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? (Estimate 20 - 30 pictures per song depending on
special effects)

2. Which online sample is my favorite? (This does not mean your Life Event DVD will look just like it, it only gives us an idea of the "feeling" or "mood" you are going for.)

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

PHOTO INSTRUCTIONS:

There are 2 ways to submit your photos to Across Graphics Digital Studio:

1. Scan your photos or have them scanned at a local photo lab, and send them to us on
CD-R or through email at lfiatoa@acrossgraphics.com for large emails we suggest YouSendIt.com - It is a free service for sending large files or multiple files.

2. Send us your physical photos to be scanned. (Free of Charge.)

If you are scanning your photos:

1. The scanner you're using must be cleaned thoroughly with a dry 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 as .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 photos cannot be corrected by our graphics artists. Contact us for assistance with scanning. We include minor retouching for all photos. A good rule of thumb is "Garbage in, is Garbage out!" If you took a blurry picture to begin with, we cannot "un-blur" it! If you would like to include a blurry photo, that is fine, we will place the photo for the best possible visual appearance.

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 there is a portion of the photo you do not want to be shown – we will “crop” it using our programs.

Just note it in the “Special Instructions" along with the photo # and we’ll take care of it from there.

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 VERY LIGHTLY!!!.) Do not rely on placing the photos in the correct order in the package they will shift during shipment. Do not put sticky post-it notes on the front of your photos - it will damage your photo! Do not tape your photos onto sheets of paper – again the sticky residue will damage your photos!

2. Place your photos into Zip-Lock bags labeled by their section and song you wish to hear while viewing. If necessary use several baggies with Special Instruction notes inside the baggie.

3. Your photos will be returned to you when your Life Event DVD 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 will shift during shipment.

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

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

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

Captions and Titles

To make your Life Event DVD personal and help the audience follow the story being told, you can add captions. These are Free of Charge. However for best visual appearance need to be short.

Captions: A label or quote pertaining to one specific photo.
Title: Text that introduces an entire group of photos.
See below examples.

To add captions & titles to your show:

1. Include a Word document, email or use the 2nd (second) page on the order form to write special instructions 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, by email or using the order form

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.

Caption Example: Photo #056 – Our Day at the Beach, 2001
      OR
(Tell briefly what is going on or who it is – “Jo running from waves, 2001)

Title Example: Photos #047-058 – Our Florida Vacation 2001

Choosing The Music!

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

2. To help with your music selection we have compiled a list of the most popular songs choices.

3. Record your own message!

We are proud to announce that we are now able to include your recorded voice sound into your show! If you would like this option as well just let us know! If you do not have a program that will record your voice, we recommend Wavosaur. This is a stand-alone program and offers audio recording and editing. The program is FREE!

Please read Our Terms of Service before placing your order.

When ordering you agree to Our Terms of Service.