PAKAD

How do I begin selecting pictures?
What type of formats can I supply?
Can you rotate, crop, or color correct my images?
I don't feel comfortable taking my photos out of albums. What should I do?
How should I package my photos for shipment?

How do I begin selecting pictures?

This may seem like a tedious task but don't let it dissuade you from creating an incredible piece of art. The purpose of this process is to update your long-forgotten treasures. Keeping up with your albums can be time consuming and/or guilt ridden. Invest in a PAKAD and you can simply place the rest of your photos in chronological order and store them in a secure box. Prioritize your precious time by choosing the photos you want to share rather than letting the years go by unseen. The beauty of a PAKAD is that it can be updated. In a year or two, replace some panels with refreshing new ones. There has never been anything like this! Fine Art, although appreciated, can become uninteresting over time. PAKAD is evolutionary in the fact that it will continue to be a conversation piece no matter how long you display it.

There are many small steps you can take to simplify the picture selection process:

Start with reading the Begin section of this web site.
Visit these websites to learn how to take good pictures. Once you learn what a good picture is, you will be able to identify the great ones you already have. Top 10 Tips for great pictures. How to take good photographs.
Commit to a theme (family, travel, etc).
Choose photos that you love. You will never get tired of looking at them.
Select photographs in which the subject/details are in focus (simple close-ups are best).
Decide between loved ones (immediate family members and/or best friends are indispensable). Don't think you have to include everyone in your PAKAD. The more people you accommodate, the more expectations will be placed.
Add heirloom value by your choices. Historical photos will give a sense of legacy.
Place your photos in piles of significance (definite, probably, maybe).
Get a second opinion.

Once you make the initial selection of images, Kathie will help you minimize from there. Remember, less is more. You want the eventual viewer to be awed rather than overwhelmed.

What type of formats can I supply?

Slides, 35mm, prints, or digital images (as long as the resolution is high enough). We can not take pictures off of reels, tapes, DVDs, or video cameras.

Can you rotate, crop, or color correct my images?

We will manipulate your photos to the best of our ability. You will be surprised at how good an old, yellowed photography can transform. We can zoom in on distant shots, rotate or crop out unwanted images/corners, or fix minimal surface scratches. For major photo correction, there will be an additional charge as it takes many hours to reconstruct damaged prints.

I don't feel comfortable taking my photos out of albums. What should I do?

Not a problem. We can still scan your prints but additional charges may apply due to bulk/weight. We will let you know this ahead of time.

How should I package my photos for shipment?

First and foremost, make sure they are secure and won't move/bend during mailing. There are several ways you can do this:

Buy a photo envelope (you can purchase these at any mailing or office supply store).
Place a hard piece of cardboard on either side of your photos (like a sandwich) and rubber band them together. Be careful not to bend them. The cardboard should completely cover the dimension of your largest print and the rubber band or tape should not ``cut-in'' to the sandwich. Depending on how many photos and/or sizes you supply, you might need to make several packages. Secure them in a box and stuff with bubble wrap to fill empty voids. (Do not use tissue, newsprint, paper, or paper towels as this could leave unwanted ink or dust on your priceless prints).
Wrap them in plastic (zip lock or garbage bag) to protect them against moisture and dust.
Use a sturdy box that won't crush easily. Your local post office, FedEx, or Kinkos/FedEx provides priority mail cardboard boxes free of charge and they work very well.
Fill out our Picture Scanning Form and place with your order. We will not start your design until the form is complete.

Make sure to send your pictures to the appropriate address:

Include your return address and insure your photos for a comfortable price. Require a signature upon delivery for an extra level of security. (PAKAD is not responsible for photos lost en-route to the artist. Once we have received your photos, you will receive a confirmation call or e-mail. At that point, we insure the safe return of your photos after the artwork is complete).