 Things to
Consider When Planning Your Video Project
Know, going in, that your video project may require a certain amount of
your time and energy, even if you have a very definite idea of what you
want.
Collect Your Photos
Even if all your photos are neatly stored in albums, it takes time to
remove them for scanning and tagging. If they are in frames, they will have
to be removed and tagged.
It takes time if they are in different locations or require copying. If
relatives have their own collections, it will take time and effort to
collect and tag so they get returned to their rightful owners.
Tag Photos
Tagged photos make it easier to later return to their albums, owners, or
storage places.
Simply take two post-its, write the name or identifying word or number on
both. Put one on the back of the photo, the other in the album on the spot
it was removed from.
Note: Write on the post-it before putting it on the back of the photo. If
you write on the back of the photo or even if you write on the post-it while
it is on the back of the photo, the impression of your writing may emboss
the paper and cause the impression to be visible from the front of the
photo. This not only damages the photo but may be picked up in the scanning
process. Not good.
Naming photos
This is important, especially when working with a great number of images,
to name or number them with a unique identification. Most notably, when they
are scanned, the name you give the image will be used for the file name of
the scanned image, making it easier to locate in the future. Remember, once
all your photos are scanned and the project complete, you can get all the
images on a CD (separate from your DVD) for permanent archival and other
uses.
Take Inventory
Please, make an accounting of anything sent to us. Include your
transmittal with your shipment so we can account for each item too. We are
very conscientious about your precious photos. We value our personal photos,
so we know you value yours.
IMPORTANT: If you are uneasy about sending an irreplaceable photo in
the mail or trusting in another's care, we suggest that you have a quality
copy made and keep the original in a safe place. Zzyzx Works is not
responsible for events outside our control. You take full responsibility for
your items.
Scan if You Can
If you have access to scanning equipment and feel you have what it takes
to sit in front of a scanner, processing image after image after image after
image... well, you know what we mean. By all means do it. It will save you
an extra cost, since we do charge to scan your images. Save them to a
minimum of 300dpi, TIF format (Not JPG. JPG is not appropriate for this
process and will make it difficult to resize cleanly because it is a lossy,
not lousy, lossy format. See File Formats)
The Five W's
Who, What, Where, When, Why. Give us some context for each photo
so that we know it's value to the story. Because that is what we are doing
here. We are creating a story. A plot. A drama, if you will. Telling a story
or a history of your choosing, using images, motion, sound and music. A
music-video of sorts, with your memories as actors, playing against an
emotional soundtrack.
Give Us A Clue
Write down your expectations, ideas for the story, meanings behind why
you want this screenplay. If we are telling a story between a mother and a
daughter, we need to know about the relationship. The personalities. The
gladness and the sadness.
This is a very intimate process. But we need to know as much as possible in
order to capture the heart and make it beat in unison with the viewer.
Please know that Zzyzx Works adheres to a very strict policy of
confidentiality.
Look Past This Project
Think about how you will want to use these images, beyond the purpose of
this video. Perhaps a gifts or getting pictures framed finally, which is
what you've wanted to do for years, but never could get around to it.
Repair and print
Will you want certain images repaired and printed? Sometimes we have
old photos that really should be put away for safe keeping. If you let us
electronically repair a copy and restore it to a state of grace, we can
print a pristine copy and other sizes for you to frame or give loved ones,
keeping the fragile original safe, away from potential damage from light,
dust, or physical abuse. (See Photo Fix)
What's Old is New
We can even take modern images and make them look old, or give black
and white the life of color. (See Photo
Effects)
A Statement of a Hundred Voices
A Collagé of images make a wonderful accompanying piece to your video.
Using images from the video, we can make a Collagé that can be a full-time
remembrance of the people and places in the work. (See
Collagé)
Personal Touch
Personal Photos can make a novel Christmas card. Consider preparing one
or more images for the purpose of sending as holiday cards
Overwhelmed Yet?
Perhaps. But you are also on the brink of commissioning a work of
art which will be a testament to you, your good taste, and to your loved
ones for years to come!
This is just the beginning, but as in any great endeavor, no matter how
big or small... it all starts with the first step
Also check out some Frequently Asked Questions... |
