What is the best way to send a photo to you?

The easiest and quickest way to get your photo to me is to send it as an email attachment. I can also work with prints or photos stored on a disk if required, and in such cases I will always return the disk to you with your order. Just email me if you prefer this option and I will provide you with the mailing address for the disk.

How do I know if my digital image is suitable for a photo-painting?

To ensure the best quality reproduction, your digital image should ideally have a minimum pixel size of around 800×600, and/or a minimum resolution of around 72 pixels per inch. If you use a digital photo software package, it should show you these dimensions. If you are in any doubt, just email the image to me at phil@photopaintingart.co.uk and I will evaluate it for you without any obligation.

How can I be sure about the quality of the finished painting?

Providing you with a unique, quality painting that you can be proud to display is my main objective. I use a state-of-the-art HP wide-format printer using Vivera pigment inks, which have a no-fade life expectancy in normal conditions of over 70 years. As a double assurance, I coat each print with a Hahnemühle protective coating. I use gallery-quality canvas and paper, and framing is completed to Fine Art Trade Guild standards.

Will my print look exactly as it appears on my computer?

The degree of colour integrity depends largely on your monitor, so the actual colours in the print may differ slightly from the image appearing on your screen. However, my HP printer has a built-in spectrophotometer, which guarantees the best possible colour reproduction of the original image.

Will you crop or change my photo?

Quite often the composition of a photo can be improved significantly by cropping. Similarly, removing red-eye, blemishes or even parts of the background can make a huge difference to the overall image. If I feel it is appropriate to change your photo in any way I will email you a revision for your review before printing.

Will I be able to see a sample before it is printed?

In all cases where we have agreed to modify your photo in any way, I will create a sample and email a proof to you for your review.

Can I use an image that I have downloaded from the web?

In order to conform to copyright legislation, before sending any image for printing, you must be sure that you have permission from the copyright holder to reproduce the image. In the UK, all original artwork has an automatic copyright, and you will need the artist’s permission to make a reproduction. As an example, there is no issue for you to display one of my own images in your home as, by selling it to you, I am authorising the reproduction. However, it is not possible to simply download a copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”, or even a photograph from an unknown photographer unless you have purchased a licence, paid a royalty, or obtained permission to reproduce the artwork. Please see the UK Government website if in doubt – www.ipo.gov.uk. Copyright law in other countries may vary.

What if I want a size that you have not listed?

I am happy to provide quotations for customised sizes, but I am ultimately limited by the size of my printer, which can print, in one dimension, up to a maximum of 50 cm for a canvas (approx 20”). The other dimension is basically unlimited, but realistically the largest size would be around 50×120 cm (20×48”).

How long will it take to complete my order?

I will do my best to complete and mail your order within one working week, although at busy times of the year this may stretch to two weeks.

What are the packing and shipping arrangements?

I will pack your painting with great care, using protective materials that are the “greenest” possible available. In the interests of preserving the planet for future generations, I hope that you will be able to recycle most of the packing materials. Just a reminder: if you are moving house, try to ensure that your artwork is packed with similar care.

Paintings are shipped by courier, and will require a signature upon delivery.

In the unlikely event of the painting being found damaged upon delivery you will be covered by the Returns Policy (see Terms and Conditions).

Can I hang my painting anywhere without fear of damage?

There are seven artwork enemies to be aware of: dust, insects, poor wall fixing, smoke, extreme temperatures, damp, and sunlight. With any painting, it is essential to ensure that you have a secure wall fixing. I am certain that my hooks will not let you down, and since the most common cause of a “crash” is a loose nail, a plugged screw is advised as the most suitable wall fixing. The other four enemies need to be taken into account when you decide where to hang your painting. Above the mantle piece is an obvious location for a painting, but if you have a wood or coal burning fire, you will be subjecting the artwork to damage from smoke and warping from heat. Similarly, hanging paintings in the bathroom or kitchen can result in damage from dampness and/or grease, and exposing a picture to direct sunlight can lead to fading. But, given that the whole point of having a piece of artwork is to enjoy looking at it, you may well choose to hang it anywhere you like!

What different options are there for payment?

I require payment in advance, as you will appreciate that I cannot conduct extensive work with expensive materials without a commitment to purchase. You will, of course, be covered by the Returns Policy (see Terms and Conditions).

The simplest and most secure means of payment is on-line through a reliable third party, PayPal, where you can transfer funds from your bank account, credit or debit card, or from a dedicated PayPal account if you have one. There are no charges for you as a customer as all fees are paid by Change-of-Image. PayPal is available worldwide, and will accept all major currencies. Should you prefer, it is also acceptable to pay by direct bank transfer or by cheque. I will share details with you over email.

What if I don’t like the finished painting?

I am confident that you will be delighted with the finished painting, but if you are not satisfied with the outcome, I will offer to reprint the image for you, or provide you with a credit. Please see the Terms and Conditions for details.