How to Create a Video Scrapbook

Relive those special moments and events over and over again by creating a video scrapbook. Not only do video scrapbooks keep memories alive for the event's participants, they also allow out-of-town relations to view the happenings from afar.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Blank Videotapes
• Edit Controllers
• Video Cameras
• Video Capture Cards
• PCs
• Camcorder Tripods
• Video Editing Software

1. Get familiar with the capabilities of your video camera and any accessories or related equipment you own. Thoroughly read any instructional material that accompanies the equipment.
2. Decide what sort of videos you want to produce. Do you want to be able to order and rearrange the video clips? Add a soundtrack, narrative or title pages? This will take special equipment.
3. Explore the possibility of upgrading any outdated equipment. If you plan on producing many videos, consider purchasing new equipment that has the capabilities you desire.
4. Create a sample video scrapbook. The event chronicled can be something simple, such as a family evening at home or a family outing. The goal is to gain practice in shooting and editing a scrapbook-style video.
5. Plan your video shoot and make written notes of your plans. Generally, you will not be able to anticipate every action, but you will know ahead of time the images you wish to capture on video. For example, you will want to make the opening of gifts and blowing out the birthday candles a part of a child's birthday video.
6. Keep notes as you shoot your video. Write down names, dates and descriptions of the events taking place. You can include these items in your video scrapbook as text or add it as part of an audio narrative.
7. Plan the segments of your video as you would your scrapbook pages. The entire video should have a theme with each segment contributing to that overall theme. You can order the segments as you shot them or rearrange the footage to fit your overall design.
8. Look for graphics and special effects that will complement the theme of your video scrapbook. Chances are that the editing system you use will come equipped with a wide array of appropriate effects and images.
9. Dedicate a portion of each video scrapbook to interviews with family members. Captured reminiscences will add much to any chronicle of your family's history. At large family events, consider having one person concentrate on interviews while another tapes the event.

Tips & Warnings

• Take advantage of available instruction on using your video equipment. This may come as part of an equipment purchase or for a fee. In either case, you will be much better equipped to utilize your video equipment to its fullest capabilities.
• Consider purchasing digital video equipment. The clarity and color of the video shot with this technology is far superior to that which can be achieved with a VHS camcorder.
• Use an edit controller to produce a scrapbook video without the use of your PC. The very basic systems allow you to delete and rearrange footage while the deluxe versions let you add titles, graphics, special effects, music and footage from other videos.
• Use your PC to edit video. See "How to Transfer Video Onto the Computer" (under Related eHows) for more information. You will need a video capture card and video editing software.
• Make sure that your video equipment is in good working order well in advance of an important event. Also make sure that you have batteries for your camera and plenty of blank tapes.