THE STEPS FOR CREATING A SLIDE SHOW:

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Having a general idea of where you're going with your slideshow will make the planning process easier. 

Before you begin digging through old photos, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1.  How long do I want the video to be?
2.  Which online sample is my favorite?

3.  Are captions necessary for the audience to understand the photos?

PHOTO INSTRUCTIONS:

There are 2 ways to submit your photos to Picture Perfect:

1. Scan your photos or have them scanned at a local photo lab, and send them to us on CD-R or through email.

2. Send us your physical photos to be scanned ($ .50 per photo).
 

If you are scanning your photos:

DO:

1.  The scanner you're using must be cleaned thoroughly with a dry T-shirt or cloth every five scans. If you do not do this, dust particles and fingerprint smudges will be scanned with the photos. This is especially crucial when using a public scanner at a local photo lab.
2.  After you scan each photo, save it in JPG format. Title each photo a 3-digit number indicating the order that you would like it to appear in the video (e.g. 001.jpg, 002.jpg).

3.  Send us a CD of your images or submit them via e-mail.
4.  Important: Set the scanning resolution as high as possible (we recommend setting the resolution at 300 DPI or higher). Photos scanned at a low resolution may appear blurry or "digitized" on your computer screen.  Before sending your scanned photo files, carefully examine each one.  If the photos are distorted (if they do not look exactly like the original photo), rescan them at a higher resolution. Blurry and digitized photos cannot be corrected by our photo editors.  Contact us for assistance with scanning.

DO NOT:

1.  Do not use photos that are cut into shapes (circles, etc.)

2. Do not type captions in the filename of digital images (see "captions" below)

3.  Because your TV screen is horizontal, it is best not to crop horizontal photos vertically. If at all possible, do not crop/cut vertical photos horizontally.

If you are sending photos to be scanned:
DO:

1.  Number each photo in the order you would like it to appear (write a number on the back of each photo with a pencil.)  Do not rely on placing the photos in the correct order in the package as they may shift during shipment. Do not put sticky notes on the front of your photos - as they will be damaged by the sticky residue.  Do not tape your photos onto sheets of paper.

2.  Place your photos into Zip-Lock bags labeled by their section/song.
3.  Your photos will be returned to you when your slide show is shipped.

DO NOT:

1.  Do not send photos that are cut into shapes (circles, etc.)
2.  Do not rely on placing the photos in the correct order in the package as they may shift during shipment.

3.  Do not tape or glue photos together or to sheets of paper.

4. Do not put sticky notes on the FRONT of your photos - as they will be damaged by the sticky residue.

5. Do not write captions on the back of photos (see below).

CAPTIONS & TITLES:

To make your slideshow more entertaining and help the audience follow the story being told, you can add captions and titles for $2 each.
 

To add captions & titles to your slide show:

1.  Include a Word document or send an email with the photo numbers next to the caption or title.

2.  Do not write captions or titles on the back of photos or in the filename of digital images - all captions must be submitted together in a Word document or by email.

3.  Unless you're using an important quote or poem, it is best to keep your captions and titles short and sweet! Fewer than 10 words works best. 
 

CHOOSING MUSIC - HELPFUL TIPS

1.  The music you select will set the mood of your slide show. If possible use both sentimental and upbeat songs so your slide show can inspire laughter and tears. 

2.  Make your video unique by including favorite songs of the person that you are creating it for. Are there songs or artists who are especially meaningful?  Do you know of lyrics that fit especially well?
3.  To help with your music selection we have compiled a list of the most popular songs choices. Click here to view our song ideas (choose from our list or choose your own songs!)

AFTER YOU RECEIVE YOUR VIDEO:

After you have received your slide show, any changes must be discussed with your Consultant. The additional charges will be discussed at that time. Any errors on our part are always fixed at no cost to you.  

We keep the masters of each slide show for at least one year. If you decide you’d like extra VHS or DVD copies of your video, visit our Order Copies page.