Frequently Asked Questions

  • Photography
  • Wholesale Printing
  • Retail Print Shop

Photo

To get my order started, is it best to call or email?

We conduct all business through email to ensure an accurate written record of your work with us. You may now make a dropoff appointment online.

I want to have an original piece photographed. What does this process entail?

We photograph with a medium format Phase One camera, one of the best cameras on the market. Our studio is set up specifically to photograph 2D artwork. We shoot on a vertical wall, so if the artwork isn't rigid we need to tape it onto a piece of 4'x8' foam board and put that on the wall. 

How can I get my artwork to you?

You are more than welcome to drop it off by appointment, ship to our shop, or if you’re in the greater Los Angeles area we can pick up artwork up to 105”x65”.

My piece is framed behind glass or varnished, will this be a problem when photographing?

We can photograph through varnish or glass with no problem.

Can you photograph pieces that include metallics, like gold leaf?

Yes, however it requires two photographs (one to highlight the shine and one to make the artwork look good) that are stitched together taking the best of each photo. This service costs double the normal photo price.

I want to use my digital photo to create prints larger than 30"x40", is that possible with the file you provide?

We can take multiple photos of your piece and stitch them together to increase the output size of the file. The price of this depends on the final output desired and how many photos are needed.

How do I schedule for my artwork to be photographed?

The first step is sending in an email with any questions or set a drop-off appointment online. It’s best to provide us with your contact information as well as a brief description of the art work you’d like photographed. From that point we would schedule your actual photograph accordingly. 

How long does it take to get my piece of art photographed? 

We usually ask for 2-3 days to photograph anything depending upon how many shoots we currently have booked. If you need a piece rushed it can sometimes be expedited for a $50 rush fee.

How much does it cost to get my artwork photographed? 

Photos start at $50 for a print file up to approximately 30" x 40" at 300ppi. If you'd like us to color proof on one of our papers it is an additional $35 and includes an 11" x 14" proof for your review.

What’s the difference between scanning and photographing artwork? 

Photographing artwork will capture the dimensionality and texture on the surface of the art, whereas scanning is a flatbed process. With photographing, we have the ability to shine lights from different angles and make adjustments for each individual piece. Additionally, photographing artwork allows us to reproduce larger pieces of work, and ranges of shapes. When scanning, there is a limitation on what sizes & shapes can be reproduced based on the size of the flatbed. 

Print


What do you call this style of printing?

We refer to this type of printing as digital pigment printing. We are frequently asked if we do "giclée" printing but this word doesn't have a standard definition so we don't like to use it. Read more about the history of giclée.

How should I set up my file for printing?

Ideally the file should be an RGB formatted flattened TIFF file at 300ppi at the size you want it printed at including the white border (if one is desired).

My piece is L x W. Can I add a border to it?

A border can always be added, but it’s important to remember that adding a border to a piece will change its aspect ratio. If an image is 16” x 20”, and you want to print it at 16” x 20” paper size including a 1” border, then the image will need to be altered (cropped or cloned) to accommodate the border or the border won’t be the same width on all sides. More information about sizing can be found here.

How large or small should the border be?

There’s no right size for a border; it’s purely aesthetic preference and up to the individual artist. Some people prefer their prints to be full bleed without any border at all, while others like a large border. Another popular option is to add a ⅛” border that will be hidden by the lip of the frame.

What’s the best method to share a file I am requesting prints for? 

If you are sharing a file to be printed, Dropbox is our preferred file transfer website (our main account is info@staticmedium.com but, we also accept any other file transfer sites like WeTransfer or Hightail. If you use Google Drive make sure your link is "viewable to anyone with the link" in the sharing settings. 

How do I know which paper type is best for my print job?

All of our papers are archival, acid-free and rated colorfast for over 100 years. We most often use Moab Entrada Natural 290gsm, a thick, smooth, 100% cotton paper. Our other options include a rougher cold press (textured) paper, similar to watercolor, called Canson/Arches Aquarelle 310gsm. Another, less expensive, paper option is Lasal 230gsm Photo Matte, which has a thin, crisp and smooth texture akin to a classic poster paper. There are also a variety of specialized papers including pearlescent paper, semi-gloss, as well as canvas, which can be either unstretched or stretched and ready to hang. You can purchase a sample pack of our papers here.

How long does it take to get my prints once I’ve ordered? 

Generally, we ask that you allow 3-4 days for your print order to be completed. It ultimately depends on your job size as well as our workload for the week. If your project is time sensitive, it’s best to let us know as soon as you place your order so that we can plan accordingly. 

Is there an order minimum? 

We have a minimum order of $150 for printing but you can mix and match as many images/prints as you'd like to hit the minimum.

Do you offer screenprinting? 

We no longer offer that service but we are happy to refer you to one of the many talented screen printers we know.

Do I have to make an appointment? 

Scheduling an appointment through our website is the best way to arrange your pickups and dropoffs. Before scheduling a dropoff, it is important to provide us with all the necessary information regarding your order request. We will let you know when your order is ready so a pickup can be scheduled.

How do I schedule a print order? 

Send us an email at info@staticmedium.com to begin the process, especially if you have questions. It's important for us to have a written record of your order to reference. In your email please provide the quantity of prints, paper type, paper size, and border size (if applicable). If you would like to try out our new online ordering system, it can be found here.

How much does it cost to print? 

Prints are charged by the finished paper size (per square foot), regardless of the number of ink colors or border width. Proofs of supplied images made at full size are considered "prints" and charged the same way they would be normally but we can do a shrunken version or a crop of the image at full resolution for free. Prices go down for larger bulk orders with the first discount being for orders of $500 or more. We have a quote calculator if you want to play around with sizes and quantities to make sure your order and budget match.

Can I print documents?

We specialize in photographing and printing fine art. If you’re printing documents, we suggest getting in contact with an office duplication company.

Shop

The shipping total doesn't seem correct. Can you check it for me?

Sometimes the internet wires get crossed and orders with multiple prints aren't stacked correctly. Email us if you want to check your shipping options.

I just purchased a print from your webshop. How long until I have it?

Typically you’ll have your print in 5-8 business days. Orders are generally processed in 3-5 business days and are then shipped, which should take 2-3 days to deliver domestically. International orders can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks to deliver.

Do you ship prints flat or rolled? How are they packaged?

Individual print orders are shipped rolled in a crush-proof tube. The print is rolled in kraft paper with glassine paper protecting the image side. Orders of multiple prints are often shipped flat in protective sleeves between 4 sheets of double-ply cardboard to ensure that everything arrives to you safely.

I need my print by a certain date, or I have a special request. Can you make this happen?

If you have any specific requests please email us at info@staticmedium.com and we’ll do our very best to accommodate you.

Do you ship outside the U.S.?

Absolutely. Please note that VAT / Import Taxes are not included in the purchase but must be paid prior to delivery. You will receive an email from FedEx with a link to pay these taxes, which go directly to your government's customs office.


I purchased a print that you produced on a secondary market, but there are quality issues. Is there anything you can do in this situation?

We are not responsible for prints bought on secondary websites.

I think I changed my mind. Can I send this back?

Unfortunately due to the sensitive nature of our products, we do not accept returns or exchanges. All sales are final. 

Questions, comments, or concerns?

Please email us at info@staticmedium.com and we’d be happy to help however we can.