FAQ

What Kind of Images Can I submit?

.JPG files or RAW are preferred for the best results.

What size Images Can I submit?

The larger the better. Don’t expect to get a great image from a cell phone or Blackberry. Size does matter, the bigger the better.

What is the best exposure?

Under exposing your images a little is better than over exposing them. Hidden shadow details can be brought out, but overexposed details are gone for good. You can’t get back what isn’t there.

What is the difference between standard processing and HDR?

Standard Processing uses a variety of processing software solutions to enhance and improve images. HDR processing uses a multi-step process to balance the light and dark areas an image to best represent what the eye sees. HDR works best from a RAW file but can get very good results from JPG images.

Why is HDR Processing more expensive?

HDR processing is more an art form than anything. It takes time prepare an image for this process. Because of the nature of HDR processing it isn’t possible to view what the final results will be until the image is processed. There is no way to see in a standard monitor the final result. This means it may take a lot of time to get the desired results using HDR processing.

Most HDR generated images still need some “Touch up” processing to be done before they are ready. This all adds up to a lot of additional time necessary for this type of processing. But the results can be stunning.

What Kind of Images can I submit for HDR Processing

When HDR images are being ordered the best resultwill come from a RAW file. However, if your don’t have a RAW file to submit the next best option is a single subject images shot 3 to 5 times with a 1F- stop exposure difference between each image.

There are a lot of point and shot cameras that will do this. It is usually referred to as “Auto Bracket” and you can set the number of exposures and the F-stop difference for each exposure.

If I submit bracketed shots of the same subject is that one or more images?

Submitting 3 to 5 images of the same subject which are “Bracket” shot are considered only 1 image since they will be combined for a single final image.

Can an HDR image be generated from a single JPG image?

Yes, it is still possible to generate an HDR image. The results will depend a lot on the quality of the original JPG image.

Are only Images used for Real Estate Accepted?

No, you can submit images for any reason you want. In some instances there will be a difference in pricing. Ex. if you have one very old image you want restored digitally as best as possible from what you submit it might take a great deal of time to work on that single image. Pricing will vary accordingly.

How Do I find Out How Much A Special Order Will Cost?

Any image/images you want to submit for special processing can be submitted using the “Submit Photo” page and in the Special Instruction: Tell us what processing you want done to the submitted files. We will extract the images and provide you a good faith estimate. Once you have received the estimate email, if you want to proceed reply to the email and a special paypal invoice will be sent to you by email. Once payment is received will will process your order.

How do I compress a file to upload

Put the images you want in a directory/folder.  Right click on the folder and select “Send To:”  From the list pick “compressed”  This will create a .zip file of your directory which you can then specify for the upload.  If the directory isn’t compressed the “browse” button will open to individual image files inside your photo directory.  Compressing the directory turns it into a file itself.