Tips and Ideas

 No offense to those scrapbook fanatics... but it is a tough job going through all your pictures, getting them printed, cutting out and pasting themes, sifting through all of your keepsakes that you have tucked away in a box, etc.  Then you have the task of organizing it.  There is no doubt that when it is all complete you can smile at your accomplishments knowing that your children will thank you when they get older or you can always have something to look back on when you get older.  With that said...is there an easier way?  Can you document the memories and still feel like you've encapsulated your life, your child's life.  

Digital scrapbooking, as they call it, may seem like an easier solution and it is for some.  Putting together a simple photo book is another alternative but wait!!!!.....what do you do with all your video clips?  Exactly!  For this reason, DVD movie montages have become a popular and new alternative to scrapbooking.  We started Capture the Years  with scrapbooking in mind.  I was one of those "non-scrapbookers" with every good intention.  I used photo books instead but I still felt that something was missing, the video clips!  You can always put off scrapbooking for when your kids get older and you have more time but now is the time to show off the great pictures and videos that you've captured.  Have us do it for you or you can try it on your own.  If you have time to make your own movie, then you might have time to scrapbook as well.  They are your memories so cherish them how you can.  

We hear these myths, lies and videotape phobias all the time and are here to help you see the light.

"My pictures are not good enough or organized enough to get a professional movie produced.  I am not a photographer or videographer so how good can the movie actually come out?"

Myth:  A good professional producer, like Little Star Video, can make any group of pictures or video look professional and impressive.  

"My friends and family love to go through all the kids pictures that I post online.

"White" Lie:  If you post lots of pictures of your kids online where there may be several versions of the same picture with low resolution and there is a better way.  Although no one will say it to your face, they prefer that you take the best pictures and video clips and make it short (about 5-10 minutes).  When you put it into an HD DVD movie montage with music, now that will impress them the most!

"I have a video camera but not the slightest clue what to do with the footage.  There is no way I will be able to provide anyone with individual clips to make into a movie because I sure cannot figure it out."

Videotape:  If you give it a shot, you can easily upload your video to your computer.  From there you can save clips similar to photo files.  There are many different ways to save a video file.  Regardless, we accept almost every type of video file.  If you just do not want to mess with it, some people have sent us the mini-dvds (if your camcorder has it) or the actual camcorder for us to upload the video for you.  All you have to do is ask!

...upload your pictures for you!

We understand that keeping your pictures organized in one place is near impossible. We have worked with all types of families who have pictures and video stuck in all places (the grandparents camera, online galleries, broken computers, camcorders and so on). Trust us we have seen it all. If you think that it is going to be a challenge do not let that deter you from submitting pictures to us. We are patient, we send reminders and are available by phone. We also encourage you to get the movie done in time for the party, a gift to the grandparents or at least before your little one goes to college. We are here to motivate and help you so do not feel intimidated by anything. Today is your day to get those pictures and video to us and enjoy your first movie from Little Star Video!

Many people wonder "Can I do this movie thing on my own?"  That is a great question and the answer is "maybe".  It all depends...

It depends on what your knowledge is of computer software, photo editing, music selection, organizing photos and clips, editing video footage, etc.  There is a lot of work involved.  We would not kid about that.  So what is your time worth?  If you have the time to research the different sites and software programs out there and then have the time to learn the programs, pick out the right music, put the movie together, burn DVDs and make labels, then by all means give it a try.  The prices range from free (online use only) to a couple of hundred dollars.  So if you think that you have the time, we encourage you to try it on your own but if you do not want to bother with all the research, learning and work, then we will do it all for you.  

We know what our time is worth, do you?