Video Keepsakes, Inc. started in 1978, where there was no such thing as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah montage. In the mid-1980's Gary and his team at Video Keepsakes, Inc. created the first Bar Mitzvah Montage, and the concept took off like wildfire! Video Keepsakes, Inc. not only creates standard 2D montages, but they create 3D montages, amazing kiosk holograms (click here to check out how cool this is!), incredible video services and more! Gary gave us tips on creating the perfect Bar or Bat Mitzvah photos:
1. The best photos are close-up shots. You want your guests to see your child's face, unless the background is important.
2. Funny photos get the most reactions. If you use pictures with weird faces, sunglasses, or any props, they go over better than portrait style photos.
3. Decide what categories, sections or types of pictures you want in the montage. Some popular sections include: growing up, siblings, family, extended family, sports, travel, hobbies, camp, friends and a recap that includes a few recent shots of your child.
4. After you have decided your categories, place your pictures in the appropriate category. Once the pictures are categorizes, eliminate duplicates and multiple pictures during the same time period. Organize your pictures as a progression, instead of stagnating on one particular year. If you need help with organizing your photos, check out Gary's tutorials on iPhoto
https://vimeo.com/album/4078140/video/176391937
or Apple Photos
https://vimeo.com/album/4078140/video/177469607
.
5. Decide what song(s) you want to use during each section. Keep the songs exciting and fun. Make sure you listen to the words of each song to check that they are appropriate. Cut the music so it sounds good and consider transitioning into multiple songs. The key to making a great montage is having one that is moving and exciting!
6. Consider using clever titles between sections. Instead of saying my brothers, think of something clever, funny or unique like "The Dirt Devils."
7. Stay away from "goofy" transitions. Just because you have them doesn't mean you have to use them! Use organic transitions that match the content of the photo such as autumn leaves for a fall photo or a sports ball for a sports related photo. Don't use the same transitions over and over again.
8. Limit the use of home movies or video clips. It's okay to use some, but keep them short and to the point. Avoid clips with poor audio. If your guests cannot hear/understand what is being said, then the clip is of no use. If you want to use video clips, Gary suggests that you start the montage with a video clip or that you sprinkle the video clips into sections, being careful of how the video clip works with the song being played.
9. Keep the montage under 12 minutes. A perfect target for a simple montage is 8 minutes and 12 minutes for a more complex vision. The perfect montage should be around 125 photos.
10. Be creative! Do what works for you and your family.
11. Consider hiring a professional. With everything that goes into planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, having an experienced professional create your montage can go a long way. If you don't want someone to create the entire montage, consider hiring someone to provide custom themed elements to use as the opening and closing.
For more information about Video Keepsakes, Inc., click here for their listing on Mitzvah List. Although they are located in California, Gary and his team create montages and provide exceptional video services, nationwide. Video Keepsakes, Inc. is about to launch a new website where you can upload and arrange your montage photos directly to his website, it will be completely automated and easy to use. In the rare case where someone needs help with photo choices, Gary uses Teamviewer (free software for you) to work with you as if he is sitting right next to you.
