How to Choose the Right Photos for a Memorial Slideshow

Losing someone you love is overwhelming. And when it comes time to create a tribute video or memorial slideshow, the pressure to “get it right” can feel like another weight on your shoulders.

Here’s the truth: you don’t need perfect pictures. You need meaningful ones.

This guide is here to help you choose the right photos - the ones that tell your loved one’s story and help people feel connected when they watch the tribute.

Picking and sorting photos doesn't have to be a painful experience

Start with the Real Purpose

A memorial slideshow isn’t a photo album. It’s not about showcasing the highest-quality images or fitting every moment into a neat timeline.

It’s about:

• Capturing their spirit

• Highlighting the love they shared

• Creating a visual story of their life

Keep that in mind as you go - it’ll help you choose with your heart, not just your eyes.

Think in Moments, Not Just Milestones

The most powerful slideshows aren’t just baby photo → graduation → wedding. They include the little things.

Here are types of photos to consider:

• Life stages: Childhood, teenage years, parenting, grandparenting

• Personality photos: Laughing, dancing, being silly, doing what they loved

• Relationships: Hugs with kids, holding hands with a spouse, bonding with friends

• Passions: Fishing, cooking, traveling, Sunday football, painting, gardening

• Everyday joy: Smiling at the kitchen table, walking the dog, lounging with the cat

📌 Pro tip: A blurry photo of them laughing with their kids will hit harder than a high-res yearbook headshot.

How to Narrow It Down Without Overthinking

Most memorial slideshows use between 80 and 150 photos. We recommend starting with more than you need and deleting one's which may be duplicative or less impactful.

Here’s how to make the process easier:

1. Do a quick first pass

Don’t try to decide everything immediately. Just mark or “favorite” every photo that makes you pause, smile, or tear up.

2. Look for variety

Try to avoid many photos from the same life event. Instead, aim for a mix of different ages, people, and places.

3. Ask for a second pair of eyes

Sometimes others will remember moments you forgot - and they’ll help you get perspective when it’s hard to let certain photos go.

Pressed for time?

Sorting photos for a life store memorial video can be time consuming. There are computer vision tools that can help save you time, like Memorial Video AI, to help you. Upload photos and see a life unfold visually by automatically organizing up to 250 photos by estimated age.

It’s especially helpful if:

• You have many old photos

• You have digitized or taken photos of photos

• You just want something that makes this emotional process a little bit easier

Different Memorial Video Life Chapters are a Nice Touch

Final Thought

Choosing the right photos for a memorial video isn’t about picking the “best” ones - it’s about choosing the ones that feel the most real.

You’re not building a slideshow. You’re telling a life story.

So take your time. Ask for help. And trust that the love behind your selections will shine through.