FAQ

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How do your new eGift Cards work?

You purchase our eGift Cards at our online store from the menu at the top and on the right. It's a small menu link: look for "Gift card." Or, go directly to the special page for gift cards. These cards are delivered by email. Please note that you can only use them in our online store.

For information, go to our eGift Card FAQ page.
Will I lose my deposit if I can't make my appointment?

When you pay your deposit, we reserve a time and date for you. If you can't make it, you can simply reschedule. Of course, we appreciate you letting us know as soon as possible if you have to reschedule.
Can I pay for my shoot, balance, or any kind of photography you do in installments?

Yes, in 3, 6, or 12 monthly payments. You should see the option* when you get your invoice for us, and will be able to see the exact amounts of your monthly payments and their totals before you commit. Please go to Square's own information page for more details as the transactions are entirely handled by Square, the same service we have used for invoicing for years.

* For complex shoots, you may not receive a Square invoice from us, but if you'd prefer to have the option to pay using Square, ask us for one and we'll deliver it right to your inbox.
Is it worth spending money on photos for business?

"You don't get a second chance to make a first impression," says James Uleman, PhD, a psychology professor at New York University and researcher on impression management.

We concur because first impressions really do count.

Before they meet you in person, people will often first see you on your site, Linkedin, Facebook, etc. If you look energized, honest, and confident, it inspires trust in your professionalism. The same is true of images of your products or services, if not more so. Potential clients have choices as to who they engage with and which goods and services they use. Images that show you at your best attract clients or customers as well as making a good impression on potential employers and people in your network. Your costs will soon be recouped.
Is it worth spending money on personal photos for myself, friends, or family?

"We only had time to grab our photos before we had to flee."

When there is news of some natural disaster, like floods or fires, you often hear something like this. Of course, we can back up our images easily these days, but these kinds of statements show how valued personal photos can be. As time goes by, they only become more treasured. We've never heard anyone lament using their time and resources for high-quality personal photography for themselves, family, or friends.

Years from now, we won't be able to travel back to get those missed shots of those we love. We can only do this now. As with much in life, it comes down to what we value.
What headshot style would be best for our office staff?

Every profession has a certain quality, and individual businesses, firms, agencies, clinic and so on also have a distinct quality. This is connected to their brand. The style of you headshots can help distinguish what makes you different, your approach, and what you will bring to your clients and customers. Here are some examples of different headshot styles for management and staff.
How do I prepare for a photo shoot?

Go to our special page: How to Prepare for a Photo Shoot. There are guides for everyone as well as most types of shoots. Of course, we will consult by email, phone, or in person as needed to answer any questions you may have and advise you. The most important preparation: becoming as clear as possible as to what you want the images to do.
Can I receive my images unadjusted or unretouched?

We do not supply unadjusted or unretouched image as we regard them as uncompleted and unfinished. We came to the conclusion years ago that we serve our clients best by only giving them images that show them at their best. It will reflect back most favorably to the client (as well as to the photographer) to have exceptional images out in public, and this is only possible when they are fully completed. We make no exceptions.
How much retouching do you do?

In professional digital photography, the final decisions on lighting, color balance, and so on, are often made after the shoot from the raw digital file in postproduction. Initially, this means adjusting the whole image file rather than retouching. We do this before we put our client's images up in an online gallery.

After our clients choose their final images, we do more adjusting and begin the retouching process. Some of this is more specific lighting decisions, like adjusting lighting and color in one area of the image while moving in another direction elsewhere in the image. It can also involve removing distracting details like too many wrinkles on a sleeve, harmonizing and simplifying the background, and so on. We also do micro adjustment of lighting on skin, eyes, teeth, and other physical features. All of this is included in our fee for personal and professional portraits.

Our Publicity and Branding packages include the creation of one web banner image if needed. We do this by seamless adding more image space on one side. This is often done to leave room for text.

Occasionally, we are asked to do advanced image manipulation like changing the color of a garment, combining images, removing or adding objects, or adding a person into a group shot. This level of work is usually extra and billed at an hourly rate.

Product photography is similar, but needs and uses can vary considerably. Talk to us about what you need.

We want you to be fully satisfied with your images. We will work with you and not call it "done" until you are fully satisfied.
What is the difference between retouching and image manipulation?

Retouching involves working only with the original image. Adjusting lighting and color balance is the first step. Later, adjustments of lighting can be applied to bring up or down attention on different areas of an image. Then there are details like adjusting the lighting and tone of teeth and eyes, fixing a distracting wrinkle on a sleeve, and so on. Transitory blemishes are usually removed. We often deemphasize (without removing) other features like wrinkles and moles when it seems justified. Of course, we always do this according to your wishes.

Image manipulation involves actions like adding extra space on to an image to make a banner, compositing two or more images, adding or subtracting major details, even adding new people to a group shot. Our Publicity and Branding packages include the creation of one web banner image by extension if desired. Otherwise, image manipulation is not included in our packages but, of course, can be done at our standard rates.
Can I make my own prints from the image files I receive?

