What exactly are Digital Images?

Digital images are similar to negatives.  However, unlike old negatives, your digital images have been edited to optimize the color balance, contrast and probably retouched to remove blemishes and soften skin and brighten eyes slightly.

How are Digital Images delivered?

After you have made your purchase, I will release the images in your gallery for immediate download.  Your package may also include a cd/dvd or flash drive.  Flash drives are inserted into the USB port on your computer and the folders can be copied from there into your pictures folder or even better, backed up to an external hard drive or to a online backup company.  

How do I keep the digital images safe?

As mentioned before, it is very important to back up your images by copying them to a hard drive on your computer.   For increased security in archiving, consider adding a second backup via a backup service to ensure that you never lose any of your precious family photos.  After you have backed up your photos, it would be a good idea to keep a backup disc (or discs) in your safe-deposit box or at a separate location from your home.  If you have purchased a flash drive, remember to always remove or eject your drive safely.  Refer to your operating system’s specifications for ejecting removable media.  (Call me with questions if you have them!) It is also important not to try to edit them further, as the images you receive are JPEGS, and although that format is great for printing and sharing online, JPEGS will degrade with each time they are edited and resaved. There is a lot of speculation about the permanence of digital images, so it is best to print your favorite images.  You can read more about current concerns by clicking here. 

What will be on my CD/DVD or Flash Drive?  

If you order a collection that includes digital images, you will receive a flash drive or cd/dvd which will include two folders, each containing the same photos, but prepared at different resolutions for your convenience.  The high resolution digital images are prepared for printing.  They are large files, and do not load quickly online.  For online sharing, such as email or social media sharing, I will prepare the images in the low-resolution folder.  These low-resolution versions of your photos are small enough to upload or download quickly, but still have enough resolution to look beautiful on your computer screen.  However, printing them would be disappointing in comparison to the higher resolution images, especially with larger prints.  The low resolution images will have a small watermark or logo in the lower right-hand corner.   I have tried to keep it as unobtrusive as possible, while still being visible.  I felt that was the best way to help you discern which images are low-resolution and which ones are full resolution, without distracting from the image. 

I will also include a print release for you on your CD or flash drive.  You will be able to present this to your lab when you print the images.  The usage license gives you permission to:

·         Print the images as many times as you like

·         Share the images with friends and family

·         Upload the images to the web and/or your personal computer

What about printing?

When you print your images, remember that not all photo labs are alike.  We recommend www.mpix.com as an excellent place for near-professional quality printing.  If you prefer a local lab, Camera Stop at 3400 Preston Rd in Plano is one we recommend.  Their website is camera-stop.com.

Is a print release the same as a copyright?

Copyright of the images will remain with Karen Murray, Hometown Photography, LLC.  United States copyright law prohibits anyone other than the creator from any of the following:

·         Selling the images

·         Altering the images

·         Using the images for any competition or being sold for advertising 

·         Redistributing the images in any way, for profit

What is an "Image Box? 

An image box is a custom designed box prepared with a favorite image from your session.  Inside are proofs from the session.  I feel it is important not to just dump a CD in your lap without a printed version of some sort of your photographs.  This gives you a baseline for how your prints should appear.  Some companies do wonderful work with prints, close to professional labs.  However, there are others that just set the machine up and let it do all the work, not checking the color or contrast to be sure it is accurate.  Some use inferior papers or inks that cannot stand the test of time.  That is why we are confident in recommending MPIX and Camera Stop.  

Do you have more questions?  Please contact us.  I'm sure if you have that question, others do too!