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GENERAL QUESTIONS

1.  How do I get started?

Gather your pictures, and choose one you would like to be used as the source image.  Either scan the photographs and e-mail them to us, or back-them up on a CD and mail us a back-up copy of the CD.  We can easily create an FTP account if you want to upload the images directly to our site.  You can also mail us your original photographs and we will scan them (at a cost of $25.00 for every 50 pictures).  Please indicate which picture you have chosen to be used as the source image.  Also indicate if you would like any of the no-cost options (such as a multi-section mosaic).  Please send us an e-mail with your postal code/zip code so we can calculate the correct shipping charges.  After you receive a preview copy of the mosaic from us by e-mail and are satisfied, complete your order by going to the Order section and place the order.

2.  How many pictures are required for the mosaic?

You can use any number of pictures from 1 to over 1000.  If only 1 picture is provided, then it will be used as the source image as well as all the cell images, creating a single-cell mosaic.  Typically we are given between 10 to 300 pictures to create the mosaic.  The more pictures the better, but we suggest that for best results, you supply at least 50 pictures.  Very good results can be achieved with around 100-200 pictures.  To create more pictures, we will crop some (at our discression) of your original photgraphs to produce more cell images.

3.  Can I send you a copy of our wedding video to use?

Yes, we can take still captures from a wedding or family video that you provide to obtain the pictures required for the mosaic.  This is a good option because many images can be extracted from a single video tape or DVD.  There is an extra cost of $25.00 for a video up to 1 hour in length.  Depending on the content of the video, hundreds of pictures can be captured.

4.  Will you accept photographs as well as digital pictures on a CD/DVD?

Yes, we can accept pictures you provide to us either way, but it is preferred if you can send us your pictures in digital format because there is no chance of having your originals damaged or lost while in transit to us or from you.  If you wish to mail a CD/DVD, do not send your original back-up disc; please make a duplicate copy to send.  The best way to send your pictures is by e-mail.  I can accept e-mail's up to 8MB in size.  If you send us your photographs to be digitally scanned, then there is a cost of $25.00 for every 50 photographs you send.  The pictures can be any size up to 8"x10", and should not be in a frame.

5.  What resolution (DPI) do I need to scan my pictures at?

For the source image, it is recommended you scan at 300 or 600dpi (dots per inch).  For the multiple images that will be used as the cells, it is recommended you scan at 150 dpi to keep the file sizes low.  Save the files as .jpg extension.  I can accept other graphic file formats such as .bmp, or .gif, but JPG files are the preferred format.

6.  How many times will my pictures be repeated in mosaic?

A mosaic that we create will typically have between 1500 and 3000 cells.  Depending on how many pictures you provide, each picture may be repeated in the mosaic; some more than others.  The more pictures you provide, the less they will be repeated.  When generating the mosaic, we specify that any two of the same picture cannot be placed beside each other, but they may be in close proximity to one another.

7.  How big are the cells?

For the 10"x15" and 16"x20" size mosaic pictures, the cells are typically 0.4" in width.  For the 24"x36" size mosaic pictures, the cells can be larger, and are typically between 0.5" and 0.8" in width.  At the time we design your mosaic picture, we look for a balance to keep the cells are large as possible, while maintaining enough cells to properly display the source image.  All of the cell images will have the same orientation (portrait, or landscape), this being determined on how your provided images are supplied.  For example, if most of your pictures are taken in a landscape (wide) fashion, then the cells will be in a landscape configuration.  The minority of your pictures in a portrait orientation will then be rotated and cropped instead of being displayed sideways on the mosaic image.

8.  Can you provide the mosaic in a frame?

To keep shipping costs low, we do not provide custom framing or any other mounting options.