1. Schedule your free consultation by calling (800) 567-7457 or using the contact form. We'll help you every step of the way!
2. Choose you photos wisely. It's the most essential task. Make it easier by sorting your favorite and highest quality shots. Don't worry about scratches or other damage; we can probably handle it. But leave out any out of focus or overly grainy shots.
3. Number each photo by placing a sticky note on the back. Do not write on the photo, as this compromises the life expectancy of your photo. If you are providing digital files, rename each file with the number (i.e. 0027.jpg). Sticky notes can easily be applied to the clear plastic sleeves you use for negatives or slides.
4. Decide what type of show you'd like. Do you want and emotion and slow moving show? Or would you prefer a peppy and uplifting video? Perhaps you'd like to have a range of emotions within the show, combining songs to set the mood. Deciding this will greatly assist you in selecting the music for your soundtrack. We can give suggestions, however choosing music is a very personal decision. You may provide us with your original CD or we will purchase music on your behalf. You must own each song for your personal use to comply with copyright laws. The number of photos you have will determine how many songs you will need. A good rule of thumb is 5-6 seconds of song time per photograph. We can usually compress or extend transitions between photos to make them fit particular songs, but we may ask you to choose more music if you have too many photos.
5. Prepare your materials for shipment. It is recommended that you send your photos via an insured trackable method. Be sure to package them so that your photos will not be damaged. We recommend using sealable plastic bags to protect against dirt or moisture. We will professionally pack your pictures in much the same way for their return trip to you.
6. Help us to make your video perfect. We will call you upon receipt of your photos to confirm that they have arrived and to discuss any particulars which may not be clear in the instructions you have provided. We will assess all of the photos and make recommendations on any repair or restoration which may be required.

Help Us Help You... make the best DVD Montage you've ever seen!

1. Your purpose is to make your audience see what you saw, hear what you heard, feel what you felt. Relevant detail, couched in concrete, colorful language is the best way to recreate the incident as it happened and to picture it for the audience. - Dale Carnegie

While we at Noah Zark Productions do everything in our power to make your DVD Photo Montage a treasured keepsake for years to come, there are a number of ways that you can help us in accomplishing that.

• "The secret of success is constancy of purpose" Benjamin Disraeli
  
  Have an idea of what you're trying to accomplish with your DVD. Are you going for sentimental (like in an anniversary video) or fun (a birthday party). By knowing from the start what you're trying to accomplish with your DVD, the rest of the process comes much, much easier. Pictures seem easier to select, music "fits" better, and you can assist us in creating exactly the look and feeling that you're striving for.

• "Equality...is the result of human organization. We are not born equal." Hannah Arendt
  
  The same holds true for your photographs, they are not all equal. As you go through your precious photos, remember that the better the quality of the pictures you use, the better the end result. Look for pictures which are clear, bright, and well framed. While we can accomplish a lot in repair and restoration, there is no substitute for using the highest quality pictures in your DVD. Noah Zark Productions reviews each of your photographs and takes all steps possible to make them the best they can be for your finished DVD.

• "Make sure you have finished speaking before the audience has finished listening" Dorothy Sarnoff
  
  The best manner in which to keep your audience interested is by showing photos which give a broad representation of your subject. Be sure to mix up the photos to keep that interest. For example, if you're doing a sweet sixteen birthday video for your daughter, showing 10 years of school formal pictures does show her growing up, but all of the pictures are in the same format and have similar backgrounds. A more appealing way would be to mix some of those school photos into more candid ones. You can still accomplish the objective of showing your daughter growing through the years, but the video is more fluid and exciting to the viewer.

• "Teneo Vestri Celebratio (Know your audience)" Unknown
  
  Unlike a stack of photos which a person is going to sit and flip through, your finished DVD will be viewed on a television or laptop. As you select your photos, keep in mind the orientation of your television (horizontally versus vertically). Try and envision what each photo will look like if you were viewing it on a television screen. While we can make that tall, skinny picture work in your DVD, it will more than likely end up with a black frame around it when you show it on a standard or widescreen television set.

• "Nothing is pleasant that is not spiced with variety" Francis Bacon
  
  As you are planning your video, keep in mind that one of the most powerful ways to enhance your DVD is to include all types of items! Mix up the photos so that there is a mix of horizontal and vertical ones. Add video clips that you may have to you DVD (we can use digital clips or VHS tapes). Finally think of any other items which may help you to add that special touch to your video. For example, a great addition to a wedding or engagement DVD is a picture of the wedding invitation. We can utilize nearly anything which can be scanned up to 11" x 17" and include it in your finished DVD.

• "After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music" - Aldous Huxley
  
  The music you select can turn a run of the mill photo slide show into something truly moving. You should strive to balance your musical likes with songs which are relevant and meaningful to the story you are telling with your DVD. Noah Zark Productions can assist you in your musical selections. We have the experience to know which songs might be particularly well suited for the mood and purpose you are trying to achieve. We will also do our best to match the timing of your photos to the song, ensuring that motion and cuts are supported by the music and enhance the overall effect of the DVD.
  

Anniversary - Fond memories, first place you met, your wedding, favorite times together.

Athletic Competition - Recap highlights, awards, exciting plays! Send a demo to college recruiters!

Award Ceremony - Relive and share your proudest moments.

Baby Shower / Baby's 1st Year - The precious moments to remember for years to come.

Birthday Party - Starring you, your family, your friends.

Business Presentation - Professional presentations custom produced.

Children - A family video photo album take it to work to show coworkers.

Commemoration - Treasured, remembered, celebrated.

Couple’s Story - Meeting, growing up, courtship, getting engaged - great for a rehearsal dinner!

Family Reunion - Your family and relatives most cherished gatherings, make copies for everyone!

Friends - Remembering and sharing the best of times.

Genealogy / Family Tree - Your family tree, legacy, family heirlooms, all in a video you can watch at family gatherings.

Graduation - Sports, clubs, prom, pep rallies, graduation, friends.

Memorial - A meaningful way to remember a loved one.

Military Family - Share your proud history of service to your country with family and friends.

Personal Story / Biography - Your life’s story, told the way you want it.

Remember Your Pet - Fondest memories of your best friend.

Retirement Memories - Celebrate those special coworkers, friends and times from your career.

Summer Camp - Unforgettable memories of your kids and their friends.

Tribute - Honor those you love with a touching tribute on DVD.

Vacation - Live the sights and sounds with you family all over again.

Wedding - Your wedding videos and photos in an elegant DVD you can send to friends and family.