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Putting your photos on a dvd requires two software programs. You will need one for organizing your photos and one for burning them on to a dvd. In this article we will be covering Windows Movie Maker since it is a free program that comes with Windows XP users. You can also get it free through Microsoft if, you don’t already have it installed. Your computer must also have a dvd burner and software for the burning process. Since many new computers come with Nerovision Express 3.0 software we will be using this program in the following steps.

Let’s give it a try shall we…

Step 1. Bring your Windows Movie maker software program up on your computer screen.

Step 2. Look for the task tab, under the capture video category, click on import pictures.

Step 3. Drag and drop your photos in the storyboard arranging them any way you like.

Step 4. Under the edit movie category you can add video effects and transitions. Drag and drop them also in the storyboard. Try all of the them to see which ones you like the best.

Step 5. To add one of your favorite songs change the storyboard view to the timeline view. Under the capture video category, click on import audio or music. Drag your music into the timeline, under your photo scenes, where it says audio/music.

Step 6. When you are satisfied with your preview choose, save to my computer located under the finish movie category. Your video will be saved with a wmv extension.

Step 7. Bring up your Nerovision Express software program and click on make DVD - DVD Video. Under the content screen, click on add video files. Locate the video you just created in Windows Movie Maker. (Remember it will have a wmv extension.) You can add more than one video here. When you see that your video and or videos have been added click on the next button.

Step 8. In the select menu screen click on edit menu. This is where you can choose from a wide range of layouts, background pictures, etc. Play around with the different options you have. When you get the menu just the way you want it click on the next button. (Click on save as template for saving your menu.)

Step 9. Now preview your video by clicking the play button on the remote control. If you are satisfied with the results click next.

Step 10. From the burn options screen, click on burn to located in the parameters for burning box. Locate your dvd drive. Click on the burn button when you are ready. This process takes a while so you have to be patient. Try not to do anything else on the computer while the burning process is in effect.

Note: If you find that the software won’t let you burn, you may need to purchase an additional plugin. If that is the case, you should see a pop up window with instructions on how to get it.
Note:You will not be able to burn without it.

That is really all there is to it! Now wasn’t that easy?

Copyright © 2005 Lynn Quario - All Rights Reserved

Please feel free to reprint this article providing the links and author stay intact.

Lynn Quario is a groovy grandmother who loves to create family home videos.

If you want to learn how to be more creative with your videos check out her website at http://www.create-your-own-dvd-movie.com/

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Like most folks you have probably have organized and sorted your photos atleast once. The problem is they never seem to stay organized no matter how hard you try, and even if they do they seem to lack that original impact that they had shortly after you took them or if they do, you never drag them out until sadly, someone passes on.

Now you can not only organize them for good, but ensure they maintain that original sentiment felt when you first took them and are readably available for that sentimental journey at a moments notice. How would you like to be able to share your most cherished memories “with” your loved ones and preserve them for future generations as well?

There is a a technique known as “video scrapbooks” that can transform your static photographs into a true cinematic experience.
Much like a paper scrapbook this media places your photos into a digital format and “turns the pages” automatically for you.
Once placed in this format your memories are preserved forever and can reproduced easily for sharing.

But beware!!

There are many “so called” professional services out there that can do this for you. Sadly many of them use nothing more than a “cookie cutter” software package or PowerPoint. While they may do the job to a minmal standard,they are usually considerably over priced. The cost can range from $500.00 to $2,500.00 for a mere 60 photos worth of work.

When looking for that true professional service ensure that they use the pan+zoom technique made famous by Ken Burns and include music in their presentation.

Ken Burns is the film maker that created an entire movie covering the Civil war using only photographs that were brought to life by panning across the photos and zooming in for closeup shots.

Gathering your photos and sorting them is where you get to take that sentimental journey and pick out your favorite memories to preserve.

–The Steps–

Step 1 is to decide if you are going to order your photos by date, event or person or a combination of all three.

Step 2 is placing them in the order that you would like your video to flow from first photo to the last.

Step 3 is to write on post-it notes the number of the photo, i.e. photo#1, photo#2 etc. It is important to do this prior to placing the post-it note on the back of the photo since the pressure ogf writing can mar the actual photo.

Step 3 if sending your photos via mail is to make sure your photos are placed inside of a water proof or zip-lock plastic bag and then securely place between two sturdy pieces of cardboard.

Step 4 is to make sure you place them in a shipping box (e.g.USPS, FED EX, UPS etc.) and make sure the box is label as fragile to ensure proper handling.

Step 5 it is best to send in a manner that your package can be tracked and a signature from the receiver can be obtained. Most services will pay the return shipping cost.

Whomever you choose you will definetly be glad you did once you see the results.

Paul F. Olshefsky is the owner of “Sentimental Services” a service that specializes in the creation of Picture Book DVDs and keepsake videos. His introduction into the digital world started back in 1987 when he was trained by the U.S. ARMY on teir Tactical ARMY Combat Service Support Computer System. He has continued to further his digital knowledge thru college courses.
Paul F. Olshefsky
http://www.SentimentalServices.com

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Youv’e taken that perfect photo in the perfect light at the perfect angle and it has turned out beautifully.

How you handle and store the photo from now on will determine how long it will last.

No one wants to pull out their photo album only to to come face to face will faded, yellow and warped photos.

With the proper handling and storage of photos you can help prolong the life of your precious moments until they can be transfered into a digital format for extended storage life.

To simplify things I have broken down the procedures into 10 steps.

1. Never eat, drink or smoke around photographs.

2. Always wear clean white cotton gloves to handle your photos. This will keep skin oils off of the photos.

3. Never bend a photograph to pick it up. Slide it to edge so that it may be picked up in a manner that keeps the photo flat.

4. When removing photos from a bag or sack, hold the photos steady and still in your hand and pull the bag or sack away from the photos. Never pull on the photos. By pulling the sack or bag you are lessening the tork and stress on the photos.

5. Never store photos in an album that uses any type of adhesive to hold the photos in place. The chemicals will only speed up the break down of the photograph.

6. Never store photos in direct florescent or sun light.

7. Always store your photos in the room that has the least amount of heat and humidity. This will help slow down the mold and mildew that will attack photos.

8. Any type of album or plastic used to hold photos must be chemical and acid free.

9. If a photo is showing signs of dust use a very soft bristle brush to lightly dust photo.

10. Never write on the back of photos. This places grooves and places cracks in front of photo that will show up on face.

Paul F. Olshefsky is the owner of “Sentimental Services” a service that specializes in the creation of Picture Book DVDs and keepsake videos. His introduction into the digital world started back in 1987 when he was trained by the U.S. ARMY on teir Tactical ARMY Combat Service Support Computer System. He has continued to further his digital knowledge thru college courses.
Paul F. Olshefsky
http://www.SentimentalServices.com

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