How to choose photos for a pre-ceremony film: how many, and which ones

Photos set the mood of a pre-ceremony film. Here is how many to prepare and which ones look good on the big screen.

How many photos?

For a film of about three minutes, 30–50 photos is about right. By scene:

With too many photos each one flashes by, so start with the ones you most want to show in each scene.

What works for each scene?

• Childhood: baby photos, first birthday, school entrance and graduation, in order, so age shows. One or two with family always please the parents.
• Dating: around when you met, trips, anniversaries; pick ones where faces are clear.
• Wedding shoot: mix full-length shots with close-ups so it doesn't feel repetitive.
• Ending: the two of you facing the camera, or holding hands.

What looks good on the screen

1. Landscape first: venue screens are 16:9. Portrait photos work, but for the same moment a landscape photo fills the screen better.
2. Clear faces: guests watch from a distance; close shots of the couple beat group photos.
3. Not too dark: under venue lighting, dark photos look darker still.

Copying old album prints

A phone is enough; no scanner needed.

• Shoot somewhere bright without shadows, such as by a window.
• Hold the phone parallel to the print and fill the frame with the photo.
• Take prints out of plastic sleeves to avoid glare.
• Turn the flash off and hold the phone with both hands.

Opening Film can gently animate some of your chosen childhood photos with AI. Large, front-facing faces move most naturally.

Other people in the photo

If family or friends appear in a photo, ask them before including it; many people will watch the film together at the venue.

Once the photos are ready, music is next: Choosing music for your film.