With all of the technology available to us today, there are several fun and interesting methods to share the family history that you have compiled through your extensive research. An idea that is growing in popularity, because of the way that it brings your history and ancestors to life, is to create a family tree video. Readily available computer software, scanners, and affordable digital camcorders make it possible for even a novice to create a video without much fuss. Here are a few tips to creating an informative and interesting video that friends and family alike will enjoy watching.
Along the course of your research travels you have likely gathered countless photographs, documents and other memorabilia related to your family history. Sharing these keepsakes with all members of your family is a great way to share your ancestry.
To get started you should be sure to scan or digitally photograph all of your photographs, records, documents, and heirlooms (like jewelry) to ensure that a digital representation of everything exists. Digital records are a great idea, even if you do not plan to create a video; digital records are safe from fire or water damage and are a great way to preserve priceless family memorabilia for many future generations.
Once you have a digital copy of everything related to your family history at your fingertips, you will need to select which key pieces will go into the video. A good video is one that imparts a good amount of information without overloading and, in effect, boring the viewer. It should tell the story of your family with rich detail, without getting repetitive. Too many documents, and too few photographs, are a rapid sure way to lose the interest of your viewers. You should also take care with the photographs you select; try to select the photographs that are the best representation of the person or the story that you are telling.
To add to the interest of the images you are including, you could include relevant background music and audio commentary. The addition of music will go a long way towards helping to convey the feel of the era being represented on the screen. Recording your own commentary to narrate the details in your video will not only help towards explaining the stories of your ancestors, but will also help to add an additional layer above simply just digital imagery. Try to keep your commentary relevant to the stories of each person, place, and heirloom item in order to keep the interest of your viewers.
If you find yourself lacking photographic details for a few of your ancestors, you could consider locating public images available from most historic societies; for example, many towns have societies dedicated to preserving the history of their hometown. They will have access to many photographs of the town and even of the town residents that can be shared and then included in your video.
Always bear in mind that you are not just creating a video detailing your family tree, you are telling the story of your family. Pay attention to the small details and, with a little bit of time and effort, you can create a family history video that every person in your family will cherish and enjoy for generations to come.
Along the course of your research travels you have likely gathered countless photographs, documents and other memorabilia related to your family history. Sharing these keepsakes with all members of your family is a great way to share your ancestry.
To get started you should be sure to scan or digitally photograph all of your photographs, records, documents, and heirlooms (like jewelry) to ensure that a digital representation of everything exists. Digital records are a great idea, even if you do not plan to create a video; digital records are safe from fire or water damage and are a great way to preserve priceless family memorabilia for many future generations.
Once you have a digital copy of everything related to your family history at your fingertips, you will need to select which key pieces will go into the video. A good video is one that imparts a good amount of information without overloading and, in effect, boring the viewer. It should tell the story of your family with rich detail, without getting repetitive. Too many documents, and too few photographs, are a rapid sure way to lose the interest of your viewers. You should also take care with the photographs you select; try to select the photographs that are the best representation of the person or the story that you are telling.
To add to the interest of the images you are including, you could include relevant background music and audio commentary. The addition of music will go a long way towards helping to convey the feel of the era being represented on the screen. Recording your own commentary to narrate the details in your video will not only help towards explaining the stories of your ancestors, but will also help to add an additional layer above simply just digital imagery. Try to keep your commentary relevant to the stories of each person, place, and heirloom item in order to keep the interest of your viewers.
If you find yourself lacking photographic details for a few of your ancestors, you could consider locating public images available from most historic societies; for example, many towns have societies dedicated to preserving the history of their hometown. They will have access to many photographs of the town and even of the town residents that can be shared and then included in your video.
Always bear in mind that you are not just creating a video detailing your family tree, you are telling the story of your family. Pay attention to the small details and, with a little bit of time and effort, you can create a family history video that every person in your family will cherish and enjoy for generations to come.
