Since the 2020 lockdown, this shopping cart (and detailed instructions) have liberated each client from spending 2-3 hours (plus another trip) to whittle, compare, whittle again and then ask questions (answered below) before then having to ask more questions about the product, measure wall space at home and then place an order. Many words, but you’ll have them all read in less time than a trip to the studio!..
Having done over 1000 of those meetings I can tell you that the simplest way to plot your order is to PRINT THESE INSTRUCTIONS then VIEW/ORDER FROM A COMPUTER - on the largest screen you’ve got. It is very helpful for seeing expressions NOT visible on a phone – Using your TV is best if you’re tethered or know how to screencast. JUST BE AWARE, my 5k color monitor is color-calibrated for accuracy - your TV (even computer view) will not necessarily look the same. If in doubt about coloring, just ask.
TIME-SAVING TIPS!:
KEY POINTS are in BOLD for quicker reference. If you skim the topics you’ll know where to call back for answers. MUCH FASTER than us playing em/vm tag to get you answers that you’ll discover below. I recommend printing these to have handy while you view and if I missed anything, (including bad grammar/spelling : ^) THANK YOU in advance for letting me know.
PREVIEWS: These previews have only received minor adjustments like exposure and some cropping options. Because I shoot full-sized RAW files there are often pictures within pictures. Wall portraits usually look better with more environment, but I crop in tighter on some images to help you to better see/decide on expressions. Those files are appended with a “-2, or a -3.jpg” at the end of the file name.
RETOUCHING: Basic retouching will be done on the ones you order - this includes anything incidental such as blemishes, stray hair, dark lines under eyes, teeth and eye brightening/whitening.
EXTRA ART: More extensive art can be done by quote, such as moving one head from a group, to another “base image” where others may already look their best.
BE PICKY: "Head-swaps” are only $10 per head, which makes for very inexpensive perfection. They have to be from the same setting, lighting and/or pose, but all so that you’ll never know when completed. My artist is so great at it, I forget that it was even done.
MULTIPLE VERSIONS: If your images are appended with a “-2," it is a duplicate image that may be cropped differently to show you alternative perspectives OR a more accurate BW (Black & White) version.
B&W: The gallery software has a black & white viewer but it’s usually not as accurate. (Less contrast = muddy) It does give you a pretty good idea how an image will look but know that I will make them look MUCH more authentic on your actual order.
CUSTOM CROPPING: Be sure to order from the version you prefer OR you can crop for yourself within the cart tool. The crop tool will change shape to the aspect ratio (size) you select. I may adjust from there slightly if there is an aesthetic issue that you may not have seen in the smaller size. Rare, but I have never heard a complaint when it was necessary for a better end result.
DIGITAL PURCHASES: Digital files are also retouched before delivery. Each individual file is delivered in BOTH color & bw. I also include a low res version to display on your phone-photos or post online, but ONLY on digital orders. There are TWO SIZES on digital files. Low quality retail labs will allow you to print a larger print than the file exported, but the color quality will suffer. If this is your plan, please invest in the file size that will allow for something that is both legal (per the license you will receive) and won’t harm my reputation when you tell a discerning viewer that it was created at Studio B. Your honesty is a win-win… : ^)
TERMINOLOGY: CLICK HERE TO BE CERTAIN ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE ORDERING or VIEWING. e.g. What is a file a desk portrait or lustre surface?..
**QUICK TIPS** FOR VIEWING YOUR IMAGES
1 - If you’re tech-savvy - mirror your computer to your Smart TV - the images may be contrasty, colors may not be as accurate - but you can see them much larger.
2 - While on a larger screen - measure the edge-to-edge image size that you see. This helps for you to decide on wall portrait sizes. 24x30 ma sound large, until you consider how small your head(s) may be in a more scenic image. We’ve heard many variations of “I wish I had ordered larger, it sounded big until I put it over my couch."
3 - Change your browser’s window size to larger/smaller for perspective on head size. For example, on a 70” (diagonal size) monitor, you can view up to a 24x36” image.
4 - Note the head sizes. Ordering a small print of a scenic image (or larger group) can reduce the head sizes to smaller than you might prefer. - That’s just worth mentioning twice, paraphrased to avoid oversight.
In-person sales is very costly in time, which is why someone is usually there encouraging you to spend more. I am not that person, but will answer ANY questions you have before you place your order at b@studiobpdx.com
You can also book a 10 min phone chat if that is easier for you.
ORDERING:
(if you are ordering for multiple households - CREATE FAVORITES UNDER ONE EMAIL - have them share their favs with you to place one master order - can save you a few bucks if combined)
CLICK HERE FOR STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS You can share your gallery password with whoever you choose. They will use their own email, which allows them to create a unique set of favorites or orders. The cart is pretty intuitive, but my tech-challenged clients have said this info helped them a great deal.
Your retainer at booking paid for your session, your only costs will be what you order LESS any discounts that will apply at checkout.
WALL PORTRAIT ORDERS - OR OTHER CUSTOM SUPPORT
IF you are uncertain about what size wall portrait(s) is best OR if you’re more tactile and want to see/feel the options - you can make an appointment for a 15 min visit video or phone chat.
FIRST: Be sure you have selected (using FAVORITES button) the ones you’d like for your wall(s)
SECOND: CLICK HERE to book a phone or video chat. If you are more tactile and need to see/feel or learn more about the printing medium this CAN be done at the studio if you indicate so when you book.
This is NOT an ordering session. Viewing sessions cost us both at least two hours of time which must forfeit the cart discounts above.
This appt is only to ask questions or to view product best suited to the specific image(s) you want enlarged.
Metal, canvas and Acrylic are all great, but the portrait you choose will affect any input I can provide on textures or size.
To aid in this process PLEASE see the prep instructions above the booking calendar when you CLICK HERE to reserve a time.
DELIVERY:
Once you do confirm your order, the turnaround averages are:
Retouching - 48 hours.
Printing and digitals - 5-7 business days.
If you require rush service, shoot me an email with your ideal delivery date, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.