Almost anyone can make a video montage using free software that is most likely already installed on their computer. Video montages can bring a tear to a loved one's eye or laughter to a friend. But, video montages aren't just a nice way to remember a special occasion or loved one, they can earn you money.

Video montages usually include photos and/or video clips set to music. They can be easily made on your computer using programs such as Microsoft Movie Maker. They can be as simple as a series of photos that scroll through while a song plays or as complex as a combination of pictures and video snippets with special transitions, text overlays, and video effects.

Start by making a simple video montage in Microsoft Movie Maker. It's free and already installed on most PCs. You import the files you want into the program and simply drop them into the timeline bar. Add any transitions or effects to your video by dragging them to the timeline bar. You can edit the amount of time a photo displays by squeezing the bar in or dragging it out. Once you have mastered a simple video, try matching your photo transitions to the music or adding text on top of your video. Practice by making montages for your friends and family.

Once you are confident in your skills, you can make money making videos for others. They are great for weddings, bar mitzvahs, birthdays, and graduations. Your videos can either be shown during an event using a laptop and overhead projector or copied to CDs or DVDs and passed out as wedding or party favors.

Your customer gives you the photo files and you set them to music. If they give you actual printed photos, you will have to scan them first and save them as JPGs or GIFs. Be sure to let them see the finished product prior to their event so you can make any last minute changes.

You can sell your services via a web site or advertise in newspapers. Word-of-mouth is also a great way to gain customers. Be sure to include your business name at the end of the video so everyone watching it (e.g., at a wedding reception) will know who made it and how they can get in touch with you.

Another way to make money is to make video montages for a fan site. Create a simple web site for your favorite celebrity. Make video montages of this celebrity and post them to your site. Include a link to PayPal and a request for donations. Post the link to the video on fan forums for this celebrity. People can then click the link to see the video on your site. If people like your video, they can (and will!) donate. Hosting video on your web site can be very bandwidth intensive so if your site is too popular, you may have to purchase more bandwidth from your web host. However, the money you make from donations should cover your hosting costs with some profit left over for you!

Video montages are a great way to get paid for being creative!