Copy Stand for Photography Videography

Since you've purchased your camcorder every major family event has been recorded on videotape. You've captured Billy's first step, Sally's graduation, Jeffrey being sprung from prison.

Unfortunately, your family's pre-video history is trapped in doomed-to-yellow stills. But-no longer. Now all you need to mobilize those still are the photo, a knack for nattation, and this videocrafted copy stand.

For about $20 in parts, a bit of labor, and some lighting fixtures, you can construct a video stand. The materials are available at most hardware stores, as are the clamp-on lights with aluminum shades and soft whire 15- or 25-watt bulbs you'll need to light your way.

With your camcorder mounted on your copy stand and your TV monitor to view your results, simply adjust your focus (macro focus for wallet-sized photo) and lighting for each photo. The lights will probably have to be moved around to keep glare off the photos. Use your TV monitor to monitor the lighting.

Record each picture for about 10 seconds, add background music and your own account of the events as they appear. You can even edit history by cropping offending relatives out of the picture.

In addition to taping photos, you can use your copy stand to record serial numbers of your gun collection, jewelry, and small valuables for insurance pur…