Try to keep reminiscing to a minimum. You have many
photos, slides, home movies and other family memorabilia
to go through. If a photo stays in your hand longer than 5 seconds, you're reminiscing.
Take all of your photos, slides, etc, and put then on a large
table. You will have two sections: a "yes"
section and a "no" section. If photos are stuck in albums, or in frames, that's ok! Use post-it notes to number the photos and to give any special directions such as if you want to go from
a loose photo in a stack to a photo in an album or a frame.
If possible, always remove photos from albums and frames because they will look better in the final production.
You're not limited to photos, slides, film or videotape!
We can include 3-dimensional objects as well, so anything
of particular sentimental value can be included in your special production.
The "Yes" Section will include:
1) All candid photos that show the character and personality of the people in your family.
2) Photos where people are doing something positive and fun.
3) Photos that cover the most important moments that took
place in your family's history. Try to include a couple
of photos from every year of each family member's life, if possible.
Remember, only the highlights! Try to minimize pictures of scenery, objects, etc., unless they are important parts of your family's past.
Put all the "no" photos out of sight.
Now decide how many categories you wish to have. Categories
may include: Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Mom & Dad, First Born, Second Born, Family & Friends, Trips, Grandchildren, etc.
Sort the photos into their catagories and put them in the order you would like
them to appear. Next, using a #2 pencil, pressing a lightly as possible, number each photo on the back (near a bottom corner).
Place your materials in an appropriate folder or envelope.
Print on the outside of the folder the name of that person
or category, the number of photos and any special titles you wish to include. Index cards with specific photos can also
be used to let us know which individual photos need titles or names.
If you want to describe every memory in detail, we can incorporate
your voice-over along with the music. This eliminates excessive
titling.
If you have 8mm/16mm FILMS & VIDEO TAPE, first we need to transfer all of your old family 8mm and 16mm film over
to DVD in its entirety. We then send you
a copy to review and decide what
parts you want to retain or delete. We then integrate the movies, appropriate titles, music, special effects, photos and slides to create your own, customized Family History Video.
