Frequently Asked Questions

CUSTOM COLLAGES
CUSTOM MOSAICS
TRIBUTE VIDEOS
GENERAL

 

CUSTOM COLLAGES

How is my collage designed?
Each collage is custom designed with no templates. All design and effects are original and created on a case by case basis.

 

Are my photos safe?
Your photos will never be harmed and are returned to you in the same condition we received them. We keep your photos stored in a fire/water proof safe when not being worked on. You will receive a confirmation email once we receive your photos.

 

Do you offer scanning service?
We recommend that you scan your photos and send them digitally. However, we will be happy to scan your photos for a small fee (we charge .25 cents per image).

 

Is it possible to restore my photos?
We will touch up your photos by restoring color, removing red eye, blemishes and streak marks at no cost. For photos that need major repairing. Call for pricing.

 

Can you personalize my images?
You may add words, boarders, names or dates. We can leave your images in color, turn them to black and white, sepia or mixed.

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CUSTOM MOSAICS

What are some general guidelines when choosing and submitting photos?

• First choose 1 Master image (source image). This is what your print will look like from a distance. Try to choose an image that does not contain a lot of detail.  Here are a few other tips when choosing a main image:
  

            1) Don't use photos that have wide angle shots or large group shots (5 people or more)
            2) Photos of people should be as close as possible and not taken from a distance or face recognition could be an issue.
  

                 3) Up close photos of faces, simple silhouettes, buildings, animals and landscape photos work well.

                 4) If possible, provide us with a hard copy of the Main image you want so we can scan it in at a high resolution.

       For Good sample images of the main images, view our gallery link under mosaics.                        

• Please specify your source image when sending photos.
• It's best to submit photos that are either all portraits or all landscape. The more uniform the photos are the better the result. We can, at your request resize and crop photos that need modifying for an additional .15 cents per photo. Photos that are a not the same size or shape  may cause clipping resulting in some important details being left out. If you crop the photos yourself, please crop them to a landscape 3x4 ratio.  Please be sure images are correctly oriented (All going the same way so we don't have to rotate)
  
• You can submit most any size photo, but please do not send them in frames or albums.
• You can include ANY images that you want, nature, animals, sports, etc. Most people stick to a theme of the main image. For example only family members and friends related to the source image.
• Color and Black and White images are acceptable
• All images should be boarder free, no white spaces.
• Mail photos that you need scanned (we charge .25 cents to scan) or mail a CD with your image files on them. Remember to specify the main image.
• If possible, provide a hard copy (Photo) of the main image so we can scan it at a high resolution.

 

What are the guidelines to submitting digital images?

• Sending images that are from a digital camera or on a CD is the best method because it saves you money. If you don’t have digital images we will be happy to scan your photos for an additional fee. But if you want to scan them yourself please follow these instructions:

              

                1)  Please scan your MASTER image at least 600 dpi and cell images at 100dpi.

                2)  Images must be saved as either a JPEG or TIFF.

                3) Images should be at least 640x480 or 100dpi minimum.

                4) Images should be boarder free. No white space

                5)  All the images should all  be either vertical or horizontal and preferably the same size.

                6)  Burn your images on a CD and mail to Flashback Creations. ONLY the images you want in your project.

 

How many photos should I include?

We suggest at least 50 and up to 1000. The more photos you submit the more interesting the mosaic becomes and the least repetitive each photo is displayed. We will set the reputation at an optimal level, based on the number of photos, cell size and print size. If you don’t have a lot of photos, you will still get a great looking mosaic even with the repetitiveness. On average most people submit between 100-200 photos. Remember, you are not charged per photo unless we scan them.

 

What size print do you suggest?

Simply put, the larger the print the better the mosaic will look, regardless of the number of photos you have. Currently we offer 16x20” to 24x36” prints.  Chose the print size based on your budget, wall space and type of photo. You will notice in our price list sizes with * next to them. This represents a standard size print for framing. Choose a print size based on the layout of your main image. For example, if you main image is a vertical landscape, chose the print size underneath the vertical price list. This will prevent the main photo from looking distorted. 

 

What are the most common specs for a mosaic?

There really isn’t one set of rules for a good mosaic. You can get great results from 50 photos with a 16x20 print. But we recommend no smaller than that. 

 

 

How do I know if I will like the results?

Not all mosaics are created the same. There are many variables that effect how well your mosaic is designed. Factors such as print size, number of photos, detail of the source image, cell border size, cell size, etc. all need examining.

We run several rendering tests and experiment with various settings to get the best results for your Mosaic. Once we feel that we have created the best results, we will email you a sample image. If you are happy with the results then we print and ship. If not, we go back to the drawing board. We will keep designing until you are completely satisfied with the results.

 

How long will it take to receive my mosaic?

The design time varies mostly upon the season. In general we need 2-3 weeks from the time we get your photos. Please let us know when you need it and we may be able to get it done sooner. Please plan ahead if you need it for Christmas. If you need it in 2 – 3 days, call us; we have special rush order pricing.

 

What kind of Paper and ink do you use to create a mosaic?

We use only top quality premium photo paper and ink. The paper is heavy weight and the ink is chrome-based meaning it will last up to 80 years.

I sent my photos, now what?

Once we get your photos or CD, we will send you a confirmation email, price quote and completion date.  Of course we will discuss priding and completion dates before you send your photos as well.

 

What if I don't have enough photos?

We will be happy to fill your mosaic in with our stock photos. Some of our best mosaics are done with a different theme type. For example, a wedding mosaic of a couple who are big Red Sox fans had their mosaic filled in with Red Sox players.  Call us for details.

