Planning Tips
We do have an order form that must be completed and brought back to us to process your order. A copy of this form will be given to you during your FREE CONSULTATION. Don't forget to view our Samples Page and Photo Gallery.
 
Only you know the true meaning behind your photos. We at PhotoVideoTreasures have the technical skills to tell your stories in a creative and powerful manner, but here are a few tips that will help the process flow smoothly.
 

Purpose

What is the purpose of your video? Will it be sad, funny, silly, sentimental or a combination of all these elements.
Do you want more than pictures? Do you have old newspaper clippings, invitations, announcements, poems, old letters or other items to add to your montage? Who is the intended audience? If you're showing your montage at your wedding reception, perhaps you'll want to include some pictures of the guests. How long do you want it to be? Is it for you home viewing or a special event?
 
Photos
  • Choose pictures that are high quality (not blurry).
  • Group them in the way you would like them to appear on screen. Use post-it notes to label them.
  • Make note of any captions (notes to appear in your montage like a date or humorous remark). DO NOT write directly on the back of the picture as the ink may bleed through to the front, ruining your photograph. Write on the post-it note before you stick it on the photo.
  • Choose a variety of different pictures that will blend nicely with each song choice. If you have a upbeat song, have a group of comical photos etc.
  • Be sure to make note of which photos go along with each song choice. You can always leave it up to us, but it is better that you make the decision.
  • If you would like to send digital files, you may do so. Scan them in JPEG format and save them in the order you would like them to appear on the screen. e.g. 1.jpg, 2.jpg
  • Save them on a CD-ROM and ship it to us, we will not accept large e-mails with photos.
  • We recommend that we scan your photos to ensure that the resolution is at its best. If you insist on doing so, try to choose at least a 4x6 photo and scan it at 300dpi.
Video Clips
  • We recommend that you add some video clips to your montage. They can have sound or it can be deleted and a song can just play in the background.
  • Try to keep video clips to less than 1 minute and carefully note which clip you would like to include by using the timecode or a detailed description.
  • Have the tape cued to the scene you would like to include to avoid editing charges.
  • If you are having an event and you would like someone to come and gain some footage to be used in your future montage, we would be happy to discuss this with you - birthdays, retirements, weddings...etc.
Select Music
Most photos are shown on screen for 4-6 seconds, perhaps more for special pan and zoom effects. Use this to determine how many songs you will need. Usually, a 3 to 5 minute song could view about 40-50 pictures. If you have trouble finding a song we will be happy to suggest songs that have worked well in the past.
 
5 Music Options:
  1. Send us your original purchased CD with your chosen song track - which will be returned with your montage and photos (TIP: please double check to make sure the CD is in the case TIP: When shipping place the CD in a paper envelope rather than a plastic case)
  2. We could download your chosen song on your behalf
  3. We could choose a song for your montage (royalty free)
  4. You could enjoy instrumental music in the background (royalty free)
  5. Send us your purchased MP3 (sound quality will not be good as a CD)
 
Titles
Each package will include a number of titles, you can use them to start any new section of the video or you can add as many as you wish. Most of the time, you would have a new title at the start of a new song. For example, a couple creating a DVD Keepsake for their wedding may include Titles for the following:
 
1) Title of the Entire Video 2) Bride Growing-up 3) Groom Growing-up 4) Dating
5)Getting Ready on the Wedding Day 6)The Wedding Ceremony (video clips and photos) 7)Reception
8) Best Wishes from the Guests (video clips) 9)Honeymoon
 
Couples may wish to include a few of the above sections or all of them.
 
Click here to view many sample titles.
 

Captions

You may also wish to add captions or notes throughout your montage. Make sure that you indicate this on the photos with a post it note. Captions could be a date, a short message, a humorous remark, but it should be only a few words to make sure it fixs in a place on the photo where it is easily read.
 
Custom Features
 
We suggest that you make your Montage exactly the way you want it. You can add your own voice, a poem, quotes, cards, awards, video messages from friends and family, scrolling text, etc. Click here to view the upgrade features for any of the packages (scroll down below the packages).