|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Work Flow -
How do I get started?
1) Request a quote using our online form or give us a call to discuss the scope of your project and we'll create a proposal for you within 1 business day.
2) Arrange for a free product shot! That's right, we'll shoot any one product free of charge so you can decide for yourself whether or not our service is right for you. Please note that some restrictions apply. Click here for complete details.
3) Package and send your products. Please include a packing slip, an order form, instructions and/or any sample photos you'd like the photographer to reference when shooting your product.
4) That's it! We'll photograph and edit your product as soon as they arrive!
[Back to top] -
How does your Queue work?
We operate on a first-in, first-out shooting system that we call a queue. As soon as your shipment of products arrives your project is put in queue and you are notified via e-mail with our shooting schedule and will be given an estimated completion date.
Usually the completion date will be accurate within +/- 1 business day(s), however, we can not guarantee a delivery date unless you select our rush service.
When rush orders are received they immediately go to the front of the queue which can cause additional delays for standard orders.
[Back to top] -
Can you Guarantee a turn around date?
Yes, we can guarantee the completion date of your project if you use any of our rush services. Please contact us before shipping any rush projects.
We can not guarantee the turn around of your project when using our standard service. Please allow for 5-10 days.
[Back to top] -
How do you define a group shot?
We charge slightly higher rates for group shots because of the extra time required for set-up and editing of the photo.
We have two group photo classifications: small groups and large groups. A photo with 8 or fewer pieces would be billed as a small group. A photo consisting of 8 or more pieces would be billed as a large group.
If you're not sure where your products fit just give us a call and we'll be happy to discuss your project.
[Back to top] -
Can you shoot one large group of all my products and seperate them into individual images?
Yes, you can do this but we don't recommend shooting more than a few items at once. If you try and cram 50 small products into one photo and then seperate them you will most likely have items with inconsistent perspectives, lighting, shadowing, and reflectons. Not to mention, not every product will be in full focus.
[Back to top] -
Can you add two or more photos together to make one?
Yes. We call this a coposite or composition photograph. Many times a client will only have one prototype product and will want a group shot showing that item from two or more angles (open & closed for example). Typically is costs more for this type of shot because of the additional editing time required. Contact us for details.
[Back to top] -
How much editing is included in the price of a photo?
Usually, we do any minor retouching, perspective correction and color adjustments free of charge. If your product photo requires additional retouching it will be billed at our hourly editing rate. All additional editing is done with your authorization only.
[Back to top] -
How many photos can you process a day?
That's a difficult question. We can photograph 100's of items a day depending on their size but to completely process (photograph, proof, edit, approval) a photo it takes some time... Usually 2-3 days per photo depending on how long a client takes to get back to us on proofs.
Assuming we skipped the entire proofing process and just combined the total time spent on each photo (shooting and editing the photo), on average we can complete about 10 photos per hour.
On occasion with larger projects we will outsource a significant portion of editing which allows us to complete photos much quicker.
[Back to top] -
What excatly to I get if I use your service?
Aside from prompt responses to all inquiries and excellent customer service, here's what you get when you purchase a photo from us:
- Studio time for one photo layout
- Online or e-mail proofing of original photo
- One Free reshoot
- Detailed hand-outline or clipping path
- background removal
- Three layer seperation (product, shadow, background)
- Five minutes of free retouching per photo
- Three different sized web-optimized jpegs of each photo
- Delivery of all images on CD-rom
- Detailed receipt
- Archival of original photos for 6 months
[Back to top]
Delivery -
How soon will I get my photos back?
There are many factors that will determine your projects turn around time. Typically these factors include: the number of photos you need, any additional retouching requirements you may have and how many projects we have queued before you.
Typically we can turn a project around within 5-10 days using our standard service. In most cases we'll have them finished much sooner.
We also offer a same-day, next-day and a 2 day service for tight deadlines.
[Back to top] -
How are images delivered?
We're very flexible with image delivery. Typically we'll e-mail all web optimized photos. High resolution files are sent via CD-Rom and can also be downloaded from our website.
[Back to top] -
Can you work directly with our publisher or web developer?
Sure, we do it all the time! Many people we work with don't have the time or patience to understand all the intriquicies involved with web development and print processing. Put us in touch with your publisher or web designer and we'll get them whatever they need so you can focus on your business.
[Back to top] -
How are products returned?
We prefer that you include return shipping labels or a UPS account number with your order for all return shipping charges. We can also bill you for shipping charges at standard rates. Usually we'll use USPS Priority or UPS Ground but can use any carrier you'd prefer.
[Back to top]
Copyright -
Are there any limitaion on how we use our photos?
No, all photos are royalty free. The original owner can use them however, when ever and as much as they want.
[Back to top] -
What exactly does Royalty Free mean?
Royalty-Free is a loosely defined term typically used when speaking of Stock Photography. Every photographer or agency has their own method for dealing with licensing but US Copyright law gives the copyright holder complete control over how "intellectual property" may be used and reproduced.
