How to do it, step by step
Decide how long the film will play. A film that opens an event can stay short. A film the family will watch quietly at home can be longer. A rule of thumb: every minute is about 12 photos.
Examples of common sizes (any number in between is possible):
Number of photos Approximate length 12 about 1 minute 24 about 2 minutes 36 about 3 minutes 48 about 4 minutes 60 about 5 minutes 72 about 6 minutes up to 100 up to about 8 minutes Gather the photos you love, not all of them. Start with a long list, then remove similar photos. You don't have to use everything you have. For how to choose good photos, see the photo selection guide.
Upload as many photos as you like and watch the price update. The price is set by the number of photos, and the more you add, the lower the price per photo. The packages shown on the site are only examples.
The package selection screen, with the number of photos and the length There is no need to reach a round number. Have 17 photos? You pay for 17, with no need to round up to 24. You can also choose a larger package to leave room for adding photos later. A package's length is worded "up to N min", because combining photos can shorten the film slightly.
If you chose a package smaller than the number of photos you uploaded. You can upload more photos than the package includes. The extra photos are shown outside the package. They don't go into the film and don't get an animation, unless you move them in. To bring in more photos without giving up others, upgrade to the next package.
What is included, by film size. The number of extra tries equals the number of photos in the package. The number of swaps is smaller: in the standard packages it is 2 for the 12- and 24-photo packages, 3 for 36, and 4 for 48 and 60. Details are in the guide A transition you didn't like.
You can start small and grow. A larger package leaves room to add photos later, and photos you add at the end of the film, within the package, cost nothing.
A sample calculation
Say your film will play for 3 minutes at an event. 3 minutes times 12 photos per minute is 36 photos. Gathered 41 photos? Upload all of them and pay for 41. A film of 41 photos runs about 3.5 minutes, and if you prefer exactly 3 minutes, remove five similar photos.
If you aren't sure, start with the free preview and just a few photos. Once you see the result, it is easier to decide how many photos are really worth adding, and the price updates automatically with the number.
It is also worth remembering that the package sets the number of extra tries and swaps, so a slightly larger package gives you more room to fix a transition that didn't work.
What to avoid
- Uploading 100 photos just to "use up" the allowance. A film that is too long gets tiring, and similar photos repeat themselves.
- Using the same photo several times.
- Removing or adding photos just to reach a package number. You can upload any number.
- Choosing by price alone. First decide how many minutes you want.
- Forgetting to leave room for photos you may want to add later.
Frequently asked questions
What are the minimum and the maximum?
You can start from 2 photos and upload up to 100.
Do I have to match the number of photos to a package?
No. You can upload any number from 2 to 100, and the price updates with the number.
Can I start with a preview and add photos later?
Yes. The free preview uses the first 2 animations, and after that you can add as many photos as you like.
How long until the film is ready?
Usually 10 to 20 minutes from the moment of payment, depending on the length of the film.