Yes, of course.

For business shoots, our image files are optimized for online use. We include a high-resolution version for use in print. For personal portraits, the images are further optimized for prints. However, there are some caveats: see below.

If you wish to use your own printer, just remember none of them print exactly the same. Plus, the settings you use can lead to greatly varying results. Be prepared to experiment. To make things simpler, we recommend that you use fresh and original brand ink cartridges. They tend to yield the best (and more long lasting) prints. Paper is very important; use the ones your printer manufacturer recommends. Your monitor is another variable, especially if it is not calibrated, as it may not be showing you what will come out of a printer.

If you send your images to a photo print lab, there are similar considerations. If you do use a lab or a consumer print service, find one that has a high output as they tend to be more consistent. When you find one you like, stick with them. If you use consumer print services, we recommend that you begin by turning all their optional settings off.

When we make prints for our personal portrait clients, we tweak them a bit more, then test and adjust as many times as needed to get the best prints possible. This is because screens and paper are two different mediums and have their own demands. Except for very large sizes and special options, we now do most of our printing on our own high-end professional photo printer. These are now durable and last as long or longer than most lab prints. However, whether we use a lab or our own professional printer, we often have to make several prints to get the results we need. You may as well.

Still, it can be an enjoyable process, and we encourage you to give it a try.

For commercial printing such as offset, the files will usually need to be converted. Your printer or designer should know how to do that, but feel free to contact us if needed.
How large can my images be printed?

In principle, any size. To go over 11 by 14 inches, we would need to do some additional work on the file to ensure the very best result. Not long ago, we prepared some images so they could be printed 12 feet high for an "opening soon" barricade, and they came out great. A 20 by 30 inches well-framed image can look amazing in your home or office. However, a collection of three smaller prints specially matted for a single frame can be equally amazing, as can individually framed prints that are grouped intentionally on your wall.

Ingrid standing in front of the barricade image made from her photos.
How soon will I get my business images?

We first backup your images, then select which will go up on your web gallery. These images first receive some standard postproduction adjustments but are still only proofs. For business headshots and other images, we hope to have your gallery up in five business days. Nothing else then happens until you make your final selection. You can choose your images all on your own, of course, but we are available to ease you through that process.

After you make your final section, your images go into our workflow, and we hope to have them ready in five more business days. You will receive them by downloading from a special link we will send you.
How soon will I get my personal portraiture prints?

We endeavor to have your prints ready for viewing in three weeks from your shoot.

Why so long?

We first backup your images, then begin the selection process. For personal portraiture, we start retouching your best images ahead of time. When ready, we'll find a time that works for everyone to come and see your portraits in our studio. Later, we will put up a gallery so you can have another look. This also allows friends and relatives to see how your portrait session came out: feel free to share.

After you make your selection, we then start the print-making process, which often can take a few prints on each image until we are satisfied. When they are all ready, all standard sizes up to 11x14 are placed in Italian mats and prepared for delivery either by Priority Mail or in person. Heirloom portfolio boxes are also available to order, and we are now starting to produce photo books.

High-resolution digital files of your prints are included.
What if I need images or prints faster?

We have a RUSH service: 50% of everything on top of the regular fees. If prints of physical media are involved, we will have your order hand-delivered within 25 miles or Seattle or use same-day delivery. When distances are greater, we will use same-day, next day, or whatever is reasonably available.
Now that I've done my business shoot, what is the process from here on?
After your shoot, comes postproduction:

We first backup your images, and in more way than one to be safe.
Then, your images enter our workflow. There are often previous shoots we are working on ahead of yours
Then there is the initial selection, and further rounds until we have narrowed it down to a good selection of your best shots.
We do some basic enhancement of the images which mostly involves adjusting lighting.
We then create an online gallery that has features that make it easier to make your final selection.
All of this we hope to have done in five business days.
When you have made your final selections, you let us know.
NOTE: we do not do any further work on your order until you have made all of your final selections.
We then do final enhancement and retouching taking into account any special requests from you. This covers quite a lot.
If you have special retouching requests, outside the scope of our usual retouching, we do that as well.
When your image files are ready, we upload them along with license with your name and image files specifically noted.
All of this we hope to have done in another five business days.
If you order additional image licenses, we handle those in the same way.
Can I get prints of the licensed images from my business shoot?
Prints? Yes, but…
Occasionally, our business clients wish prints. However, once prints are part of a shoot, we are obligated to charge sales tax (about 10%) on your entire shoot.
This is also true if you wish your images delivered on DVD or other physical media, which is probably why we are rarely asked to provide them that way.
Of course, you are welcome to make prints yourself from your licensed digital images.
If you are okay with the tax, you can order prints from your special gallery and, after we make sure we understand your wishes and we have your final order, we will be happy to make them.
Prints can take longer as there is some back and forth until we get them looking their best. We do a little extra work to get the very best print possible.
After your final selection, we hope to have your prints on the way to you within ten business days.
Your prints are packed carefully, and we deliver them by post in a secure rigid envelope or box.
How will I get my image files?

