Please select a high quality photograph with a subject area of at least the size of the photo to be printed. Once your order is placed, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing our mailing address, your order number and a copy of these instructions.

* If mailing a hard copy photo, please write that order number on the outside of the envelope or on a note enclosed within the envelope (please don’t write on the photo itself).
* Please do not submit photos greater than 8 inches by 10 inches.
* If sending an actual photo (rather than a digital photo or scan), please allow up to 5 extra business days for scanning before proofing or printing begins.
* If you’d like to send a digital photo or scan, please use the reply function when you receive the email order confirmation, leaving the subject line intact, and attach your photo file.

Some tips:

General
Obviously, the higher quality the photo, the higher quality the end result will be. If we start with a blurry or fuzzy photo, the end result will not be up to standards. We will inform you of the low quality and if you wish to proceed, please be advised we will not accept returns because of this.

Please select a photograph that features the subject(s) with flattering light and background. Sending a photo of a fair skinned, blonde person on a white background or a dark skinned, dark haired person on a black background may not produce the most desirable result.

Keep in mind the shape of the product when choosing your photo. Look at the photo shape/size of the product of interest and make sure that your photo can be cropped in that shape and still preserve the subject area.

Digital Photos
In most cases, a digital photo sent straight from the camera produces the best quality product. The photo should be taken on the highest resolution possible setting. On most cameras, there will be a “good”, “better” and “best” setting (the words may vary from camera to camera). While a professional grade camera is not necessary, the higher mega pixel cameras do generally create higher resolution photos than those of lesser quality. Editing the photos on your computer can, in some case, cause a reduction in quality. If possible, we ask that you send files directly as they come from the camera. Files may be emailed or sent on a PC compatible disk or CD.

Scans
If you are sending a scan, please remember that the resolution will need to be at least 600 d.p.i. (and preferably upwards of 1000 d.p.i.). Because scanning photos at that high of a resolution often produces very large file sizes, it can be difficult to scan or send them. Depending on the quality (sharpness) of the original photo, we can, in some cases, accept files with a lower d.p.i. and then raise the it here in the office. This does not work on photos which aren’t of good original quality.

Photographs
Sending actual photos is often the best way to ensure good quality results on traditional photos. We ask that you not send one of a kind, irreplaceable photographs. If you have such a photo, you should have it professionally scanned or duplicated by a local photo lab and send us the copy (or the scan). While photos are returned, we cannot guarantee that a damage or loss will never occur. We have not had problems with this but feel the need to make you aware of the slight risk of sending a one of a kind, non replaceable photo.

Please do not write on your photograph backs. The pressure from the writing could cause damage to the front. We advise you to write your order number and/or name on a note or sticker and enclose it with the photo or attach it to the back with removable adhesive (Post It type notes are great for this).

You may wish to place tissue paper between or around photographs, especially if sending them via a method which will take longer in transit or during the hot, humid weather season.

Stiff cardboard protectors placed on either side of photographs and negatives will provide some protection against bending and denting.

Negatives
Rarely, some products require a negative be sent if you are not sending a digital photo file. You may wish to send along a print for color reference, especially if the negative is older.

You may wish to place tissue paper between or around negatives and photographs, especially if sending them via a method which will take longer in transit or during the hot, humid weather season.

Stiff cardboard protectors placed on either side of photographs and negatives will provide some protection against bending and denting.

A signed photographer’s release is required for all photo orders, even amateur snap shot photos. This may be faxed or mailed