Steps for a successful project:

(If all of this sounds like too much of an effort for you at this time, we can streamline the process. Just get the pictures to me and I'll use my judgment on what order to show them in. You can pick the music and theme or leave it to me.)

1. Gather your media. Please select your best pictures. Avoid damaged photos if you can (major cracks, spotty discoloration, severe moisture damage, ink-marks, etc.). I'll do my best to correct any problems with photos. If you plan to send photos that you already have in digital format, make sure they are of good quality (large size with good resolution). Be sure to include pictures with your loved one doing something, not just posed photos. Caution: If your photos are in an older photo album with 'sticky' pages, you might want to just send the entire album with the photos you want used marked with sticky notes. I know from experience the damage that can be done to the photos if you try to remove them.

2. Arrange and inventory your material. If you have print photos, slides and/or negatives and wish them to be presented in a specific order in the video, number them by placing sticky notes on the back of each picture (or just secure them in your desired order and tell me you have done so).

If you plan to have all scanning of photos done at your end, now is the time to get it done. When you have all your items in digital format you can upload them and I'll pick them up via the internet or you can mail them to me on CD.

3. If you want video added, decide which footage to include. You need to make it clear to me which parts of a tape to include. If time allows, I'll put the clips on the internet for you to preview and verify that I have the right footage. Count up the total number of minutes of video you want added.

4. Choose a custom theme. I have many themes already created for you to choose from, or you can tell me what you're picturing as the theme. You'll probably want your theme to reflect something about the person, such as using floral background for an avid gardener. With a little discussion I'm sure we can pick a theme that is both beautiful and meaningful. View my theme suggestions at Photodex*. You can choose from these themes or use them as inspiration for coming up with your own theme. (*You'll have to download a small program that allows you to watch videos at Photodex the first time you visit.)

5. Choose your background music. For a typical show of 20-50 slides you'll want to pick out 2-3 songs. The songs you choose will set the tone for the tribute so take your time here. If, when you see the preview, the music doesn't work for you, we can easily change it. There are over 480 songs in my Memorial Music Library that you can choose from, or you can provide your own music.

To estimate how many songs you'll need, add up the total number of photos you have and multiply that number by 13 seconds (length of a typical clip with transition). Add in any minutes of video.

6. Download (by clicking here), print out and complete the storyboard worksheet. The storyboard provides me with information such as what captions to include, the theme you want, etc. Simply put, you are writing the script for the movie I'll produce. The storyboard worksheet is in Microsoft WORD format. If you don't have Word let me know and I'll get it to you in another format.

7. As I've mentioned once before, verify that the DVD players that are going to be used, either at home or at a memorial chapel, can play DVD+R or DVD-R discs. I'll create the show on a DVD+R unless you specify otherwise.

8. Print and fill out the cost estimate worksheet. When we speak I'll take the information from you and fill out your order request and give you the exact price and payment information.

9. Package your material. Package your prints, 35 mm slides, video clips, music CDs, and payment in full (if paying with check or money order). If you're paying through Paypal, the process works like this. I request the agreed amount through Paypal, PayPal then contacts you by email for Credit Card information. It is a secure process and I never see your Credit Card information. A good choice for shipping is to use a PRIORITY FLAT RATE box from the US Postal Service. The cost is $8.95 no matter how much the box weighs. They offer two sizes of flat rate boxes.

10. Ship or deliver your package to Loving Tributes using the mailing address I provide when we speak. Let me know the expected delivery date.

11. I'll let you know via email or the telephone when your material arrives. Work on your tribute will begin that day.

12. I'll notify you via email or phone when your order is completed and place a preview of it on the internet. You can, or course, choose to skip the preview process.

13. Once your tribute is done and approved, I'll ship it, and all your materials, back to you. Unless you requested overnight (rush) delivery, I'll ship via the US Postal Service, Priority mail (2-3 days).