Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long will the process take?
I generally allow one month for each client in my schedule. This allows us to do an initial meeting with a follow-up schedule of what needs to be done and who will do that task. If the scope of the items is larger than what can be accomplished during that time, we make a plan that suits everyone involved. That being said, any rush orders will be priced at a higher rate.
2. Can I trust you to keep my photos safe and create a quality product?
I will store your collection in a safe and isolated storage area while I am working on them. As a Heritage Mentor I have studied both disaster avoidance and recovery procedures as it relates to our cultural institutions and private collections. I will use these strategies to keep your collection as safe as possible. During the process of our project, I will share some pre-release status reports and samples for your approval.
3. Can you improve the quality of some of the images?
I can provide photo enhancement through Adobe Software such as Lightroom and Photoshop. I can also provide the service or adding metadata (place, name, event, etc.) to your photos. Both services are billed at my hourly rate.
4. What format and size are the digital images you will provide to me?
During our initial interview I will determine your needs and base this answer on what will make your collection used and useful. For example, if your goal is to share your photos with others, I would recommend 600 dpi JPEG images.
5. Do you work on Mac or PC?
I am very experienced on PC and prefer to use that platform. However, I can also provide Apple/Mac formats.
6. What does it mean to Organize my photo collection?
Consider where all of your photos are being stored right now: In frames, photo albums, boxes, envelopes, phones, the cloud, in your family member’s phones and cloud. Would you be able to find your son’s school pictures to make a graduation slide show? Did you forget about how your Aunt used to set the table and host you for tea?
Now picture a set of archival storage boxes housing your entire printed collection and a digital library of all of your photos. You can search this digital library by names, places, dates and events quickly. Your digital library will be backed up with at least 3 copies on two different types of medium that we decide on together.
7. Can I organize my photos by myself?
Of course you can. I can direct you to some very helpful posts, books and tools to help you. Some of the steps are very well suited to do at home while others are better handled by a professional. The investment in equipment, processes and best practices have already been made by a Professional Photo Manager which makes them a good choice for a quality outcome.