Basically, once an image is photographed, regardless of the object depicted in the photo, it is by federal law the property of the photographer. Many photographers charge royalties or commissions on their photos depending on how they are used.
All of the photos purchased from productimage.com are royalty-free and can be used by the original owner however they desire.
[Back to top]
Studio -
Can you design sets for shooting our products?
We tend to shy away from many projects requiring tedious or labor intensive set designs because they require much more of our resources and drive costs up substantially.
Most of the products we photograph are used for web sites and simple print catalogs or brochures. Photos such as these only require a white background or digitally enhanced effects.
Please contact us to discuss your needs. If we can't help then we'll be happy to refer you to another photographer that can.
[Back to top] -
What backgrounds do I have to choose from?
Our shooting tables are set up with seemless white or grey backdrops. At this time that is the only option we offer.
If you need something photographed on a different type or color background please contact us to discuss your project. If we can't help then we'll be happy to refer you to another photographer.
[Back to top] -
Do you shoot on location?
Unfortunately, we are not mobile. If you need someone to come to your location we suggest finding a local photographer. Give us a call and we'll be happy to help you locate one.
[Back to top] -
What kind of products can you photograph?
We do not have limitations on the type of products we photograph. We'll take pictures of anything! If you are unsure please contact us before sending anything.
[Back to top] -
Do you have product size limitations?
We specialize in tabletop photography. The rule of thumb is that if you can ship it, then we can shoot it. Obviously there are always exceptions so please contact us if you're unsure.
[Back to top] -
Can I sit in on my photo shoot?
Because of the nature of our first-in, first-out queue it is very difficult to determine exactly what day and time we'll be shooting your products so we dont typically have clients sit in on the shoot.
[Back to top]
Technical -
What file types do you provide?
We can create and send your final images in any file format you need. Just let us know your specifications before we begin editing.
Most often we are asked to provide original images as layered Photoshop (PSD) files. If you do not have Photoshop then we'll provide a TIFF version. All web images are resized to your specs and compressed as jpegs.
[Back to top] -
What resolution will my photos be?
Resolution is a tricky thing to understand. Please see our Guide on Understanding Resolution if you're not clear on how it relates to photography.
We use a few different cameras ranging from 6-12 megapixels (up to 4400x3000 pixels). We select a camera based on your requirments so please let us know how you will be using your photos before we start your project.
[Back to top] -
How large can I print my photos?
The native print size of our best camera is about 14"x10" @ 300dpi. The standard for professional printing is 300dpi but every publication has different requirements. Check out our guide to understanding resolution for a deeper understanding photography resolution.
[Back to top] -
How do you insure color accuracy?
We make every effort to keep our computer monitors, cameras and lighting calibrated to insure consistent color translation of your products
There are many factors that may alter the way you see the colors of your product shot. For instance, every color can appear slightly different from one person, monitor and operating sysetm to another.
Another significant factor is what type of lighting you're in when viewing images on screen vs. the actual product. Fluorescent lighting will make an item appear to have cooler (bluish) colors where as incandescent lighting gives everything a warmer (orange/yellow) color.
Color balancing is an art in itself and takes a good eye. If you feel the colors of your photo are off please let us know and we can make all necessary adjustments in editing.
[Back to top] -
Do you offer 360 degree photography?
We no longer offer this service because we've found it to not be very economical for most of our clients.
[Back to top] -
What kind of retouching can you do?
Everything from simple spot touching to color changes to complicated image reconstruction projects. We pride ourselves on being extremely proficient in the Photoshop arts.
[Back to top] -
What's the difference between RGB and CMYK?
This is a very common question that can be confusing to answer. Basically, RGB and CMYK are the two most commanly referenced "color modes" used in digital (RGB) and print (CMYK) media.
Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) are "additive colors". When you combine red, green and blue light you will get white light.
RGB mode, is optimized for displaying images on your computer monitors and peripherals.
Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMYK) are "subtractive colors". If we print cyan, magenta and yellow inks on white paper, they absorb the light shining on the page. Since our eyes receive no reflected light from the paper, we perceive black.
The printing world operates in CMYK mode.
[Back to top]
General Questions -
Can you edit some photos that I've taken myself?
Sure. We do this all of the time. If you have some product photos that just need some minor retouching or background removal give us a call and we'll be happy to edit a free sample and give you a quote.
[Back to top] -
Do you do any other types of photography?
Commercial product photography is all our studio specializes in.
[Back to top] -
Will you work for trade?
Believe it or not we get asked this quite a bit. Usually, we'll decline but it cant hurt to ask. If you have a cool new product and are working on a tight budget we might consider it.
[Back to top] -
Do you require a deposit to get started?
If you are paying with your Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit cards we do not ask you to send a deposit. An authorization will be run on your card before shooting begins.
If you'd prefer to pay by check then we ask that you send a 50% deposit with your order to get started. Final payment is due before we'll release the final photos.
[Back to top]
|
|
|
|
