Photo Montage

What is a photo montage you may ask?

A photo montage is a video that contains a group of pictures with various subject matter and music of your choice in the background.  These pictures are shown with digital effects to enhance the video.

Read on to find out how to prepare pictures for a photo montage.

The first thing to do is determine who the video is for, and what is the occasion?  These answers will dictate the type and numbers of photos that go into your video.

It is a good idea to group the photos into "sections"; that is, the different parts of the honoree's life.  Most videos will begin with the earliest photos available, a "growing up" section.  This is, quite simply, pictures of that person from infant through young adult.  In the case of a video for a Wedding or an Anniversary, there would be a section for both him and her.   Examples of sections that might follow would be "Dating", "Family", "Friends", "Children", "Grandchildren", "Pets & Hobbies", "Military Service", and "Together".   The number of photos is up to you, but approximately 10 photos per section makes a nicely paced video.

When you've got your pictures in their "sections", put the photos in the order that you want, usually chronological (youngest to oldest).  Now number the pictures, but please be careful.  Do not use ink!  No pens, no markers, no felt tips, nothing that will ruin the next picture when you start stacking.  Best and safest is pencil and Post-It Notes, but write the number on the Post-It and then stick it to the back of the picture.

When you're done with each section, place it in a folder or envelope, and name and number them as well. Examples: 1) Bride Growing Up, 2) Groom Growing Up, 3) Dating, 4) Family, 5) Friends, 6) Together, and so on. It's easy once you start.

While you are going through your photos, you should be thinking about what would be the perfect music playing in the background.  Try to keep the songs in the proper time frame.  In other words, if you are showing pictures of Dad from his Army days in 1945, let's use some Big Band music.  With photos from the 50's it's hard to beat Sinatra.  If you need suggestions about the music, help is always available.

When you know what music you want, you need to provide either the CD, cassette tape or record so we can add that music to the soundtrack.  CDs are preferable because of their high quality.  By the way, the music and photographs that you provide are all returned in the same condition with which they are received.

Now, on the folder or envelope of each section, write the music selection that you want.  Don't worry about song lengths -- that's our job.  We'll make everything come out just right!

Finally, bundle your photographs and music and bring them to us.  Please avoid bringing photos still in a picture frame.  Give us a call at (850)-877-9010 or drop us an e-mail when you have your selections ready so we can get started right away.

Timewise you should get us everything we need to produce your video at least 3 weeks before the time the finished product is needed.  Special arrangements can be made for shorter notice "rush jobs".  We like to get the video to you in time in case any changes need to be made.

If you have any questions or need help of any kind, please feel free to call or e-mail us!