For all business shoots, by digital download. We'll send you a link.

For personal Portraiture Packages, first, you will choose your physical prints. Later, we will send you a link so that you can download high-resolutions files of all the images you chose as prints. This will also give you a backup and, if you wish, you can even make your own prints.
I'm having trouble downloading my files: can you help me?
Yes, of course.

We use the professional version of WeTransfer. (Please see the FAQ entry following this one for older downloads advice.)

Your files will often start downloading as soon as you click the link even if nothing seems to happen: Check your download progress.
You should find it at where ever files usually download to on your computer. However, please wait a while as (depending on your service and file size) the file will take a while to download: it could be a few seconds, or minutes, or much longer.
Be sure you have enough room for the new files.
Feel free to contact us if you have any problems downloading or opening your images.

IMPORTANT: You can download your image files to some phones and tablets to save and view. However, we do not recommend this as it does not always work, takes experience, and may overwhelm your device.

STILL HAVING TROUBLE DOWNLOADING?
Again, it may be taking a while and not be fully downloaded. Try waiting a while, then look for it and open later.
Depending on your settings, the files may not be downloading to somewhere obvious. Try searching for recent files or a keyword.
Please contact us if you are still having problems: we will find a way.
I'm having trouble downloading my files from a link you sent me BEFORE March 18th of 2019: can you help me?
Yes, of course. Please contact us if you are having problems. In March of 2019, we changed the way we delivered your licensed images. The advice below applies to downloads BEFORE March 18th of that year and is worth trying now, as it may solve any issues faster:
If nothing happens when you click the link, try pasting the ENTIRE link into your browser and then hit the Enter key or however you get your particular browser to go to a link.
Your zipped file will often start downloading as soon as you click the link even if nothing seems to happen, or it says something like "File not found." Check your download progress.
You should find it at where ever files usually download to on your computer. However, please wait a few minutes as (depending on your service and file size) the file will take a while to download: it could be a few seconds, or minutes, or much longer.
Once downloaded, it may unzip by itself and you'll see it soon after.
If the zipped file downloads but does not unzip itself, double-click it. If nothing seems to happen, right-click on it, chose how to open the file. Be sure to note where it says it is unzipping to as this can be a different place than where the downloaded file is located.
Be sure you have enough room.
Feel free to contact us if you have any problems downloading or opening your images.

IMPORTANT: You can download your image files to some phones and tablets to save and view. However, we do not recommend this as it does not always work, takes experience, and may overwhelm your device.

STILL HAVING TROUBLE DOWNLOADING?
- Whatever hardware you use, please wait until the file is completely downloaded before trying to open it. If you try to open it before it is fully downloaded, the file may become corrupted, and it will not open. If that happens, you may have to start again.
- Again, it may be taking a while and not be fully downloaded. Try waiting a while, then look for it and open later.
- Depending on your settings, the zipped file may not be downloading to somewhere obvious. It may also be unzipping to somewhere else besides where the original zipped file is located. Try searching for recent files and/or the name of the zipped file which is at the end of the link above.
- Yes, please contact us if you are still having problems.
Can I have my files delivered on a CD, DVD, or a small thumb or flash drive?

Yes, but you may not want to. For business shoots, as long as the images are used solely for business purposes, we do not have to charge sales tax. As soon as any kind of physical media is involved, however, our current understanding of local tax regulations obligates us to charge sales tax for the entire shoot.

Because personal Portraiture shoots are not exclusively for business, they are subject to sales tax.

We can make and ship a CD, DVD, or thumb flash drive of your images for any kind of shoot and ship it to you by Priority mail for a $60 flat fee. Again, even if this is for a business shoot and you signed a form, we may then have to retroactively charge sales tax on the entire shoot.
Do I pay sales tax on photography for business?

In the state of Washington, if your images are licensed for business, and they are delivered by download, our current understanding is, no.

The exemption is available when the images are used exclusively for business; it is not available for prints, images transferred on physical media, or images for personal use. The rules change periodically. We no longer are required to keep an exemption form on file as long as the images are licensed and we state that in an invoice, contract, or license. All of our business clients get a license stating their usage rights.

More information on this the State of Washington's site. If the link doesn't work, it probably means they moved it again.
Do I pay sales tax on my personal photography?

In the state of Washington, if your images are for personal use, or are delivered by physical media such as DVDs or prints, yes.
Do I need to have a Square account to pay an invoice online?

No.
Will the packages on your online store change?

The packages we offer do change in price and features periodically, but not very often.
Do you backup my files?

Beginning in 2020, we backup your files for two years. Be sure and save the link we will send you to download your files: it's good for two years.

We still encourage you to make your own backups. After two years, there is a $50 fee to retrieve old files and we offer no guaranty that this will be possible.
What's your best single piece of advice?

Become as clear as you can as to what you wish your images to do. Everything else will follow.
Still not sure about something?

Contact us.

Ingrid Pape-Sheldon Photography

In Seattle, King County, and almost anywhere

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