Digital Video Documentaries

                                                                                                    By Kate Atkins

Video Guide for Photo Montages

Your video is a custom production made especially for you.  I do not have a set viewing time for each photo, but if each photo will be on screen for approximately 5 seconds, depending on the flow and intent of the storyline, a video of 100 photos would be about 10 minutes in length.

First, you must decide on how many elements you will want to use.  You can use photos, photo CD’s, negatives or slides, video clips from VHS, VHSC, 8mm or mini DV from home movies.  Please note that VHSC and 8mm do not transfer as clearly to digital formats.  It can be as small as an inch or as big as 8” x 14”.  Pictures should be removed from frames or albums.  I will zoom in and “crop” your images to enhance the way they will look on the TV.  While I can lighten or darken a photo or sharpen a slightly out of focus picture, I cannot correct blurry pictures or correct photos which have been overexposed by light.  Avoid using these.  Choose your photos carefully.  Try to find photos which tell their own story.  Group photos can work very well.  You may also want to consider allocating a certain number of photos per person (Grandparents, Mom & Dad, etc.) or occasion (special events, vacations, etc.).

Second, decide if you want to organize your photos in chronological order or in segments.  Photos in chronological order usually work best.  In this manner, the video will document your honored family member’s life from childhood (as an example) to the most recent photos you have taken.  An example of photos in segments are:  photos with family members, then friends, then holidays, then family events, etc.

Either way, using Post-it-Notes, please number your photos sequentially.  That means starting with #001 and continuing in numerical order.  Post-it-Notes will not harm your photos.  Just do not write on the Post-it-Note while it is stuck to the photo.  You can also write the number on the back of the photo.

You can also title individual photos to identify a person or chronicle a date on a photo (Great Grandfather Smith, born 1910).  Use Post-its to note a title or any other special request for a particular photo.

Third, if you are incorporating video clips into your keepsake, make a separate notation in your picture sequence where you would like the video clips placed.  Multiple videotapes should be labeled 1, 2, 3, etc.  It is very important that you write down where the clips you wish to use are on each videotape.  Use your VCR’s counter to help you determine where the clip is on your videotape.  To ensure accuracy, write down a brief description of what the video clip contains and the duration of the clip.

Fourth, decide on what music you would like on your video.  Keep in mind the length of your video but also remember, I can edit and fade musical clips.  Music is used to compliment and enhance your photos.  It is often a good idea to choose music that is in the favorite style of the people currently being shown in the video.  Try not to overwhelm your video with too many music changes.  I would prefer your music to be in CD format when possible.

Fifth, consider the Opening and Closing Titles you would like me to use.  You may begin and end your video with whatever title you wish.  They can be as creative or simple as you like.

Summary

§         Accumulate photos and mark with Post-it or on back in pencil #001, #002, etc. according to the storyline.  Write down significant names and other information and note if you want names included ‘in print’ with photos, or as credits at the end, or if included at all.  Make notes as to events that should be highlighted in the storyline with corresponding title overlays.

§         Accumulate any video footage and note time-counter segments to be included.

§         Accumulate any news articles and other paper items (wedding certs. Etc.) you would like to include.

§         Accumulate the music you wish to include.

§         Make notes as to where in the storyline you want to insert video footage, paper items and music.  Keep in mind that music can be ‘faded’ in and out according to events occurring in the storyline.

§         Prepare a ‘script’ that will set the mood for the Keepsake.  This is an information script only, not one to be spoken.

§         After looking over your script and your accumulation of materials, create a title for the Keepsake.

§         Accumulate samples of preferred types of visual background designs (Victorian motif, Modern high color art, etc.)  Your own video footage, i.e. travel footage, can also serve as a background for the photo montage.  I am able to separate audio from video, so if your video footage includes audio, all or part can be removed to accommodate background music.  Please make notes.

When you have accumulated the materials you would like to see in your Keepsake Video, set aside a time when we can get together and you can review all this information with me, so I can get a good sense of the tone.

Thank you for allowing me to participate in your journey of creating that special Keepsake.

Kate Atkins     DigitalVideoDocumentaries     971-212-1243

digitalvideodocs@comcast.net