
What are transitions?
Transitions are the way the slide show moves from one photo to the next. With a slower song or older photos, a
simple fade in/fade out usually looks the best. For an up tempo song or action photos, livelier transitions (such as
split screen or photo swap) work well.
What size pictures can you scan?
We can work with any size pictures up to 8 x 10.
Can you scan anything besides photos?
Yes. We can scan photographic slides and other flat items such as announcements, invitations, newspaper articles,
ticket stubs, cards, etc.
Can you retouch my photos?
If you order a photomontage video, we perform minor retouching of photos. Retouching is performed on digital
files after scanning; your original photos will not be altered in any way. Retouching may include color, lighting,
and/or red eye correction as needed.
Can I scan the pictures myself and send them to you?
Yes. In fact, if we use your digital photos, the price is significantly lower than if we scan your photo prints. See
Plan Your Video instructions for digital photos for file naming and format requirements.
Can you add captions like names or quotations to some of my photos?
Yes. We can add captions in many different fonts and colors for a small additional fee.
Can you make a slide with a collage of two or more photos?
Yes. We can create a slide with several of your photos artistically arranged for a small additional fee.
I have some photos taken by a professional photographer; can you scan and include them in my video?
Photos by professional photographers are copyrighted by the photographer. You need to contact the photographer
and request permission to include their photos in your video. Most photographers will readily agree to this,
particularly if they do not offer photomontage videos themselves.
How long will it take you to complete my project?
Our typical turnaround time to produce a photomontage is 2 weeks, although we can occasionally complete a
project more quickly in special circumstances, such as preparing a memorial video for an upcoming funeral. Our
workload can vary greatly, however, so you should always check with us by phone or e-mail to be certain that your
project can be completed by the date that you need it.
How does photo orientation affect the way the photo looks on screen?
TV screens are wider than they are high, so horizontal shots fill the screen while vertical shots appear on the TV
screen with borders on each side.
Is it safe to mail you my photos and videos?
As long as you use a reputable shipping service that has package tracking, we believe that shipping photos is safe.
However, since the safety of your photos is not under our control while in transit, we will ask you to sign a waiver
prior to mailing. When the project is complete, we will return your photos along with your video by UPS.
What if my DVD doesn't play?
Like all custom video production companies, we deliver video on a format known as recordable DVD (DVD-R or DVD
+R). Recordable DVDs are materially different from commercial DVDs, the packaged movies you buy from retailers.
Commercially-produced DVDs, or pressed DVDs, are mass produced in lots of no less than 1,000 discs, and have
their data physically molded into the surface of an aluminum disc. By contrast, the recordable DVD discs are
created with a chemical change in the disc surface by a high powered DVD burner laser.
Most DVD players are able to read both commercial DVD movie discs and burned DVD-R or +R discs. However,
compatibility and playability is such an issue that entire websites are devoted to it. Most sources report that 97%
of the DVD players being sold today can play DVD-R type discs, while about 86% will play DVD+R discs. However, of
all the players currently in use, only 47-60% are compatible with DVD-R or +R.
If your DVD player is fairly new, it will most likely play a video created by us just fine. If your player is older or in
need of cleaning, you may encounter playability problems. In this case, we can provide a VHS copy of your video at
no extra charge.
Will my DVD last forever?
Pressed discs are expected last from 50 to 300 years. Expected longevity of DVD-R and DVD+R discs that are burned
by a computer ranges from 20 to 250 years. Treat your disc with care. Avoid heat exposure, rough treatment, and
do not touch the data side of the disc.
Can I order more copies of my video later?
Yes. We keep an original copy of each DVD for 5 years, so in the future you may contact us to purchase additional
copies on either DVD or VHS (see Prices).
Can you add more photos and songs to my video at a later date?
Your DVD itself is not editable. However, we usually save an editable version of your project for up to a year after
project completion, and we can add additional material to the video and create another DVD containing the new
material. Due to the additional editing time spend working the new material into an existing video project, we
will need to charge you an hourly editing fee in addition to charges for the additional songs and photos.
Can you add clips from my home videos to my photomontage?
If you have home video footage you’d like incorporated into your video, we can do this for an additional charge.
Call for an estimate on the charges for this service, as the cost is based on an hourly editing rate.
Will my scanned photos look good enlarged on a TV screen?
Yes, but . . . you should be aware that because of the limits of scanning and the nature of many family photos that
may be small, dusty, or degraded, not all photos will appear crisp and perfect on your TV screen despite our very
best efforts. In our experience this in no way detracts from the overall quality of a video, but we mention it so
that our clients have realistic expectations regarding photo appearance.