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Bring your military retirement to life with a
Memory Tribute Montage! We will create a meaningful ceremony
highlight for you by taking your media memories and turn them into a
video montage! The montage will include your choice of music,
pictures and/or video, clippings, patches, etc., with smooth
transitions: and will include an introduction and conclusion.
This a wonderful way to share your career with others and create a
lasting keepsake!
- Frequently Asked
Questions
1. What is a photo
montage? - 2. Where do I
start?
3. How do I organize the
memorabilia?
- 4. Can
I choose the music?
- 5.
What about the copyright to the music?
- 6. How many
photos do I need for each song?
- 7. How do
I send my photos?
- 8. Have
you ever had a problem with damaged photos?
9. Will I get my
photos back?
10. How long does it take?
11. Can I add my own titles?
- 12. How much does all of this cost?
-
1. What is a Photo
Montage?
A Photo Montage is a production that is made from
your photos and other priceless memorabilia. Your photos are scanned
into a computer and edited digitally with special effects, titles
and music. The completed production is delivered to you on DVDs.
This unique and priceless gift is perfect for retirement events. We
have a genuine desire to provide you with a video you're thrilled
with and proud of. Every video is designed specifically and uniquely
for you and your purpose.
2. Where do I
start?
a. Start by gathering
all the photos/video/clippings/patches/etc you wish to use for the
video photo montage.
b. Organize them in the way you would like them to be
shown on the video.
c. Now break the items down into "Sets". A set will be
a certain amount of photos that will go with a particular song. (see
next question)
d. Choose a song for each "Set".
e. If you would like to
have a video photo montage done but don't have the time to organize
the photos and find the music you can leave it up to us. You send us
a group of possible photos and we will organize them and find the
appropriate music for the photos and purpose of the video.
Back to the questions
3. How do I organize the memorabilia?
First of all, consider the personality of the
service member? How long will the montage be? Each photo will
be shown for about five seconds and a typical song lasts about
200-300 seconds. Consider total time of your video clips (if
any). These answers will dictate the type and numbers of
photos that might go into your video.
It's 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 Retirement
Ceremony, there would be a section for basic training, each
assignment, deployments, awards, exercises etc. A section
dedicated to family events would be add special meaning.
When you've got your pictures in their
"sections," put the photos in the order that you want them shown in,
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.
Please note that we can add "text" between
sections or between pictures - so if there is a memorable date, a
poem or quote, or names that you'd like to have scroll by - add that
information as well.
When you're done with each section, place it in a folder or
envelope, and name and number them as well. Examples: 1) Growing Up,
2) Basic Training, 3) Assignment 1-Tinker AFB, OK, 4) Family, 5)
Friends, 6) Deployments, and so on. You can arrange them
chronologically, group them by subject or any way you like.
It's easy once you start.
Back to the questions
4. While you are going
through your photos, you should be thinking about what would be the
perfect music playing in the background. If you need suggestions
about the music, or prefer that we make selections, that's not a
problem! When you know what music you want, you need to
provide the CD. We do not have the capability to convert
cassette tape or records. 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. If
you don't have the music, please ask us if we do. 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!
5. What about the
copyright to the music?
It is safe to say almost all music has a
copyright. In order for us to use it, you have to supply the
original CD (no CDR's) or we can purchase a copy on-line for as
little at 99 cents per song.
6. How many photos do I need for each song?
We generally use around 8 to 12 photos for 1 minute of music. For
example if your song was 4 minutes long you would need around 32 to
48 photos. This allows for the time we hold the photo and transition
time between photos. If a photo is busy and has lots of detail
we will lt it stay on the screen longer. Simple photos will be
quicker.
Back to the questions
7.
How should I send/package my photos?
You can send the actual photos or send them on a
CD-R disc. Due to poor quality we do not except photos via email. I
suggest sending them priority mail, overnight or 2 day. I would also
suggest getting a signature confirmation. You will then be able to
track your package and know when we received it. We will return them
in the same in a way that can be tracked and signature required.
W care about your photos too!
Bundle your precious photographs and
music and send it to us. Please use lots of packing, do not send
photos still in a picture frame, and if there is a photo or photos
that cannot be replaced, we advise you to take it to a place like
WalMart and have a copy made. To be extra safe, it wouldn't hurt to
place the photos in a large zip lock baggy to protect them from
getting wet. The cost is minimal when you consider your own peace of
mind. If you are not certain about packing your photos, go to a
place like Mail Boxes, Etc., and for a small charge they will make
sure your package gets here in one piece. Priority mail provides
boxes at no extra cost. If you use an envelope, place a piece of
cardboard on each side of the photos to protect them. Send us an
e-mail when you've sent your package so we'll know it's on the way.
If you live on, or around the Tinker AFB area, we
may be able to pick the package up for free. Give us a call or
email to find out if we will be in your area.
Back to the questions
8. Have you ever had a problem
with damaged photos?
No, thankfully I can say we have never had a problem with lost or
damaged photos through the mail.
9. Will I get my photos back?
Yes you will get all your photos and any other materials sent back
to you along with your final video.
10. How long does it take?
We generally say around 2 to 3 weeks to be safe. It is usually much
sooner, it will depend on what option you choose. Special
arrangements can be made for shorter notice "rush jobs", but there
is an additional charge. 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 e-mail us!
11. Can I add my own titles?
Yes, you can choose your own titles for the beginning, ending and or
between songs. You can also choose your own titles on the custom
cover.
Back to the questions
12. How much does all of this cost?
We work very hard and take great pride in making your family
treasure unique and memorable.
All titling, transitions, and music is included.
Once we receive the materials, we will need about 2-3 weeks to
complete the production.
All Photo Montage packages include: Music,
Editing, & An Assortment of Dissolves, Fades or Digital Video
Effects. One DVD is included in the price. Additional DVDs will be
$15.00 each. Additional photos may be added to any package @ $ 1.00
each. Please see our package deals for pricing.
Our Pledge To You: To create the best video from
your photos at a competitive cost. Our goal is to make your audience
laugh, cry, and all emotions in between. A unique gift expression
that will be treasured forever.
- For a no obligation estimate on a photo
montage, call or email:
Back to the questions
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