Frequently Asked Questions:
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What's the difference between a DVD slide show and a Photo Montage?
Others may have a different take on this, but from my perspective... they are simply two different terms for the same thing and use them interchangeably.
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When would you show off this DVD slide show?
That's really a personal decision and it depends on the particulars of your situation. For illustration purposes, consider a wedding event... Some customers elect to show it to family and friends at the rehearsal dinner. Others choose to show it at the reception during dinner or during the cocktail hour. Some just want to have it running continuously off to the side of the main event as a "decoration."
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Can't I just make my own DVD slide show?
Sure you can. If you have the time and expertise to do so, or simply enjoy that sort of technical/artistic work, of course you can. However, I have spent many hours learning the in and outs and the searching many resources to develop a personalized product for you. I have learned what works and what doesn't, and want to help you avoid any problems.
Secondly, there may be time concerns with doing it yourself. Scanning photos and learning the software to do all that I do may not require a Ph.D., but it will certainly require MANY HOURS of effort that is one task you can remove from your to-do list and you can concentrate on other things... like getting married, planning your event, or simply life in general.
~Why not just create a DVD slide show in PowerPoint?
For one thing, in order to view your slide show again you'll need to use a computer and the PowerPoint application. That can be very limiting. Secondly, the DVD format is highly universal and portable... meaning that years from now if you want to look at your slide show to reminisce, you'll need nothing more than a DVD player and a TV.
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How long is the DVD slide show?
It's entirely up to you and how many pictures you choose to share. About 100 photos is the most common (roughly 8-11 minutes), although some customers prefer a shorter slideshow and only use about 50 photos (roughly 3-6 minutes). A longer slideshow including 500-600 photos can last over 45 minutes! However keep in mind that if the slideshow is too long it might begin to irritate the audience (depending on the situation). I am completely flexible to your requests, and every situation is unique.
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6 seconds per photo is too long, can we go faster?
Absolutely! If you have lots of photos, going thru the photos too fast is not a good thing, and can be distracting if done poorly. The speed of the music should be relatively similar to the speed of the photos. For example, you should not play slow music and flip the photos quickly - or visa versa. Generally, I do not recommend less than 3 or 4 seconds per photo. Remember, part of that time includes a transition to the next photo - and that takes a bit of time too.
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How many photos can be in the DVD slide show?
Hundreds of photos will fit onto a DVD without any problems. It's entirely up to you how many pictures. However, a typical wedding slide show viewed by guests at a reception is less than 10 minutes (approx 50-100 photos).
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What kind of photos can you work with?
I can work with photographic prints up to 8"x10" in size (3x5, 4x6, 5x7 are all just fine). Paper prints must first be scanned, and you can save some time and money by scanning these photos yourself (if you have a scanner). Digital photos from your digital camera or from a CD-ROM are also acceptable, and there is no need to scan digital photos.
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How much photo enhancement do I do? Can I take red-eye out?
The short answer is yes, red-eye can be taken out. Generally red-eye distracts from the slideshow, so I do my best to minimize/eliminate the impact. I can also usually adjust contrast, brightness and do some automated clean up of photos which require a little help.
However, I am not claiming to be, nor am I aiming to be, a photo restoration expert but can do some work with older photos and want your slideshow to look its best, so we do a little fine tuning of the photos.
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What background music would you recommend?
I am constantly compiling a list of music that has worked well for my customers and certain events. I attempt to personalize the music to the pictures and the subject’s interests.
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How much music should we include; lots of small clips of songs or just a few songs in their entirety?
I generally recommend try to let the music flow with the feel of the photographs and use at least a minute of each song if at all possible. I can also integrate sound effects and/or voice overs if requested or if it fits. Entire songs are fine too. If there are certain songs you definitely would like to have played in their entirety, please make a note of that on your order form.
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Can short video clips be included with the slide show?
Yes, you can add one or several short video clips to the DVD slide show. Just include your video clip or tape and fill out the section of the order form for this. If you are submitting a tape or DVD, it must first be converted to a digital file format in which I can work with (MPG, AVI, MOV, QT or DV). If you are submitting a tape or DVD, the video is not yet in this format, it must be converted first.
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Can the slideshow be played on a computer/laptop?
Yes, of course. I will provide you a DVD which can be played in both a standalone DVD player (like what you might find in a home theater system) as well as a computer's. So if your computer/laptop has a DVD drive, it should play your wedding slideshow. NOTE: The DVDs will play in virtually all DVD players. If you are local (San Joaquin Valley in California), I have a projector in which I can come to your event to display your slideshow at your event for a fee.
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How much time do I need to prepare your slideshow?
Standard turnaround time is approximately 4 weeks, but rush processing is available by request. During peak periods, it may require more time than normal. Very large orders (many photos) may also require additional time. I will let you know if this is the case. Please ask if you have specific timeline requirements.
While specific requests will vary, it is unusual that I can turn around a slideshow order in less than 1 week.
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How much will this DVD slide show cost?
Complete pricing information is available click here. If you would like a free quote or have any additional questions, pleasecontact meatkreationsbykts@aol.com. ~
None of the packages match the number of photos I have? Is that a problem? What now?
If your needs go beyond the standard package prices, I will work out a price from the add-on list and give you an estimate.
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Can I get additional copies of the DVD?
Yes. Each additional copy is an exact duplicate of the original and includes the same customized DVD case and label. Copies can be ordered when placing the initial order, or within 3 months after the order. The cost of additional copies starts at $30 per copy.
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I have a special request for my slideshow. Will you work with me on this?
Absolutely! I want to meet every request of every customer and want you to be completely satisfied. I prefer to think of you as a new friend we plan to have for years.
