How to Select Perfect Pictures for your Slideshow
January 07, 2015

While working with wedding slideshows over the years, I have often been asked some questions repeatedly. The answers are not straightforward enough to go on the FAQs but I thought I would address one of the most common questions here.

What kind of pictures should I send to you?

The pictures you send to me dictate the direction of your slideshow to a large extent. Decisions regarding the artwork, music and special effects for the slideshow are based on the pictures I receive from you.

There are two components to what we need to look for in a picture.

The first is the actual quality of the picture file.

If you see that the files are so small that it blurs out when you enlarge it on the screen, it is not good enough to include in your slideshow. If you are in doubt about the quality of your picture, please email it to me and I will be glad to check it out to make sure it looks perfect.

Here is an example of how the same picture could look different depending on its resolution. The picture on the left has a low resolution and is blurry, while the same picture in high resolution on the right looks so much better:



Sometimes, there are files of great sentimental importance and those cannot be replaced. I will do my best to digitally enhance and include those even if they are small. Older photos may be stained and faded with moisture and heat. I will adjust them digitally and make sure they are more clear and sharp than the originals.

The second component is the photo itself.

It is great to have pictures of the bride and groom growing up. It is best to include their pictures with family and friends who are going to be present at the wedding. Guests feel special when they see themselves included in the slideshow. Try to include action photos of them laughing, crying, crawling, climbing etc. Include pictures of special memories like graduations, festivals, birthdays, sports, trophies and so on. At the end of the day, those pictures are going to tell a story about them so anything that helps define them is awesome!

Finally, the slideshow would move on to after the bride and groom met. Pictures of the proposal, their love and friendship, their vacations and things they love to do together are great to include in the slideshow. It is always nice to have pictures of the 2 families coming together. If you have pictures that have an interesting story behind them, make sure to send them in and let me know the details. It is interesting to watch the story subtly woven into the slideshow.

If you have any questions, please let me know and I will be glad to help you to select your pictures!

Thank you and Keep Smiling!
~Vish




Play a musical Slideshow DVD custom made from YOUR pictures!
Great for Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays and more...

Click here for Samples



More Blog Posts

Bar Bat Mitzvah Montage

Smiling Snaps a Decade

Including Audio Video Picture Files in Slideshows

Popular Wedding Themes and Trends

Where to Get Your Slideshow Made

3 Simple Tips for Shooting Great Videos

How to Select Perfect Pictures for your Slideshow

Harry Potter Pumpkin for Halloween

Make Your Wedding Celebrations Pop

Unique Icy Winter Projects

Movie Night Birthday Party Ideas for Kids

Communication Etiquettes for Weddings

Reading for Elementary School Kids

Wedding Traditions From Around The World

Family Karaoke for 50th Anniversary Slideshow

Cool Pinata DIY and Fun Facts

Long Distance Valentines Day Celebrations

My 10 Favorite Holiday Family Traditions

Birthday Party Themes

Romantic Getaway in Yosemite

Sweet Sixteen Unique Celebration Ideas

5 Tips for Brides 30 Days Countdown to the Wedding

Unique Venues for Weddings

Birthday Party Evites or Invites

High School Graduation Party Planning

Planning a Beach Wedding

Fun Ideas to Celebrate Valentines Day with Kids

Welcome to the Smiling Snaps Blog