?
8.Do you want a custom background? Custom backgrounds are made specifically based upon your theme and are added to All your photos.
Step Two: Choosing Your Photos
Choosing the photos for your keepsake video is probably one of the most challenging steps of the entire process.
Organize your photos chronologically or by a theme (or both). Try to find the "best" photos for a specific time period. Usually we suggest 3 - 5 pictures at each specific age. Obviously to keep the video at an appropriate length, we will not be able to use every picture that you have. If you are wanting a video that spans a lifetime of a particular person (graduation video), you will want to start by finding all photos... organize them by year, and then go back and select your favorites for each time period. It might also help to have a friend or relative (someone more objective) help you in determining the best photos to use. It might require another look through before you determine the ones that must be included and which ones can be omitted.
If possible, choose quality photos. Although we can do photo touch ups, there are some photos that cannot be enhanced. Before sending the photos, ask yourself these questions:
A. Is the photograph clear, not blurred or hazy? The blurring and haziness will be enhanced the more enlarged the photo is.B. How is the lighting? Too dark or washed out?C. Is the photo too grainy? Grainy photos do not scan well.D. Has the photo been cut in an odd shape? – Although these work great for scrapbooking they are poor for video quality.
Picture files must be sent in bmp, dib, gif, jfif,jpe, jpeg, jpg, tif, tiff, or wmf format only.
Important if you scan your photos: (and send to us on cd)photos that are 4 x 6 or larger should be scanned at a minimum of 300dpi, photos that are 3 ½ x 5 at a minimum of 400 dpi, photos that are 2 ½ x 2 ½ at a minimum of 600 dpi, photos that are any smaller than this should be at a minimum of 720 dpi. The higher the dpi, the better the quality. If too small of a dpi is used, then the picture will not look good when displayed at a large size for television screens.
Organizing Photos:
1). If you want a definite order then each photo will need to be numbered. You can write on the back of the photo with a pencil or photo pen ( please do not use a marker or sharpie to mark your photos because these can bleed through the photos). Or you can place a small sticky note on the back of each photo.
2). If you want to sort the photos by song, and do not care about any the order of photos within the song, then simply place the photos in a plastic baggie or envelope and label it with the name of the song you want with those photos. A good rule of thumb to use is 9 seconds per photo (which includes transaction time).
3). You can sort the photos by a specific time frame. For example: All the photos in this envelope are from the year 1991 and the order doesn’t matter.
You have two options for submitting your photos. You can scan your pictures yourself and send them to us on a CD or, you can send your photos to us and we will scan them for you. If you are scanning your photos:
Thoroughly clean the scanner to avoid any dust and fingerprint smudges on the scanned photos.Scan each photo and save it in .jpg format. Save each picture with a 3 digit number indicating the order that you would like for it to appear in the video. (001.jpg, 002.jpg, 131.jpg).
For best picture quality photos follow these recommended scanning tips: that are 4 x 6 or larger should be scanned at a minimum of 300dpiphotos that are 3 ½ x 5 at a minimum of 400 dpi photos that are 2 ½ x 2 ½ at a minimum of 600 dpiphotos that are any smaller than this should be at a minimum of 720 dpi
The higher the dpi, the better the quality. If too small of a dpi is used, then the picture will not look good when displayed at a large size for television screens., set the scanning resolution as high as possible. (300 DPI or higher). Put the photos for each section/song in a separate folder on your disc. Name each folder the name of the song to be used.Number each folder in the correct order for the video (i.e. "There She Goes 1", "My Girl" 2)
Send the CD(s) of your images by priority mail. If you are sending photos to be scanned:
Number each photo in the order you would like it to appear in each song. Place a sticky note on the BACK of each picture or write the number on the BACK of the picture. Do not put the sticky note or write on the front of your photos!Place your photos in Zip-lock bags labeled by the song you want each group of pictures to appear in.
You photos will be returned to you when your Keepsake video is shipped.
Step Three: Choosing your music
The music you choose is in many ways just as important as the photos when creating your video. The music you select will set the mood of your video.
1. If possible, use both sentimental and upbeat songs to inspire laughter and tears from your audience.
2. Try to include favorite songs of the person(s) that you are creating the video for. What were their favorite songs growing up? Who are their favorite artists? When creating the video for couples, do they have a song that is especially meaningful to them or "their song"? Is there a song with lyrics that fit especially well?
3. Know your audience. Keep in mind the age, or generation of the audience. Try to choose songs and music that will appeal to them.
4. If you have a song (or songs) in mind but do not wish to play the entire song, we can edit your music selections and blend several songs together without any pauses in music within the video.
Step Four: Selecting home video clips
Home videos are a fun way to insert a break or transition in your keepsake video as well as adding a new chapter. When selecting home video there are several things to keep in mind.
-At MMT we are not yet able to do video transfers. This means that we can not convert the video format for you. All video must be sent to us already in asf, avi, dvr-ms, mlv, mp2, mp2v, mpeg, mpg,mpv2,wm,or wmv format and labled on your data disc.Be sure that the video clip is visible.We will not be able to change it's visibility.
-Do you want the video sound on or off?-Where do you want your home video placed in your keepsake?
-Do you want captions added to your home video portion of your keepsake?