|
|
If you have an image that deserves museum quality preservation or superb restoration,
you can send your image(s) to us either by Priority Mail or through the Internet, as an email attachment. |
U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail (preferred)
Convenient, Fast, Safe — with the assurance of optimum image reproduction
|
Advantages of working with an original
Working with your original can significantly increase the quality of your final image.
We offer delicate cleaning of your original, at NO cost.
After all why copy the dirt that has built up on the image for so many decades? (Yet very few labs and studios offer this essential service — which is probably just as well.) With your consent, we will carefully clean the entire image, starting with a small test area in the corner.
|
Priority Mailing (rates as of 7/04)
These services are as close and convenient as your nearest U.S. Post Office, and they even provide you with a free shipping envelope and label. Priority Mail assures you of safe, special handling and speedy delivery.
The typical cost for shipping is only $4.30 including tracking confirmation.
Rates: up to one pound is $3.85 and as little as $5.85 for five pounds. Overseas shipping is somewhat more.
If you use the USPS (flat) Priority envelope (EP-14F, 9-1/2" x 12-1/2"), you cam mail whatever will fit in the envelope for the one pound rate (regardless of actual weight).
NOTE: USPS does NOT insure photographs.
|
Disadvantages of Sending an Original
However remote, there is always the possibility your package may be damaged or lost in transit.
|
Packaging Suggestions
Most images (8x10" and smaller) will conveniently fit in the free USPS standard Priority Mail flat envelope ((EP-14F, 9-1/2" x 12-1/2") and allows you to ship at the one pound rate (regardless of actual weight). The local Post Office can also provide larger, free, packaging options upon request.
Frames need not be shipped. If you are comfortable removing the image from the frame, it will allow for easier and safer shipping. Glass should also be removed, EXCEPT if you think the image may be stuck to the glass surface.
Use tissue or a soft paper towel to wrap or separate each image and place your images in a plastic bag or wrapping. Then sandwich the images between two sheets of CORRUGATED card board (up to 9x12" dimensions for a flat envelope) and tape the sides of the cardboard before inserting it in the mailing envelope.
Be sure to legibly print or type a note with your contact and order information and place it next to your prints, INSIDE the cardboard sandwich.
|
Delivery Confirmation (Priority Mail)
We strongly recommend using the USPS "Delivery Confirmation" tracking labels for an additional 45 cents. This allows you to instantly confirm exactly where your package is at any given time (using the USPS internet tracking page http://usps.com/shipping/trackandconfirm.htm).
|
Include your name, address, phone number and email, along with instructions for each image (please type or print legibly).
List each image with brief description (including the number of people shown), in alphabetical sequence ( A - B - C - etc.)
For EACH image also indicate:
- Your permission to clean the original
- Size (we can often go acceptably larger than the original)
- Print grade (Enhanced, Browntone, color, Archival, Velvet)
- Any special cropping or other service requests
- Quantity
For our list of services and pricing, please refer to our Copy & Restoration prices.
|
Email Us Your Shipping Information
Email us a note telling us the date you sent your order to us and your USPS Confirmation (tracking) number.
We can then monitor your shipment for you.
|
After We Receive Your Image (either method of delivery)
After inspecting your image and reviewing your order request we will call you to verify both receipt of your order and confirm your service request. At that time we will also ask for a 50% order deposit (balance due at time of shipment).
|
|
Emailing a Scan (optional)
|
Advantages of Scanning & emailing an Original
As an electronic file, the original never leaves your possession. And transferring the image takes a matter of a few minutes, instead of a few days, and you save a few dollars.
|
Scanning Guidelines
All scans should be done using the scanner's optimum "Optical" scanning resolutions, usually around 400ppi to 800ppi. Do NOT use higher "interpolated" resolutions.
Scan in RGB mode only.
Scanned images can NOT be modified, enhance, manipulated or otherwise altered, either during or after scanning. Do NOT use any scanner or post-scanner enhancement software! A good reproduction scan should appear dull, with little, if any solid whites or solid blacks.
Save your original file as a TIFF, nothing else!
Save a copy of the file, for emailing, as a "Maximum" quality (low compression) JPEG. Do NOT save the same JPEG more than once!
Finally, we reserve the right to reject any scan which does not exhibit acceptable reproduction quality. (Note: scans which appear "good" on the monitor screen, or even as a desktop print-out, may not be adequate for true photographic reproduction.)
|
Disadvantages of Sending a Scan
Unless you are reasonably adept (and cautious) in cleaning old original images, the scan will also record any dirt and hazy film contaminating the image's surface (which is extremely difficult to eliminate, and quite costly).
A scan MUST be properly accomplished to retain as much detail as possible. Typical high resolution file sizes can range from 12MB to over a 100 MB.
Some older computer systems are not efficient in handling these larger size files.
Some scanners are not designed to offer the quality needed for optimum reproduction.
|
