Q. What should the resolution of the photographs used in the video be?
A. For best quality, the photos should be JPEG or Tiff files with a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080 pixels. This usually means at least a 5 mb file size per photo.
Q. How do I get our video and photos to you?
A. You can upload the media to a file sharing site like Dropbox or Google Drive. You can also mail a flash drive with the media directly to me.
Q. How will I receive a digital copy of the finished video?
A. I can upload it to a file sharing service like Dropbox or send it to you on a flash drive via the US mail.
Q. How does the revision process work?
A. If you select the standard or premium package you get two revisions. I will upload the finished video (with a watermark embedded) and post it on YouTube. I will send you the private link and after you view it, if you would like any changes, I can make those. Once you are satisfied with the video, I will remove the watermark and send it to you.
Q. How do I pay for the service?
A. Venmo is the preferred method but I also accept PayPal as well. A 50% payment is required when booking the service and the remainder is due after the video is completed to your satisfaction.
Q. What if I still have my video on VHS tape or some other other non digital media?
A. I can transfer VHS tapes and 8 mm film to digital and the price depends on how much media you have. You might consider having Costco transfer it, as they are probably the least expensive transferring service around.
Q. How long will it take to receive the completed video?
A. From the time I receive the video and/or photographs until the finished video is delivered to you will take approximately 2-4 weeks depending on my workload. I can give you a more precise time estimate when you contact me about placing an order. I can expedite if requested but would have to charge more for the quicker turnover.
Q. How can friends and family see my video if I don't have a YouTube or Vimeo account?
A. I will provide you with an Mp4 of your video via Dropbox or some other file sharing service. At your request, I will upload your video to my YouTube or Vimeo channel and give you the URL so you can share it with friends and family or post it on Facebook.
Q. Will there be an issue with my video being hosted on Youtube or Vimeo due to the music I selected?
A. Both YouTube and Vimeo utilize content ID software to search for copyrighted images & music within the video. Usually, even if the music is copyrighted, they will allow it unless the copyright holder formally objects. I've placed hundreds of videos with copyrighted music on Youtube and only had the audio muted 4 times due to copyright issues. Youtube is more strident than Vimeo regarding copyrighted music. For example, on one of my videos, I used the Eagles song "It's Your World Now." Youtube muted the audio a couple months after I posted it but Vimeo did not.
Q. On some of your video examples, the video or photos seem to be on the screen for only a short period of time. Why is that?
A. In order to keep the video moving with a nice pace that engages the audience, it's important not to linger on a photograph or video image for too long. I sync the transitions to the beat of the music (either the drums or the bass line) and I typically leave each photo on screen for about 5 seconds. If you prefer your photos to be on screen longer, we can discuss that during the ordering or revision process.