Do you have folders of photos and scattered video clips collecting digital dust? You’re not alone—and there’s an easy, meaningful way to bring them to life: turn videos into stories your family will treasure with a family video project.
In a recent webinar hosted by The Photo Managers and Photomyne, professional photo organizer Jennifer Paoni, founder of Living Joy Photo Organizing, shared how to transform your personal media into videos that celebrate milestones, preserve family history, and spark joy across generations.
Here’s what you need to know to get started.
Why Videos Matter More Than Ever
Photos capture moments. Videos bring them to life.
Jennifer reminded us that videos add emotion, movement, and voice—elements that photos alone often miss. Whether it’s hearing a grandparent laugh, watching a child take their first steps, or revisiting a favorite family trip, videos help deepen our connection to memories.
She shared a poignant example: when her father passed away, she created a memorial video using not only images but also audio recordings of him telling family stories. This added dimension brought comfort and preserved his voice for future generations.
When to Create a Family Video
Not sure where to start? Think about two main types of projects:
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Single-Event Videos: Birthdays, graduations, vacations, weddings, holidays, or even a move from a beloved home.
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Time-Span Stories: Baby’s first year, childhood through high school, annual holiday traditions, or seasons of life like “our years in Toronto.”
You can choose to create:
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A slideshow-style video (photos with transitions and background music)
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A home-movie style video (a mix of video clips and photos, often with narration or interviews)
Step-by-Step: How to Create Your First Video
1. Start with a Plan
Ask yourself:
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Who is your audience?
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What is the purpose—entertainment, remembrance, celebration?
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Where will you show it (TV, online, at an event)?
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How long should it be? (3–10 minutes is usually ideal.)
2. Choose the Right Tools
If you’re just starting out, try built-in tools from:
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Apple Photos
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Google Photos
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Amazon Photos
These can create automated videos with music and transitions.
For more control, Jennifer recommends:
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iMovie (Mac)
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Wondershare Filmora (PC)
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Movavi (Mac & PC)
Or try apps like 1 Second Everyday to capture and compile short daily moments.
3. Organize Before You Edit
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Create a new folder with copies of all your selected photos and videos.
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Rename them in order (e.g., 01_BirthdayCake.jpg, 02_BlowingCandles.mov).
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Import them into your video editor in that sequence.
This keeps your library safe and your editing process smooth.
4. Add the Finishing Touches
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Add a title frame to introduce your video.
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Choose licensed music (Jennifer recommends Audio or Artlist, or music libraries included in Canva, Descript, or your editing app).
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Sync transitions to the beat of the music for a polished feel.
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Add voiceovers or narration to enhance the story—especially meaningful in memorial videos.
How to Share and Enjoy Your Finished Video
Once your video is done, there are many ways to share it:
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Screen mirror from your phone
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Upload to YouTube or Vimeo
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Use apps like Projector to play your videos directly from your smart TV
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Share a private link with family members online
Remember: the goal is to enjoy your video, not just create it!
Final Tips from Jennifer
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Keep image display time between 3–5 seconds for the best pacing
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Use a sequential naming system for easier editing
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Store photos and videos on an external hard drive to preserve computer storage
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Most importantly: just get started. Create a rough draft and refine from there.
As Jennifer said, “The hardest part is dragging your first photo onto the timeline. After that, the magic begins.”
Want More Inspiration?
If you love preserving family stories, have you ever considered doing it as a business? If you loved this webinar, don’t miss The Photo Managers’ Virtual Conference, an online event being held May 29–30, 2025. With a low-cost Snapshot Pass, you’ll get access to:
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5 breakout sessions
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Networking with professionals
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Insights into turning photo organizing into a fulfilling business
- Prizes, vendors, and more!
Learn more and register today!
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