Why is your Direct from Digital service so important? Simply put, there is no current technology for outputting image data which is of a higher quality than a TRUE photographic process. The printers we utilize are state of the art, photo processing machines which have been fitted with a laser imaging head which prints directly to Photo Paper. High Res digital images are printed with the same clarity and tonal ranges as color film would be, without worry of quality loss and printer-line or other mechanical artifacts. And also, in most cases, this service is more affordable than other options for output. [top] What can and can't be done with your restoration service? In terms of restoring old prints, we are able to clean up dust, scratches, cracks and tears from your photographs, however we can not "paint in" details where no detail exists. For example, if your subject's photo is completely missing a nose due to damage, we would require another photo of your subject suitable for image composite in order to make the repair. If there is simply a crack in your subjects face however, in most cases, the repair can be completed without a secondary photo. We can remove and replace cluttered backgrounds, to turn snapshots into portrait grade images. We can create photographs by combining people from different photos (and generations) as well as eliminate unwanted subjects. We can remove that unwanted wire or that tree from your real estate photo. Basically, anything that you can describe, we can do for you. Check out our example images for ideas. [top] Most services charge by the hour. Why doesn't Town Local? The Town Local, does in fact base it's fees on an hourly rate, however since most who are on a budget are reluctant to commission work which contains a cost variable, we strive to nail down cost for our clients. We realize that on some jobs we'll make less than on others, but this is the cost of doing business OUR way. We want to make Digital services as cost effective as we can for the consumer, while leaving room for profit for the small business. When your needs don't fit into any of our "pre-priced" packages, then simply email us with details of your needs, and we'll offer you a quote. [top] I don't like the idea of mailing my cherished photos. What should I do? Can't say that I blame you. While the mail system is mostly safe, a chance is still a chance. The solution is to simply have your photo properly scanned to the following specs and supply us the file instead. All scans must be done at 600 DPI and in 24 bits for high quality, and must be at original size. In this fashion, you will have created a very large file, sometimes as much as 70 megabytes or more for an 8x10 image. Once you have the image scanned, getting it to us is the next issue. For files that large, obviously, email is not going to work. The best option is to have the file put onto CD ROM, which are cheap and expendable media. Retailers like Kinko's offer a scanning and ROM service if you don't have those capabilities otherwise. Sorry, we don't currently accept ZIP for photo restoration. If you would rather use the NET to get us your file, you will first have to compress your image into the JPG file format (at full quality), and upload it to an account on line. See our "Services" page for details. And of course, if all of this seems like a hassle, there are ways to optimize your snail mail package to lessen the chances that it will be lost. Insure your package for a dollar amount and send it priority mail, return receipt requested. Contact Us for our shipping address. Include your payment as well as your email address Please make all checks payable to "Robert
Cohen"
I have a digital imaging project which is not advertised on your site. Can I ask? The nature of our service is completely open ended. If you want a different or unique service, just ask us. Chances are we can handle your request. And if we can't, we'll at least try to point you in the right direction... [top] What kinds of businesses can resell your service? We don't impose any restrictions on what types of businesses (or individuals) can sell our service. Why should we? However, obviously those which are involved in the visual arts arena will stand a better chance at turning some sales. Photo labs which do not currently offer a digital service to their customers are our best potential clients. However, such services can be offered at camera shops, frame shops, professional photography studios, and by free lance visual arts professionals. Some hints for digital services include: 4x6 photo-digital prints make EXCELLENT postcards or handouts for all types of business. Wallet sized prints make business cards that rarely get thrown away. Enlargements make dazzling, eye catching signage around a storefront. How many ways can YOU think of to market such a service? Do you offer discounted rates to those businesses interested in reselling your service? Our fees are already discounted. While most digital services are charging at actual straight time at between $45 and $60 an hour, OUR prices are fixed based on our estimates. Their is never any guess work involved when it comes to your fees. This means that you can quote a firm price to your customers and make a profit while you are doing it. The expected turn around time for all work is one week from the time your payment clears. Bank checks come with no clearing time. So you can safely tell your clients, three to four weeks, when you factor in snail mail time in both directions. [top] Can ANY image be processed or duplicated through your service? As long as their are no copyright issues, there is no problem. You can not use photos which are copyrighted to another person or business, such as photos you obtained from a professional photographer (even if the photo IS of you), a magazine, postcard or from any commercial product or service. If you wish to use a portrait from a pro studio or photographer, you must first obtain permission from them in writing. The Town Local assumes NO liability for images which are sent to us. It is the sole responsibility of the contracting party to abide by all copyright laws. [top] If you have any questions that were not addressed in this FAQ, please feel free to contact us. In addition to questions, comments, suggestions and feedback are always welcomed.
[Home] [FAQ] [About] [Services]
|