Where to Begin

Determine the purpose of your video album.

1. What theme, event or person(s) are you spotlighting?
2. Which package provides the time and number of photos that suit your needs?
3. What emotion are you trying to evoke?
4. Are captions necessary for clarity or desired for effect?
5. What add-ons will you need to complete the video?

Choosing a photograph:

1. Be sure to choose photos where the subject is close-up and centered.
2. It is best to put the photos in chronological order or by theme.
3. Do not crop horizontal pictures vertically, as it will not transfer properly onto a TV screen.
4. Be sure to send/scan uncut, physically intact photos.
5. Be sure to remove all photos from frames.

Scanning:

1. Whether scanning at home or photo center of choice, be sure the equipment and photos are free of lint, fingerprints and smudges.
2. Use a resolution of 300 DPI or higher and examine the file before sending to us for clarity and distortion.
3. Be sure to scan photos in the order in which you wish them to be presented using JPG format on a CD-R. Save each picture with a 3 digit number indicating the order.
4. Place your photos on disk for each song in a separate envelope, then number the envelope in the correct order for the video.

Sending hard copies:

1. We will scan your photos for you at a charge of $.50 per photo.
2. USING A STICKY NOTE ON THE BACK, number each photo in the order in which you wish them to appear. (write in pencil)
3. Place your photos in an envelope or Zip-Lock bag, labeled by section and song.
4. All photos will be returned with the shipment of final product.

If you would like your pictures saved to a CD, see add-ons, photo archiving.

Using video clips:

Bring your slide show to life by adding video at $5 per 1 minute clip. We highly recommend shorter clips dispersed throughout the slideshow, as opposed to one very long clip.

1. Save video clips (up to 1 minute each) onto disc in MPEG format.
2. Title each clip with the number of the photo in which you want it to appear after. Example: [after .014]
3. Double check to make sure the disc was recorded correctly.
4. Send disc, marked “video clips”, with all other media.
5. If you have questions, PLEASE CALL!!

* We can also work with Mini DV & VHS!

Captions:

1. Consider whether or not captions are necessary for clarity or desired for effect.
2. To add captions (see package limitations) submit or email the photo number next to the caption on order form, as well as on the numbered sticky note. Example: .048 "Having the time of our lives!"
3. DO NOT WRITE DIRECTLY ON THE BACK OF YOUR PHOTO!
4. Shorter quotes/captions work best.

Songs:

1. Choose a song(s) that compliments the theme of your video or has special meaning or lyrics.
2. Based on the length of you video, choose the appropriate number of song selections. (see packages)
3. Check out our song suggestion list. If you have a favorite song(s) that suits the mood of your slideshow, send us a store bought CD or purchase the music from an on-line music store. (iTunes, Rhapsody, etc…)
4. Be sure to write song title and artist in preferred order as presented in the video album.
5. Choose 1 additional “back-up” song to be used in addition or in place of another if needed.

*We can also purchase your music selections on your behalf for $1.00 each.

*Songs will be edited to fit the length of the video, using cross-fade to prevent pauses. If you do not wish for a song to be edited, please specify.

*Music CD’s will be returned with the shipment of the final product.

Backgrounds:

We have an extensive library of backgrounds to be used when creating unique slideshows. We will make our best effort to choose appropriate design and color choices that will best enhance your album. If you prefer to stick with a default color (solid background), please indicate on the order form.

CLICK HERE to view sample backgrounds, title pages, credits and thank you pages

Place your order:

Click Here for the Order Form. This form requires you to have the free, Adobe Reader installed on your computer.

Finally, if you are uploading your pictures to us, please follow these simple directions.

1. You will need to zip your photos into a zip file. Right click your mouse and choose compressed/zipped folder and create a name for it. It is best to use the last name of the person ordering the slide show. Next, you need to highlight all of the pictures you wish to send, or drag them one by one, into the compressed file.
2. Next you will click on the following link: www.yousendit.com Type in (or cut and paste) our email as the recipient: info@encorevideoalbums.com
3. Please include your full name, followed by the word order as the “Message to Recipient”(e.g. John Thomas Ford Order), along with any comments you have.
4. Click the Browse button, locate your zipped file, and attach it to your email.
5. This site will, for free, allow you to use up to 100 MB of space. If you need to send additional pictures, please send in an additional email.
6. Finally, as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to email us: info@encorevideoalbums.com or call us on either (919)773-4965 or (919) 244-4778

Production time:

The estimated time for completion of your video is two weeks from the date we receive your materials, unless otherwise discussed with your consultant. A Rush Order (needed in less than 10 days) can be arranged for a fee of $50.00. This includes 3 day production fee and Express Mail.