How to Make a Family Reunion Video

They say a picture's worth a thousand words. So why bore your guests with lengthy toasts and speeches when you can wow them with a video worth more words than anyone could say. Collect the favorite, and not-so-favorite, family photos and put them in a video slideshow for all reunion guests to enjoy.

Things You'll Need

• Photos
• Computer
• Scanner
• Sideshow video software
• Music
• Recordable DVD
• Projector

Instructions

1. Collect photos from family members. Ask for old photos and new photos, funny and serious. Be sure to collect a collage of all aspects of the family life.

2. Scan photos using a computer and scanner. Save all picture files in the same folder on your hard drive or on a single CD for easier access.

3. Use a slideshow video making computer program or go online to find a service where you can make your own slideshow using your photos.

4. Put all photos into a new slideshow project. Organize them by individual families, chronologically, scattered or in any order you think makes the most sense for your reunion.

5. Add captions to photos in the slideshow program. Date all the photos , or just the ones in which the date seems important.

6. Download some quiet background music to add to the video. The music can be added into the program so it plays while viewing the photos.

7. Save the video to a recordable DVD, and play it at the family reunion.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to include all family members.

• Ask for others to help you identify people and dates for photos.

• Use a laptop computer attached to a projector aimed at a large white wall for a big video screening.

• When asking for photos, make sure to note that all photos may not be used in the slideshow depending on time constraints.