Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why purchase from Four Forty-Six Photography?
 
A:  Well hopefully, since you have made it this far, you appreciate my work and it speaks to you on some level.  This is your chance to bring home a truly original work of photographic art.  If you would like to see some of the feedback I have received from previous clients as well as others who appreciate my art, you are invited to browse the Testimonials. 
 
Q:  Why does your name appear so large in each of the pictures in this gallery, and will my print look the same way?
 
A:  When I edit my photographs, I will create two different files.  The first one is the original, full sized image.  The second image is reduced in size for use on the web.  I also imprint my copyright notice in each photograph.  The main purpose behind this is to discourage unauthorized use of my images.  All client prints will be created straight from the original image with a small, tasteful stamp on a bottom corner of the print.  It will be of a muted color so as not to detract from the beauty of the photograph.  Each print is hand signed and dated on the back.

Q:  There is a picture I would really like to purchase, how do I go about doing that?
 
A:  The first step is to call me, or to send an email and let me know exactly which print you are interested in, along with what size you would like it.  I will be happy to discuss the options with you to find out what fits your needs the best.  After the details are determined, I will be able to provide you with a total price.  At this point, you can either mail me a check (COD for local deliveries only), or you can use PayPal which is a secure third party site.  If PayPal is chosen, I will send you an invoice using their form and payment can be made directly from your checking or savings account if you would like.  Credit/debit card payments are also possible using this service.

Q:  Why can't I just drop the photographs that I want in a shopping cart and check out like with other sites?
 
A:  Purchasing art is a very personal thing, and something that I don't feel lends itself very well to an automated purchasing setup.  Quite frankly, there are just too many options when it comes to selecting your perfect print to reduce it to a button that adds a print to a shopping cart.  By discussing your print either over the phone or by email, we are both more comfortable that you are getting exactly what you are looking for.

Q:  Is it possible to have my new photograph framed before delivery?
 
A:  While I believe that framing is a choice that is best left up to the client, I would be happy to discuss having your new photograph framed for delivery.  Because of the many options available, I have no set price for this service.  An estimate will be provided upon request.  Shipping costs, of course, will be affected when the client requests framing.

Q:  Why are your sizes listed as up to 13 x 19 in instead of the exact dimensions?
 
A:  When I print a gallery sized print, I keep the existing ratio of the original picture.  Each step up in size has a slightly different ratio and would likely call for cropping of the image.  To make sure that the image that the client is purchasing is what they are seeing on the screen, I will do no cropping of the final image (except for non-gallery sized prints).  The final print will fill the selected size either vertically or horizontally, while the other direction may not fill the paper.  For instance, a 13" x 19" print might only print to 13" x 17" to maintain the composition.  If I were to force it to fit the entire paper, I would lose two inches of material due to cropping.  This can significantly alter the photograph's composition.

Q:  I have made my order, how long before I have my print?
 
A:  After your order is confirmed, you should expect 7-14 business days for delivery.  I generally ship through UPS, and a tracking number will be used.  For local clients, I will hand deliver the print at your residence or other place of your choice.  All delivery charges will be waived.


Q:  Can I speak to you before ordering?
 
A:  I understand that some might be uncomfortable with ordering from a person they know nothing about without speaking to them.  For those local to Winston-Salem, NC, I will be happy to meet with you to talk about your options.  In addition to the online galleries of Four Forty-Six Photography, I have an extensive portfolio of proofs.  Many of these 5" x  7" proofs do not appear in the gallery.  If you would like to talk to me directly, and are not close by, you are welcome to give me a call at (336)681-0220.  This is a cell phone with voice mail, so feel free to leave a message. 

Q:  What happens if I am not satisfied with my print?
 
A:  If I fail to meet your expectations with the quality of my print, I do offer a full refund policy (less any shipping costs incurred).  Any refund request must be made within five (5) business days of receipt.

Q:  Where do you find all these scenic places in North Carolina?
 
A:  Well, North Carolina has lots to offer in terms of scenery.  I tend to spend most of my time in the mountains of the state around the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Photo Trek has been created to document and archive my photographic adventures.  In addition to a bit of story telling, there is technical information about how I create my photographs.

Q:  I also have a website dealing with photography.  Could you link to my website?
 
A:  Absolutely!!  If you would like to have your website linked from here, send me an email with the link.  I will visit your site to make sure that we have similar viewers and subject matter.  Then a link will be added to my links page.   I would also appreciate the return favor.

Q: Do you do black and white photography?
 
A: As you look through my gallery, you will see several black and white (monochrome) images.  While I tend to gravitate to color photography as a rule, I do appreciate black and white photography, and know that many prefer this approach to photography.  For those that would rather have a black and white print, I can convert any of my images (except for any limited editions) at the client's request.  Every once in a while I will determine that an image is better suited to black and white and will display it through the gallery.  If you are thinking about purchasing a print, and would like it in b&w, please let me know and I will send you an email image so you can see how it will appear in monochrome before the order is finalized.

Q:  What editing software do you use?
 
A:  I tend to shy away from major post processing.  I like to shoot digital, but with a film state of mind.  There are, however, times that I will do minor adjustments to the image.  For that I use Adobe Photoshop CS4, which is one of the strongest image editors available.  For the most part, my images are created using my photographic techniques, and the use of equipment in the field as opposed to a computer at home.  Nature is perfect the way that it is and doesn't require "fixing" after the exposure.  You might find a bit of digital manipulation in my Creative Room, but even this is kept simple and true to the actual photograph that was captured.

Q:  What equipment do you use?
 
A:  My primary camera is a Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR with a range of Canon lenses.  My backup/secondary camera body is a Canon EOS 40D.  A complete list of my equipment can be located here.  Prior to January, 2008, I used a Sony DSC-F828 as my primary camera.  All prints are printed on a Canon ImagePROGRAF iPF5000 large format printer on Red River Papers.

Q:  Why are some of your Limited Edition prints only available as an 8" x 10" size?
 
A:  Those prints were created before I was capable of printing larger.  In fairness to those who have purchased those prints, I will not sell different sizes of those images.  Those who have purchased, or will purchase these titles can rest assured that they have a very special item.

Q:  Can I use your photographs on my own website, or use them for advertisements?
 
A:  I do offer licensing of my images for use on other websites, and for advertising purposes.  If you are interested in utilizing any of my images, please contact me and let me know.  Due to the endless options of potential uses, I don't have a schedule of fees posted, but will be happy to discuss licensing my images.  I do offer discounted prices for non-profit organizations.

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