What is a Photo Montage?
Still photos brought to life with a montage set to the music of your choice.  Great for weddings, rehearsal dinners, graduations, anniversaries, birthdays, and so much more.



How many pictures should I include?
You can include as many pictures as you want. See our pricing for more details.

Can I scan the pictures myself and save money?
Yes, in fact you save 50% per photo that is already scanned. Just scan them and burn them to a CD and mail it to us. Plus you will receive your finished DVD slide show sooner if your photos are scanned and send us the digital files. If you do not have a scanner or other means
of having your photos scanned, we will be happy to scan your photographs.

If you are scanning the photos yourself, please keep in mind that the higher the resolution, the better your photos will look on the screen, so
up to 300 pixels/inch is great. Unfortunately, less than 100 pixels/inch will result in a very grainy picture. Save all images as JPEGS, and
name them a number in the order in which they will be shown in the slide show (i.e., 001.jpg, 002.jpg, etc.).

Do I pick the order in which the pictures are shown?
Yes, you understand what order makes most sense. To make sure we understand how you want your pictures organized, number each photo with a sticky note on back. Do not write on the photo as it will compromise your photo - however, if you do not have sticky notes write
on the back lightly with pencil, be sure not to press hard and do not use pen or marker because both can ruin photos. If you are providing
digital photos, rename each file with a number (i.e., 001.jpg, 002.jpg, etc.).

Which photos should I choose to include in my project?
You may already know the exact pictures you'd like to include in your DVD Slide Show, but you can find some additional tips under "Choose Photos" on the Get Started page.

What size pictures can I send?
Any size pictures up to 8x10's will work.

How many photos do I need to make up a 5, 10 or 20 minute production?
10 to 12 photos is about a minute - depending on music selection.

Should the photos I send be vertical or horizontal?
Horizontal photos look better on a TV screen but vertical photos still look good, there is just usually a black border around the photos when shown on the TV. It is usually better to space your vertical photos throughout the show if possible.

Can I send photos to you still in their frames or scrapbooks?
Please remove photos from the frames or scrapbooks prior to sending to us.

Will you digitally crop my photos?
Only if it makes sense for a better viewing experience.

How should I choose the order for my photos?
We prepare your project in the exact order that you send the photos to us. You can choose to organize them in two different ways.

For other pictures you could do:
1. Chronologically, for example: baby pictures, childhood pictures, high school, college, dating, etc. -or-
2. By theme, for example: eating, moving, vacationing, Mother's side of the family, Father's side of the family, cars he has owned, fancy dresses she has worn etc.

For wedding slide shows, most people show photos of the groom growing up then the bride growing up, and then pictures of them together
chronologically.




How do I know you will return my photos in the same condition as you received them?
We can understand that you may be worried about sending your photos to a complete stranger since photos are irreplaceable memories but give peace of mind that we will treat your photos as if they are our own. To this day, we have never damaged or lost any photos entrusted
to us. We guarantee your photos will be returned to you in the same condition as we received them, unless something catastrophic
happens that is out of our control.

To put you further at ease, we employ all manner of precautions in our studios to protect your photos (i.e., no liquids or food in the work
room). However, since the shipping process is mostly totally outside our control, we do need to ask you to sign a waiver on our order form
that absolves us of any responsibility for your materials during the shipping process. And also suggest that you follow all recommended
sending tips.

How safe is it to send my photos in the mail?
We request that you ship your materials using a service that enables you to track your package and also recommend you insure your package. We will promptly notify you via e-mail when your materials have arrived. We will return your materials in exactly the same way and
notify you as to what day to expect its arrival.

How should I protect my photos while they're in transit?
Package your photos well by using hard cardboard on all sides to provide a solid shell for your photos. We also recommend you use a plastic Zip lock bag to contain each section of photographs to protect them from any spillage during the delivery process.

Will you return my photos and music?
Yes, all original source material (music & photos) provided by you will be returned to you with when your DVD is completed.





What are transitions?
Transitions are the way that slide shows move from one picture to the next. They can be as simple as a fade in/fade out or can be something as dramatic as an swirl of colors. The song choice typically dictates which transition effect we use. With a slower song, a simple
fade in/fade out usually looks the best. For an up tempo song, a little more livelier transitions may go well.

We have found in our experience, that the best DVD slide shows are often the simplest. Too many effects can be distracting to the
photographs, so we often use a subtle transition such as a gradual fade from one photo to the next in the slide show because we feel it is
the most elegant transition. Let us know your preferences and we will do what we can to make it happen.

