General - Frequently Asked Questions

Several options are available.  Delivery methods primarily focus on size and quantity of the files to be delivered.  For single images, the most widely used is as simple as an email attachment.  For larger images a digital download delivery, which is a free process, is commonly used.  Other options for multiple, or exceptionally large files are shipping files on select storage media such as CD, flash or hard drives.  Those options are available as selections in our store. 

Unless otherwise requested, all prints ship standard USPS parcel mail (4-8 day delivery). Limited edition prints in sizes up to 8x10 are shipped in a flat photo mailer.  Prints larger than 8x10 are shipped rolled in tube mailers.

In some cases, it's easy...  many times the processing companies stamped dates onto the outside edge indicating when the original slide was processed.  In other cases, and without such stamp, it is difficult to tell.  In cases of Kodak processing however, the design of the cardboard border can help to identify a specific date range.  See following link...

No worries, and with a good image it is quite common.  We have to remember, back in the day when slides and such were used, they didn't have the ability to resize and image electronically or digitally.  As you may have noticed the viewing pane on many slides are much taller and narrower than they are wide, so in order for a full 8x10 layout to be produced from a slide, the actual film had to be removed from the cardboard border in order to acquire the whole frame of the film.  Once completed, the original film is typically placed back into the border mount and taped shut.

JPEG uses lossy compression, meaning that some image data is lost when the file is compressed and saved.  The TIF format is uncompressed during save, meaning that no image data is lost after scanning. TIF is a great choice for professional applications and archiving images when all detail MUST be preserved and file size is not a consideration.  JPEG is however, the most common and widely used format - retaining good image detail and reasonable file sizes.  For most applications, and uses, JPEG is very suitable.

The below list compares files sizes of a typical 24 bit color slide or negative scan in the various resolutions.  You should use a resolution which corresponds to your final needs, or purpose of your final image.

@1200dpi     Image size: JPG/145KB vs. TIF/4.9MB,      Dimensions:1072x1600px,         Print size: 3.5" x 5.3"

@1800dpi     Image size: JPG/268KB vs. TIF/11MB,       Dimensions:1608 x 2400px,       Print size: 5.3" x 8"

@2400dpi     Image size: JPG/400KB vs. TIF/19.6MB,   Dimensions:2144 x 3200px,       Print size: 7.1" x 10.6"

@3600dpi     Image size: JPG/776KB vs. TIF/44.2MB,   Dimensions:3216 x 4800px,       Print size: 10.7" x 16"

@7200dpi     Image size: JPG/2.3MB vs. TIF/176MB,     Dimensions:6434 x 9606px,       Print size: 21.4" x 32"

@9600dpi     Image size:  JPG/28MB vs. TIF/350MB,     Dimensions:9120 x 13341px,    Print size: 30" x 44"

The first step in getting your slides or negatives  scanned, is to contact us directly, or if you know how many scans you need completed, you may pay and order the service through the online store.  Regardless, we will need your originals shipped to us.  We recommend having your shipment insured through your chosen carrier.  While in our possession, we treat your originals with utmost care.  Upon completion of scanning, your originals, along with your new scans (via your chosen delivery media) are return shipped.  You are responsible for the costs associated with return shipping.

A single, or several scans in standard resolution (3600dpi) can usually be completed within 24hrs.  Large batch processing of scans in standard resolution (3600dpi) can usually be completed with 7 days.  Specialty scans at higher resolutions, and in TIF format may take much longer.  Contact us for current timelines.

Standard slide or negative scans in 3600dpi are not for everyone.  If you have other original formats, such as 6x6 negatives or transparencies, documents or original photography prints, we can easily scan those too.  Various resolutions and file formats are available.  Please contact us for current price estimates and turnaround times.  

If the photo you would like to have restored or retouched is in digital format, simply forward us the digital file via upload or email attachment.  Send with that file, the instructions, or brief explanation of the changes you'd like to see and we'll take it from there.   Plan on several communications during the process to ensure your final image meets or exceeds your expectations.

If your old photo is in hard copy (printed version), slide, negative, etc., etc., you will be required to ship us the original.  The original photo or film will then be scanned into a digital format where the restoration can be completed.  During the restoration process, several communications will be made to ensure our progress is in line with your expectation.  Sample images along the way may be provided.  Upon completion, your original image will be returned.

There can be significant differences is retouching and restoring photos.  Some can be completed very quickly with the assistance of computer generated repairs and minimal human interaction.  Others may require extensive human interactions,  manipulation and time to complete properly.  In most cases, 3 business days is sufficient for most restoration work.  For a more detailed estimate, you are welcome to send us a copy of your original via email attachment for immediate evaluation.

Could be compared to the "restore" or "refresh" action on your computer.  "Restoration" would be the term we use to conduct significant changes, alterations or repair of an image.  Lots of scratches and nicks, heavy discoloration and fading, particulates in the emulsion or cracking of the image would be considered a restoration.  A restoration takes much more time and effort to complete usually associated with vintage photography.  "Retouching" however, begins with a clean, fresh image and requires less human interface, and more computer generated effects.  Retouching may include color changes, filter effects and minor blemish removal.

First thing to do is to take notes on your idea - write them down!  Then contact us and explain the idea.  Be prepared to send us any images (and notes) you'd like to use in your final image.  We will assess your idea, estimate the required involvement, review any image details and provide you with an estimate for completion - both time and cost.

If you chose to pursue the creation, we will communicate regularly to gain your input and demonstrate our progress.  Sample images will be provided throughout the life span of the project.  You will be billed for the work prior to delivery of the final digital image.

Yes, we retain no right or use of your digital image.  Your final digital image will be stored on our secure hard drives for 10 days after delivery.  This is stored for the purpose of proper delivery only.  After 10 days, the image is deleted from our hard drives.  Be sure and maintain proper copies of your images accordingly.

Yes, always.  We completely understand.  Many images may be of sensitive nature and deserve to be protected.  Your images are never displayed, uploaded, stored or transferred to our, or any public, open or non-secure site.  Your images are stored on our encrypted, isolated and finger print protected storage drive while in process.  10 days after final delivery of your image or images, your images are deleted permanently from our storage.  Be sure and save your copies accordingly, once deleted from our storage, we retain NO copies and they are not recoverable.

If you prefer not to transfer images via, email, uploads and download, a dedicated review page can be set up on our site if requested.  Such page is a private page via invite only, is username and password protected.  If requested, we can establish this page for your use and review.