Montages are a special part of many Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, but you may not know that there are companies that are devoted solely to designing those awesome Montages. Marvelous Montages creates unique, one of a kind montages that you really do have to see to believe. Marlene, Graphic Designer of Marvelous Montages does amazing things that I’ve never seen in another montage. She actually animates your still photographs to bring them to life, as well as helps you select the perfect songs to compliment your images. One of the great things about what she does is that everything can be completed online or in the mail so wherever you are in the country, or even overseas, you too can have your very own Marvelous Montage! Here’s Marlene to tell you a bit more:
Why did you start Marvelous Montages?
Growing up in my family’s photography business, I have been around and assisted with Mitzvahs and special occasions since I little! This naturally grew into my taking pictures and designing artwork for foto favors and also to designing albums of the celebrations. About 10 years ago, I began designing montages as well. I have always loved being creative and artistic and have studied graphic design, so all these areas have given me an outlet to use that creativity.
What’s your favorite part of what you do?
I love bringing people’s pictures to life! A photo montage opens up a world of possibilities to experience your pictures in ways that you do not get by looking at them in a photo album. In a montage, people can be moving in a picture against the background, fireworks can come alive in your July 4th photo, the clouds in the sky can be moving in that fantastic vacation photo you have… and so much more! It’s wonderful to creatively tell the stories of your photos and present to you an imaginative, well-balanced, exciting video keepsake for you to treasure.
What’s your pop color–that something special that makes you, you?
I definitely have an enthusiasm for designing and I love bringing that to your photo montage! I really invest in your montage and respect your photos – seeing how to best bring the stories in your pictures to the screen so the creativity looks natural, fun, unexpected at times, and shines with a sprinkle of “razzle dazzle” throughout! In a nice email I received from a montage family, they said that I “put (my) heart and soul into (my) work”. It’s nice to know that families see the care given to their pictures and are very appreciative of their Marvelous Montage.
What’s your favorite moment of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah?
In addition to the playing of the montage, I think the speech by the parents is always a wonderful part of a Mitzvah. Mom and Dad get to express how proud they are of their child and it is always a moving part of the celebration.
What questions should parents ask someone in your field?
Some questions parents can ask: Are your montages usually all the same layout/style or is each montage designed uniquely based on the pictures you receive? What does the price include and are there items that are additional – adding captions, fixing red-eye or minor dust/scratches, etc. What samples do you have that are representative of the montage price point I would like to have?