Can you zoom in on certain photos or pan across a wide panoramic photo?
Yes!  Actually, we recommend adding pan, scan and zooms to your slide show. The movement of the photos add considerably more visual appeal to the slide show without detracting from the photos. We have the ability to add zoom effects, zoom-out effects, panning from side to
side, panning from top to bottom, and much more. These types of effects are a vital element in any quality show.

Can I pick some of the transition effects?
A. Sure! If you'd like a certain picture to be a zoom transition, or another a pan, we can definitely accommodate your requests. Our expert
DVD show designers are also great at picking the best effects for your slide show.

Can I pick some of the transition effects?
Yes. If you have a certain picture to be a zoom transition, or another a pan, we can definitely accommodate your requests. You can also pick on some transitions if you would like and we will also try our best to accommodate those request also.

Can I add text to my DVD slide show?
Yes. You can add poems, letters, quotes from family and friends, titles, captions - the possibilities are endless. Plus text can make your slide show more entertaining and can help your audience follow the story being told.

How do I add text to my DVD slide show?
1. Do not write text on the back of photos or in the filename of the digital images.
2. Instead, include a document or send an email with the photo numbers that you wish the text to be seen between or seen on.

Please keep in mind that unless you are using an important quote or poem, it is best to keep your captions short and sweet! Fewer than 10 words works best. Also keep in mind that a caption is a label or quote explaining or adding to one specific photo and a title is text that
introduces a group of photos.




How do I choose my music?
Choosing music is a very personal decision, yet in order for the final product to look good try to keep in mind what type of slide show you are trying to make. Also keep in mind that Fast-paced music requires more photos to look good while slow songs require less photos Plus
music sets a mood. If you choose fun, up-beat pop music you will convey a lighthearted playful mood. If you choose romantic love ballads or
slower songs, you will convey a more serious, emotional mood.

If you have a specific song in mind, just send us a copy of that song on CD. Remember to mail a CD of the songs you've chosen, OR we can
purchase them for you. We can also recommend songs that have been popular and well received.

Can I use copy-written music?
In order for us to use copy-written music in your video album, you must supply us the original CD or we can purchase a copy from a legitimate vendor for you for as little as $2.00 a song. You must agree also, that you will not copy the DVD, and that the viewing of this is for
personal use and not for resale, to be enjoyed with your family and friends at no charge.

By submitting an order form and agreeing to our terms of service, our customers agree that they have purchased and possess their own
original copy of all music used in their video. Under copyright law, customers may then display their video album for personal family and
friends. Mass production of a video album is strictly prohibited without purchasing the additional copyright licensing per song used.

Where do I get the music for my slide show?
We can accept song selections on music CD's or MP3's that you own. Please obey copyright laws on the music you send us, and understand you have agreed to be responsible for copyright compliance with this order. To avoid copyright issues, all music must be
purchased. If you do not own the music we can purchase it for you. Our price is $2.00 a song. We will return your music CD's to you when
the DVD is shipped.




Can I show the slideshow presentation at my wedding reception?
Absolutely!! And what a wonderful way to introduce the bride and groom to all your family and friends! Especially those who came from miles away and may be meeting your new spouse for the very first time. We'll start your photo montage slide show video with childhood pictures
and work up to the time you met all the way to your engagement. What a beautiful way to capture your love in the hearts of all your guests.

What type of events do you create slideshows for?
We can develop a slide show for just about any type of event - Birthday, Graduation, Open House, Retirement, Wedding Anniversary, Family Reunions, Memorials, Valentine's Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day, Holidays - the list goes on. Planning is the key to any successful event so
don't wait until the event, send us your pictures now. The sooner the better to guarantee the slide show to be there for your special occasion.




How do I have specific questions answered or a question that is not listed?
Go to the contact us page. You can email us directly, call us, or use “snail mail”, whatever your prefer.

I have an idea that is not discussed or seen in your samples. Can you incorporate my idea into my photo montage?
Yes! If you can imagine it, we can do our best to do it! Contact us to discuss your idea. We'd love to try and make it happen.

What if I’m not happy with my video?
We are committed to making a final product that you will enjoy for years to come. If after you receive your finished video, there is something that you would prefer to have changed, please let us know within two weeks after you receive it and we will re-do the video for you for just the
cost of an additional DVD ($20.00).
General
Photographs
Special
Features
Music
Events
Mailing
If any of your questions were not listed above please feel free to contact us.
© Coleman Video, Inc. All rights reserved.
Photo Montages
FAQ
{
}
Photo Montages