Why DVDs?
Rekindling old memories, by yourself or with a friend, as you page through a treasured photo album or dig through a shoebox of photos is precious, intimate time well spent. As the group of viewers grows to 5 or more, it becomes difficult to "stay on the same page" and share the moment. For those larger groups, viewing photos together on a television or projection screen brings everyone together on the "same page". And as group members talk about "old times", even more precious moments come to mind. And for those very big occasions, such as a wedding reception video presentation, a large screen viewing is stunning! 

There is also the aspect of archiving and preservation. How long a DVD will last is highly debated, I've seen a range of claims from 5 to 500 years! What most of us have experienced is that printed photos, especially color photos, will degrade noticeably in less than 100 years. Create a DVD and as long as that DVD can be read, there is NO degradation to the photos stored on it. Photos stored on DVD can be copied to other DVDs or hard disks for back-up copies, again with NO degradation. So, although I can't say how long photos will be safe on a particular DVD, I can say there are many more options for keeping photos pristine once they are stored as bits and bytes.

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Why Not Make My Own Slideshows?
Anyone with the proper hardware, software, experience, and artistic bent can make a slide show into their own exciting video presentation. Although many professionals spend much more, the technical aspects can be covered very well for around $1500 (2009 prices) if you know what to buy. Making a video presentation from 60 good quality photos and 2 songs will take between 9 and 11 hours if you are experienced in scanning photos, touching up photos, and finding and working with music files. If you do not have the time and experience, you may be able to impose on a friend or relative that does this kind of work. If you go that route, may each of your sets of expectations and abilities come close to reality so that you remain friends! That being said, this work can be extremely satisfying and I encourage everyone with an interest to give it a try. But - if this has been on your "to-do" list for 12 months or more - it is probably time to contact Your Life Re-Viewed!

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Why Choose This Service?
In November 1999, I proposed showing a photo presentation of deceased children as part of the opening and closing ceremonies of the annual Bereaved Parents of the USA National Gathering in June 2000. Using Powerpoint and photo enhancing software, I did the very best I could to make each child's photo look as good as possible. The photo presentation has become a tradition at every annual gathering since then and I have been honored to be trusted with the production each year. The experience of the photo presentation at the National Gathering was so well received that the format is used at annual candle lighting ceremonies in many Bereaved Parents of the USA chapters, including the one I do for the Tampa Bay chapter.  With well over 500 very precious photos over the years, I have gained extensive experience in editing photos from pristine professional studio pictures to the most "wallet battered" and faded. I do my best for our kids and I will take the same time and care with YOUR precious photos.

In addition, my interest and abilities with both photo editing and preparing photo presentations have been sharpened by scanning and enhancing hundreds of family photos, many from the early 1900's, and creating well appreciated DVD presentations for family and friend's special occasions. As a customer of Your Life Re-Viewed™, I will treat your photos and DVD presentations with the same loving care.

As much as I hope not, if you or anyone you know is struggling with the death of a child, please see what helpful resources are available through support groups by visiting www.bereavedparentsusa.org. 

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Tampa Bay Local Services
For customers in the Tampa Bay area, we can offer the following additional services:
On Site Presentations
We have the equipment to project large screen presentations on site. If we produce the DVD, the charges are only $20 per hour. If we will be showing other work, the charges are $35 per hour.
On Site Training
Whether at your business or home location, we will help you learn how to "do it yourself". Consulting fees are $15 per hour.

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