SCANNING TIPS

We prefer to scan images on our own equipment for best results. There is never a charge for us to scan your images. If you prefer not to send your originals to us, you can have images scanned locally. Ask your office supply or photo shop to conform to these standards.

• one image per scan
• 300 dpi resolution for 8×10 prints, 600 dpi for snapshot-sized images
• scan at the original size
• RGB or color mode (yes, this is important even for black and white images)
• all scanner auto features turned off (no auto correction for color, contrast, sharpening, red eye, spot removal, etc.)
• save image as .jpg or .tif at the lowest compression available

DIGITAL CAMERA IMAGE TIPS

For best results, set the camera for the highest resolution and save images as .jpg. Do not shoot as RAW format.

Please send digital camera images exactly as they come from the camera (no cropping, resizing, color correction, etc.). If you want an image cropped in a certain way, give us instructions and allow us to do it.

FILE NAMING TIPS

Many digital cameras and scanners use the same, or nearly the same, file naming protocols, which means files from different sources can have essentially the same names. If you are comfortable with file renaming, we suggest you rename each file with a unique file name. If not, send them with their original file names and we will accommodate them.

• smith 1.jpg is preferred to dscn2319.jpg
• sue and jamie.jpg is preferred to scan019.jpg

GIVING US INSTRUCTIONS

The best way to send your instructions is to use an office copier to make a paper print of the photo. It doesn't have to be high quality, and slightly underexposed usually works best. Mark the necessary changes and instructions on the paper print. If you're having us colorize a black and white print, Indicate the colors you want for specific items (especially hair, eyes, clothing, etc.). We will use artistic license for common items unless you specify otherwise. Circle and label items you want to keep and cross out items you want to delete. Or provide a detailed written description.

ORDERING TIP

The simplest, and least costly, way to order is on-line. Simply email a scan of the original photo to us and allow us to email the finished image back to you. You will have to have the image printed yourself locally. This eliminates all postage. However, we generally get better results if we can work from your original, and scan it ourselves. The choice is entirely yours.

HOW TO ORDER ON-LINE

Click here to download a copy of the Blue Ridge Creativity order form.

Fill out the form and email it with your photo(s). You also may email the photos and postal mail the order form if that works best for you.

IMPORTANT: Fill out a separate form for each photo.

Feel free to include additional written instructions as necessary. The more detail, the better result.

We do not limit the size of files we can receive by email. But many internet service providers do limit the size of files you can attach to your emails. Be sure your service can support the file sizes you send us. It may be necessary to attach only one photo file to each email message. If so, please note this on the subject line (photo 2 of 5, for instance).

HOW TO ORDER BY MAIL

Click here to download a copy of the Blue Ridge Creativity order form.

Fill out the form and enclose it with your photo(s).

IMPORTANT: Fill out a separate form for each photo.

Feel free to include additional written instructions as necessary. The more detail, the better result.

Mail to:
Blue Ridge Creativity
4769 Seagull Way
West Bloomfield, MI 48323

PHOTO MAILING TIPS

Be sure each photo is in a separate sleeve or envelope, and individually identified on the envelope. If you're sending more than one photo, we need you to identify each one. If necessary, lightly write the ID on the back of the photo near the edge with soft pencil. Don't use a ballpoint pen (which could score the print) or marker (which could bleed through the print).

Protect the photos by sandwiching between sheets of chipboard that are slightly larger than the photos. Place this sandwich into an envelope available at stationery and office supply stores.

If you are sending us digital images on a CD, obtain a proper CD sleeve and write your name on the sleeve.

PAYMENT

DO NOT send payment with order.

When your job is complete, you will receive an email notice that a proof is available for viewing on your own private web page, and a password to access it. You will be invoiced after you've approved the proof of your job.

You may pay in either of two ways.

Pay by check or money order — This is the slower method. When you receive your invoice, mail a check or money order to us, payable to Blue Ridge Creativity. When your check clears, your order will be shipped (either by email, US Postal Service, or the carrier of your choice).

Pay by PayPal — This is the quicker method.

1. After we receive your approval of the proof of your job, you will receive an itemized invoice by email from PayPal.
2. You will make payment to PayPal, following the instructions in the email. You do not need a PayPal account to do this.
3. We will be immediately notified by PayPal, and will package your order and ship it to you (either by email, US Postal Service, or the carrier of your choice).