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How It Works
Our concept is actually quite simple - you send your base image digital photo to us via email or our image upload page. We then work our magic to provide you with a finished, creative photo montage or enhancement of your choice. We will send you an email with a download link to the final image.
What You Will Receive (Photo Montages)
All images, apart from the web optimized version, are in a high quality 300dpi format. From the original files, you or your photo developer may crop the image as needed for photo products such as cards, calendars, invitations, etc. |
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What's Included (Photo Montages)
Our creative process, from start to finish, goes beyond a simple "crop and drop" technique. For a stunning final image, care is taken with your photo by applying customized effects:
Extraction of the subject from the original photo (where applicable)
Color & lighting adjustments to blend your photo into the final image
Minor blemish removal (face, body, and minor stains on clothing)
Red eye correction
Idealized cropping of image for best visual effect (where applicable)
Subtle teeth whitening
Digital add ons where applicable (fairy wings, etc.)
Shadows and other special effects (where applicable)
Removal of minor "distractions" from original photo (ex- see the castle tower photo in our Copperplate section- we removed a subject, walking in the distance, from the original photo). We will "remove" up to three minor distractions per photo; please indicate in the comment section which items you would like removed, if applicable.
By default, we include all of the above; PLEASE note in the comment section of the order form if you would prefer that we not make any of the above alterations (ex - blemish removal).
Please also note in the comment section any special cropping instructions (where applicable), and any special instructions regarding removal of minor figures/items from the original photo.
What's Not Included (Photo Montages)
Correction of very bright (overexposed) or very dark (underexposed) images; note that we can correct for more minor exposure issues.
Major makeovers- i.e., complexion alterations other than minor blemish removal, changes in hair color, etc.
Complicated hair extraction (we will subtlety smooth away "fly away" hair and hair that is difficult to extract, usually due to backgrounds that are similar in color)
Orders from photos that are submitted from professional photographers, unless a signed, mailed/emailed/faxed copy of the photographer's release form is received (see below).
Extraction and placement of more than one subject into the final design, unless noted otherwise.
Correction for eyeglass glare.
Etc.
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Multiple print copies, or other products
Note that there are other sites that provide various photo effects (especially pop art), but most do so not with the intention of providing a digital file, but instead selling products such as large canvas prints/etc.
We wish to stay in the design business, not the product business! We want you to enjoy the final image, in any format you choose, without spending a fortune! As long as you are not reselling the image, you may use the files provided for prints, photo books, invitations, holiday cards, calendars, t-shirts, you name it - there are many photo processing sites available to apply your image to many fun products, and of course to make unlimited prints (again - for personal use only, not commercial use - please see our terms of use section).
However, note that not all photo processors are equal in quality!! The color may vary from one photo developer to another. Note that Creative Photo Effects does not accept any liability whatsoever for prints or products that you may choose to order from various developers using your file that we provide. We recommend placing a test order to verify print quality as required.
Sending Your Photo To Us
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Although we can handle images emailed to us, the size of the files involved, together with the various email client settings (some will automatically reduce the size/quality of the image being sent), we prefer to use a commercial file transfer service designed specifically to handle large file sizes to make sending your images as easy as possible. Click on the link below, or either of the images to the right, to visit our file transfer page.
Note: Please include your order id number, whenever possible, in the image upload page's subject line, to ensure the fastest possible service. When you send a file via the upload service we will automatically be sent an email, allowing us to retrieve your image as quickly as possible. For smaller image files you can email (link) them to us, ensuring your email program does not reduce the image size. |
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We will also use the same file transfer service to send your final images, in which case you will receive an email which contains a download link to the file. This ensures that we don't clog up your email account with a large image file, and allows you to use a different computer - with a faster internet connection - to download the file.
Final image quality is highly dependent on the image you provide. For best results, the supplied file should be at least 1600x1200 (2 megapixels) for an 8"x10" image, and preferably 3 megapixels or above. As much as the number of pixels, the quality of the image is just as important - overly compressed images will also affect the final image quality.
Note that scanned photos may be used, and will often provide enough resolution for an 8"x10" final image; however, a scanned photo will not provide enough resolution for a 16"x20" print (for an example on this site - see this page - the original image of the young soccer player was from a scanned photo)
What happens after I place my order?
If there are no problems with the submitted photo, we will start work on your order and upon completion (usually 2-5 business days), we will send a link for you to preview your image.
Upon approval, we will send you a link to your digital download files within one business day.