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TRIBUTE VIDEOS

Is it safe to send you my pictures and videos?

Absolutely! I can totally understand why you would be worried. I treat your materials as if they were my own. To this day I have never damaged or lost any photos entrusted to me.

All materials are returned to you in the fashion they were received. Since your photos will be preserved on a CD and DVD, you are taking less of a risk then if they were kept in a shoebox.

If you are shipping me your photos, package your photos well using hard cardboard on all sides to provide a solid shell for them. I recommend using a plastic Ziploc bag to protect them from any spillage during the delivery process.

If you are still not comfortable handing over your pictures you have a few options:

1) You may elect to scan your pictures yourself and burn them on a CD and send me the CD, or save them to a photo sharing web site where I can retrieve them. I have an account set up on PHOTOCLUB.COM where you can store your photos so I can retrieve them. A unique password can be set up for you to store your photos.

2) Have copies made at a local photo developing outlet such as Wal-Mart and send me the originals. Copies can be made for less than 30 cents at most photo developing shops. (Wal-Mart charges .29 cents for a 4x6 copy.) I do offer a price reduction for pictures that do not require scanning.

If you elect to scan your own pictures it is recommended that you scan them at a resolution of at least 150- 300 DPI’s and save as JPEGS. For 3x5 photos it would be better to scan at a 600 DPI resolution.

If you have digital pictures stored on a memory card, please have the pictures developed or stored on a CD. I do not currently accept the cards.

 

Will the DVD play on my DVD player and/or computer?

If you can watch movies from commercial DVD's on your computer, the DVD will play for you.

*** A DVD test copy will be sent to you before the final production is complete. Reviewing the presentation before the final copy is burned accomplishes a couple of things. 1) Test the DVD to be sure it plays on your DVD player or the player you are using to show the presentation. 2) For you to view and make final suggestions on simple changes you would like me to make before the final production is completed.

 

What formats do you accept for video?

Currently I accept VHS, 8mm, Hi-8, mini-dv, film and digital8. If you have another format and you want clips incorporated into the video, please let me know. There are a couple of low cost options for getting it converted.

 

What if I want to scan my own pictures?

Scanning your photos will save you a little money but can be very time consuming. Unless you have a fast scanner capable of producing high quality images, you may want to pay the small additional charge for my services it. If you do decide to scan your own images please scan 4x6 photos of at least 150 dpi’s and smaller images at 600 dpis. Only JPEG images will be accepted. To create high quality scans you need to crop and size them to fit 720 horizontal x 480 vertical pixels. The higher the resolution, the better your photos will look if you decide to make prints. Less than 100 pixels/inches will result in a very grainy picture.

Create folders and number your images in the order that you would like them to appear in the video. Burn and send me the CD.

What can I include in my Montage?

You will want your video to be as personal as possible. I strongly suggest you include any memorabilia and personal items that will enhance the presentation. Any type of paper media that can be digitalized on a flatbed scanner. Some suggestions that I have used in the past include:

Newspaper Clippings, Love Letters, Poems, Book Covers, Report Cards, Certificates, Cards, Paintings, School Drawings, Wedding Invitations, etc.

 

What if I decide to order additional copies later on?

I will keep a copy of your project for 90 days so you may order copies within that time. Price may increase due to the increase of DVD costs so it's best to plan ahead and order as many as you need ahead of time. Due to space limitations you must reorder WITHIN 90 DAYS please.

 

Can you work from negatives or slides as well as photographs?

Absolutely! I can work from any type of photographic material such as prints, negatives or slides.

 

Can I add messages and titles to the production?

Yes, I encourage you to do so. You will more than likely want include an opening title and ending message. In addition, it might be a good idea to include a title at the beginning of each chapter or segment. For example, the name of the family being presented in the chapter or the Birthday of an individual if presented chronologically.

 

How do you personalize each Montage?

Personalizing each project is what separates me from most other services.

1) If you like, I could meet with you in person to review how you would like your video organized and review your photos so I can match faces with names, answer any questions you may have and get your ideas. Then I will ask you to provide me with some background information of some of the people appearing in your video. By knowing some information I can help you with suggestions and ideas on what to include in the video. For example, by knowing your summer vacations are spent in Maine, I may add a map of Maine before your vacation photos.

2) I won’t ask you to number each photo in the order that you want your presentation unless you specify an exact order. Instead I will ask you to separate your photos by chapter or segment and place in a zip lock bag. The reason I’d rather not have an exact order is because I may find a picture that matches well with a particular lyric in a song. Also, for effect I like to start and end each chapter with the best photo.

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GENERAL

How can I send you my photos?
You can send your photos in any of the following ways: If your images are digital, (meaning they were taken with a digital camera) and don't need scanning:

1. You can send by email to info@flashbackcreations.biz
2. Upload them to our membership site, CLUBPHOTO.COM
3. Copy them on a CD and mail the CD to flashback creations
4. By "snail" mail. Send your photos (preferably in a 8x10 or 9x12 envelope) and protect your photos by inserting a hard cardboard-like structure inside. This will protect them from bending while in transit. Attach instructions on "stickies" or write a note informing us of any special cropping, removing of people/blemishes, center photo Ccd.

 

What do you require if I scan my own photos?
If you decide to scan your own photos, please be sure the resolution is 300dpi and scanned as a JPEG or TIFF. Scanning your own photos will reduce the cost of your project, however, Flashback can scan then for you for .25 cents each. Rest assured your photos will be sent back in the same condition they were received. We keep your photo stored in a fire/water proof safe when not being worked on.

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