The footage to gather
- The original photograph
- The person identifying it
- A present-day detail that connects to the story
Give each moment a little breathing room. Get close enough to show the detail, and keep the original clips handy.
Plan a short keepsake
Opening
Open on the little moment you would miss if it were lost.
Middle
Keep the original voices and order only the clips needed to make that moment understandable.
Ending
Leave room for the quiet reaction after the main event.
Review it for family history
Label uncertain dates as uncertain and keep archive originals untouched.
Ask yourself: Does it feel like the people you remember, rather than a highlight reel?
Watch it as if you were seeing it for the first time. If something is unclear, try a different cut or add the missing shot.