Services we offer

High Quality Images & Outstanding Service

What is "Royalty Free?"

It has been common practice for photographers to charge a fee whenever a client wants to use an image in a way that differs from the original purpose. For example you purchase web images and then want enlargements for a marketing campaign that would be extra!

We believe in a fair amount of remuneration for our work and also want you to be able to use your images as you see fit. "Royalty Free" means that you can use the images in any way you see fit without paying a charge.

As the originator of the image we retain the copyright to that image and in addition reserve the right to use an image in our marketing efforts (for example our web site or portfolio). We give you the right to use the images, but not the right to claim that they are your work or the work of someone else.

An example of when this is important is when you use the images in another publication. when this happens we request that that publication acknowledges our copyright (in whatever way they normally display it). We will always work with you to get something published and to sort out copyright should problems arise.

Here is a copy of the copyright notice that is on your CD or DVD with your images.

Click on the icon to read a copy of our standard copyright terms found on all our image CDs and DVDs

What does a "Web Gallery" look like?

Each photo shoot has an associated web gallery like the one below. This allows you to look through your images (normally within a few hours of us returning to the office). You can chose any that you want printed if your package includes printing. We can also use the gallery to show you post-production changes and alterations.

Things that a web gallery can't do:

Provide color matching for print work.
Indicate the exact sharpness of the final images.
Be used for printing proof images (they are awful and we will do it for you)

What does processing mean?

All our images are digital which means more flexibility for you and us. Although photography technology has changed greatly with digital age, images still need basic adjustments. Here is a partial list of the things we do to our images:

	Crop to final size
	Balance color to ensure that white looks white and that there is no color cast
	Remove small blemishes caused by lens and sensor dust
	Remove any distracting background items (if appropriate)
	Brighten teeth and the whites of models eyes if needed
	Remove embarrassing er, zits, skin blemishes, etc.
	Enhance color for print and web use (especially reds)
	Remove any specific items requested (exit signs etc.)
	Remove lens distortion (so straight lines look straight)
	Create web and print versions if applicable
	Sharpen final image

What happens if images are not what we want?

We are proud of our work and want you to get the best images possible. Provided that you were clear about what you wanted, we will always reshoot an image at our cost if you are not happy in any way. The only exceptions is, when for reasons outside our control, it is technically impossible to get the image that you want i.e. a fast moving object by candle light. Even then we will do our best and work with you to get what you need. In over a thousand photo shoots we have only redone a handful of images and those were mainly because we felt that we could do better or there was a technical problem of some kind with the images.

When do I have to pay for my images?

We will discuss and agree payment terms with you before the day of the photo shoot. Normally we don't require a pre-shoot deposit (unless we are hiring models, sets or locations for you). Typically payment is due on the day of the shoot, which may, by prior arrangement, be 50% of the final invoice. We also retain absolute ownership of all images and materials until your invoice is settled in full. At that time our royalty free copyright terms apply as per our contract.