(frequently asked questions)
Q: How do I send you my photographs and music?
A: Sending digital photo files and digital music files by e-mailIf you have chosen to send your digital photos (.jpg, .gif, etc. -- the higher resolution the better) and music files (.mp3, .wav, etc.) by e-mail then please send all files as attachments to the e-mail Address below:
info@mcbrayerproductions.com
You may choose to number the filenames of your digital photos so that the slideshow can be presented in the order of your specification (if you do not specify a certain order for the images and/or music, we will create the program on our own).
Sending printed photos and music by mail
If you have chosen to send your printed photos and/or preferred soundtrack to us in the mail, please send all correspondence to:
McBrayer Productions
512 Clark Street
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
attention: media
Please supply your pictures loose, not in a photo album or frame, as this diminishes the quality of the reproduction and may prohibit a high-quality scan on the scanner. Your images will be scanned and cropped, if needed.
You may choose to number your pictures so that the slideshow can be presented in the order or your specification (if you do not specify a certain order for the images and/or music, we will create the program on our own).
Please send your photos and/or music CDs in a suitable package with instructions. We recommend cardboard and bubblewrap packing. Please mark your package "DO NOT BEND". We recommend you send your pictures by FedEx or UPS -- as they can be easily tracked. Pictures will usually be returned by one of the above carriers, or other method by arrangement. We cannot scan any images over 8 1/2 x 11 inches in size.
Q: What if I want to order more copies of my DVD later on?
A: Additional copies of your DVD, to give to friends, family and colleagues will be available at a cost of $13.50 each. However, it should be noted that we only keep projects on file for a three month period only. After that time, all files are deleted from our computers. See our privacy policy for more details.
Q: How long does a project take?
A: There is a realistic project turnaround time of 14 days. However, we will be able to give you a more specific answer based on what other work we have at the time. Simply contact us when you send your materials and we will let you know where your project will be in the queue.
Q: What about a Musical Accompaniment to my slideshow or presentation?
A: A music track of your choice from a non-bootleg CD or purchased mp3 can be added at no extra charge if supplied to us by mail or e-mail. A fee of $1.50 per song is required for us to supply a soundtrack. We will attempt to find your specified song(s) using only legitimate online music providers (iTunes, Windows Media, Amazon, etc.), however it should be noted that this is not always possible. McBrayer Productions recommends at least one 'back-up' song in case your first choice is unable to be obtained.
To learn more about the legality of copywritten music, please click here.
Q: Why should McBrayer Productions create my Photo Slideshow?
A: While there are lots of inexpensive slideshow programs available to the public, that does not mean you will get the professional results you want if you them. If you do not have experience with photo editing and presentation design, it may be difficult to create your own project. Our presentations are designed to be a professional-looking show.
How can I add music to my DVD Slideshow (or main menu) if it's Copyrighted?
A: If you own the CDs of the music that you want, then we can use songs from that CD for your presentation. If you do not own the soundtrack that you desire, you can pay us an extra fee to provide your soundtrack for you.
To learn more about the legality of copywritten music, please click here.
Q: By 'presentation', 'project' and 'slideshow', do you mean actual slides?
A: We define all of those terms as photos presented on the screen, one after another, with background music or narration. You might also call this a DVD 'photo collage', 'DVD photo montage', 'picture DVD', or 'photo DVD'. It is all the same to us. Clients usually provide photos to us as prints or the actual digital photo files, but we can transfer slides if that's what you need.
Q: How long could/should each of my projects be?
A: That is completely up to you and depends on the number of photos you want us to put in it. Most presentations run anywhere from five minutes to 30 minutes. We generally wouldn't recommend exceeding about 30 minutes if you're showing the presentation at a party (unless the presentation is the focus of the event). But if it's a project that is just for your family and length doesn't matter, then by all means, include as many photos as you like. Click here to see our various packages -- which are categorized by the number of photos that you would like to include.
Q: How long is each photograph on the screen?
A: Since we custom-edit our Slideshows, there is not a set amount of time. Generally, though, it is best for a photo to be shown on the screen for at least five seconds.
Technical Questions
Q: How long will a DVD last?
A: It is estimated that DVDs will last for about 100 years. And in that time, they will never lose any of their picture or audio clarity. (We do acknowledge, though, that this is an accepted guess based on scientific estimation, since DVDs have not been around for 100 years!) To help a DVD's lifespan, we recommend that you always store your DVDs in their cases and handle them carefully from their edges to avoid smudges or scratches on the surface of the disc.
