Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?
We have a simple Preparation Guide that you can download on this site or we can send it to you. Just email or give us a call. Click here for more information.

How much will it cost?
That depends on several things: the number of photos, songs, and video clips that you include. Also, some of our clients write very detailed instructions on how to layout their montage, others ask us to do that for them. Part of the Preparation Guide mentioned above has an Estimate Sheet to determine the final cost.

Can I order copies for others?
Certainly. We offer copies in quantities over 15 at only $10 per DVD or VHS. Many schools will order a quantity and sell them to parents at a price that covers the cost of the DVD plus the montage itself. That way it cost nothing for the school and the parents get an athletics or graduation montage at a very low cost.

Can I order copies at a later date?
Yes you can. We keep originals in a fireproof safe. Prices are $15 per DVD under 15 copies.

Can we add video to the montage?
Nothing enhances a photo montage like video. We can place one or multiple video clips throughout the montage for an exciting surprise to your viewers. The price for this is listed in the Estimate sheet of the Preparation Guide.

We would like something extra. What would you suggest?
That really depends on the kind of montage you want to create. But we have created some very unusual videos for our clients. Here are a couple ideas:

What photos should I include?
In a word, VARIETY. Yes it’s a big, bold word. That’s because it’s vital to telling an interesting story. Select a mixture of formal poses (school, studio), informal poses (posing with grandparents), candid (jumping into the pool), and even shots of significant objects (favorite teddy bear).

How many photos should I include?
That sort of depends on the story you are telling. But there are some rules to keep in mind.

Rule 1: Less is more.

Rule 2: Don’t make it longer than a television show. Not unless you have potty breaks.

Rule 3: Think of your audience. Kids don’t have a long attention span. Neither do the grandparents. Neither do working moms and dads. Get the hint yet? Okay, one more…

Rule 4: Keep it short. 5 - 10 minutes is great. Over 10 minutes and you’ll need to provide popcorn and soda to keep the audience still. Longer than 15 minutes and you’ll need smelling salts to wake them up.

Exception to the Rules Above - If you kid is real cute.

Actually, if the video is of…

• a class or sports team or…
• an extended family or…
• an event (picnic, vacation, etc.) or…
• if it contains video…

then you can get away with 15 – 20 minutes in length.

A few things to keep in mind

1. Text is important. A caption under a picture, a name, a date, a quote. Think, “how will they remember this 5 years from now?”

2. Full screen photos shown one after another, i.e., slideshow, gets quickly monotonous. Consider letting us add animation, special effects, borders and interesting backgrounds to break up the pace and help tell the story.