Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| What is a Proof? | Simply stated, a proof is the exact image taken without enhancement. |
| What is Enhancement? | This used to be called Retouching. You can interchange these terms and they have the same meaning. When we enhance/retouch your photograph you can expect to have your image reflect you. Therefore I take the time to remove things like exit signs, power lines, and other things from your photograph. I'll remove crow's feet, whiten teeth, remove blemishes, too, just let me know your wishes. |
| Why is are the proofs dark on my monitor? | Couple of reasons. First, remember the photographs are not enhanced. Second, your monitor could be the culprit. Try to change the brightness on your monitor. |
| Why do you e-mail proofs? | To be sure you are receiving the photograph you wished and that it is the way you wish to see it. Everyone sees our images differently and making the final photograph to the way you see it is our goal. When you approve the photographs they will be printed and shipped in about three days. |
| What is spot color? | I take a color photograph and make it black & white (B&W). From there I would return the original color to a specific spot, stay your wedding flowers, candles, or something you have asked. This makes a very unique photograph which is not easily duplicated in the film world. |
| What is sepia? | This is when you have a B&W photograph and make it brown & white. In the film days, this was another chemical process on the B&W print using chemicals to give it the brown color. |
| Why are your photographs lower than others? | My lab is in my home as is my studio. Presently I do not have a staff, or a brick-mortar business which adds to the overall costs of business. By working from my home and printing in-house I am able to pass on the savings directly to you! My photographs are typically 40% lower than other studios. |
| How did you come up with the 85+ years for your prints? Photographs fade over time. | I'm sure you have heard of Consumer Reports. In Germany the Wilhelm Institute is the equivalent and they have tested the cameras, software, printers, inks, toners, papers and processes used all over the world. I print on 9mil thick Ilford (made in England) that is acid-free, archival quality paper. If I did nothing else than just print your photograph, and according to the Wilhelm Institute tests my photographs would be 85+ years. To help preserve your photograph I add two clear layers of a laminate that seals your photograph from the elements and provides scratch-resistance and ultraviolet protection. What is remarkable is that this laminate alone have been reverse engineered to provide protection for 300 years! Remember, this is not my number but theirs! |
| Why doing the printing in-house? | To control the quality and work-flow. If I had another lab do the work it would add two weeks to the processing time. |