Q: Do I need to take any precautions to protect my disc?
A: DVD-R discs are more susceptible to scratches and dust but with careful handling will last a lifetime. You should never touch the underside of the disc. Only hold it by the edges and the hole in the centre. Always return it to the case after playing. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources eg. never leave on the window ledge. If you have children in the house then we would strongly recommend that you either have a second copy to keep in a safe place or take out our insurance; little fingers seem to be able to get everywhere! If you follow these simple rules then you will have no problems.
Q: Why can't I transfer my photos to DVD myself?
A: You can, and if you just want a bare-bones copy of your photos, that might be the way to go. McBrayer Productions DVDs, by comparison, are offering a professional-quality gift item. We know how to transfer your photos accurately. If you want a professional, custom-made DVD for yourself or for a gift, or want to ensure correct photo preservation, McBrayer Productions is the answer.
Q: What kind of disc do you supply?
A: We normally record on a disc format called DVD-R ('DVD minus R') which we have found to be the most compatible with both stand alone DVD players and DVD drives in computers. We can also produce a format called DVD+R (DVD plus R) which occasionally works when DVD-R doesn't. If you would like your slideshow to be produced on a DVD+R disc then please let us know.
Q: How compatible are DVD-R and DVD+R discs?
A: DVD-R has proved to be the most compatible, working in approximately 85% of DVD players whereas DVD+R works in approximately 70%. Neither format is 100% compatible. You would have to have your DVD commercially produced at a tremendous cost and even when processed this way they occasionally have hiccups. Generally speaking DVD-R will work on most machines made over the last five years. If you're still unsure and want to check then please contact us.
Q: How do I know that my new DVD will work in my DVD Player?
A: Our DVDs will play in almost every DVD player on the market, but there are exceptions. Some older or less expensive DVD players may not be able to read our DVDs. DVD players are so inexpensive now that if you have an older or cheaper model, it may be worth it to upgrade if you are planning on having a few photo albums transfered.
Q: What if when I get my DVD, it won't play?
A: We test all new DVDs before sending them to our clients to ensure that they are not scratched or otherwise problematic. Unfortunately, we cannot issue refunds for DVDs that we have worked on for you and tested. (If there was a technical glitch in the transfer or slideshow that we didn't see that was our error, we will happily re-do the disc for you.)
BUSINESS QUESTIONS
Q: What is the turnaround time?
A: It depends on the complexity of the project. Straight transfer of photos to DVD and the creation of the projects is usually about two weeks. But If the slideshow is exceptionally long with hundreds of photos, we will discuss a timetable with you. We recommend that you allow at least two Weeks when ordering a presentation. If you are in a rush, we can work with you to accommodate your schedule, but a rush fee will be required. Click here for our pricing options.
Q: Will my Photos be returned to me?
A: Yes, we have no interest in keeping your materials. And we always use a trackable carrier, like UPS or FedEx, so your materials always have safe delivery.
Q: Will my Photos be treated as confidential?
A: The only people who see your photos are those who monitor the transfer process for quality and who work with your menus and presentations. Your photos are never disclosed to anyone outside of McBrayer Productions. After you receive your DVD, we keep your files on our computers for only three months (in case you would like to order extra copies later). After the three month grace period, we delete all of your files from our computers. If we would like to use your material as a sample, we will ask for a written consent from you.
For more information on our privacy policies, click here.
Q: How do I pay for my DVD?
A: At this time, we can only accept personal checks. We will be accepting payment via PayPal very soon.
Q: Do you provide refunds?
A: The short answer is no. However, if there is a technical glitch or problem in your presentation that was clearly our error, we will re-do the disk for you at no extra charge.
Q: Do you provide References?
A: Because of confidentiality, we cannot provide references. But we are able to show samples of work that we've done for other consenting customers via our website. Please note that when viewing these samples on-line, you are watching a lower-quality version of these presentations. The DVDs that we produce have a much higher quality picture and soundtrack. Click here to see some samples.
RECOMMENDED TIPS ON ORDERING
1. Collect your photos and put them in order!
This is often the toughest and most time-consuming process. It helps to think of your presentation in sections. For example, a DVD tracing an individual's life might have various separate programs including birth, childhood, teenage years, young adult years, married years, and senior years. A project featuring a couple might feature photos of each person growing up, then photos of their families, then photos of their friends. Keep in mind that horizontal (landscape shape) photos will fit better on the screen than vertical (portrait shape) photos.
2. Presentation length...
Pick a running-time that is best for the place the presentation will be shown. If your presentation will only be shown in a person's home, then time is not an issue. But if you are planning to show the project at an event, such as a wedding reception or a birthday party, a good rule of thumb is to keep the presentation about 15-20 minutes in length. But if you are compiling a presentation that traces your family history and genealogy since the late 1800s and includes photos of many family members, your presentation might last two hours! Let the project's venue and/or scope determine its length and the number photos it will highlight.
3. Put your photos in order and number the backs of each picture with a stickie or mailing label...
Please do not write with a pencil, pen, or marker directly onto the back of the photo, as the ink can create distortions on the photo-paper or worse, bleed through. Each photograph you give us should have a unique number: 1, 2, 3, ... 99, 100, 101, etc... Many of our clients find it works best to then rubber band the photos together or divide them up into envelopes -- this way, the photos stay in order.
About Digital Photos:
If you want to include photography from a digital camera, you have two options. 1) burn the digital photos onto a CD or DVD for us and then mail that to us; or 2) e-mail the photographs as e-mail attachments to us at this address:
info@mcbrayerproductions.com
(please remember to add your name and address to all e-mail correspondence -- so that we can easily track your project specifications)
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about how to e-mail digital photographs or other files.
4. Select music that will play throughout your presentation.
Each photo is on the screen for roughly five to six seconds, so thinking of your presentation in sections is helpful. For example, for a child's birthday project, you might include 15 photos and select a particular song to play while those photos are shown on screen. The next section with photography of the baby becoming a toddler might include 30 photos and feature a second song. Our editing services will take into account your instructions and we will craft a professional presentation around your designated photo order and music selections.
5. We will e-mail you to let you know that your photos, music and any other correspondence were received.
Then we'll get to work. If your order form raises a question, we'll be back in touch. Turnaround is typically two weeks for most projects. If a presentation is exceptionally lengthy, we may contact you to discuss a revised timetable.
If you need the project to be completed in less than two weeks, a rush fee will be applied and, depending on the length of your presentation, may not be possible. Please let us know in advance if your have a definitive time constraint on your project.
6. When it's finished, we'll mail your presentation and all original materials back to you!
Gift Ideas:
A movie-style presentation from McBrayer Productions is the perfect gift that will be remembered forever! Whether it's a wedding, a memorial service, a vacation memento or one of an infinite number of possibilities, McBrayer Productions can create and edit the perfect presentation to immortalize your special occasion.
No gift expresses your special connection for someone than a slideshow movie of photographs. From preserving your wedding photos to wrapping a birthday DVD for that special relative, a personal DVD gift is always a meaningful surprise. On this page, we provide ideas for your special photos that should be saved or special events that could be highlighted by a McBrayer Productions presentation.
Do you have photography from any of the following events that should be saved on a professional DVD?:
Wedding
Anniversary Party
Birthday Party
Holiday
Family Holidays (Christmas, Hannukah, New Year's, Halloween, etc.)
Church Events
Bar or Bat Mitzvah
Wedding Shower
Baby Shower
Summer Picnic
Party (Christmas Party, anytime Party)
New Baby
School Sports
School Play/Musical
School Band or Choir Concerts
School Dance/Prom
Gymnastics Meet
Little League Games
Professional/Collegiate Sporting events (and tailgating)
Graduation Ceremony
Graduation Party
Awards Ceremony (High School, Sports, etc.)
High School/College Class Reunions
Family Reunion
Armed Services Reunion
Retirement Party
General family Photos (Kids playing, Grandparents visiting, etc.)
Pets
A slideshow presentation by McBrayer Productions is always a highlight when it is shown at one of the following events:
Wedding or Wedding Reception Dinner (photos of the couple and bridal party)
Anniversary Party (photos of the couple)
Birthday Party (photos of the guest of honor throughout the years)
Bar/Bat Mitzvah (photos of the guest of honor from childhood to present)
Wedding Shower (photos of the bride-to-be)
Baby Shower (photos of the mother-to-be)
Graduation Party (photos of the graduate's school years)
High School Reunion (photos of all class members, past and present)
Family Reunion (photos of all family members)
Armed Services Reunion
Retirement Parties (photos of retiree with family and co-workers)
Memorial Service/Funeral
Do you have any ideas for a DVD gift? Any concerns about transferring your wedding photos? How to create a birthday DVD or anniversary DVD, tribute video or wedding reception dinner slideshow? Just contact us with any questions, and we'll be happy to assist!
