Frequently asked questions about Ambient Images prints

I need help, how do I get it?

If your question is about the content of the image, the best idea is to e-mail or call us (800-627-8057 or 310-312-6640). If your question is about the printing process or delivery, contact our affiliate Pictopia. You can e-mail Pictopia at support@pictopia.com, or call us at 1-800-704-2793 ext. 3 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, Pacific Time). You may also follow this link to read Pictopia's frequently asked questions.

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Can I check on the status of my orders?

At any time, you can go to the Pictopia.com web site at http://www.pictopia.com, login using the same login and password and you can see what you've ordered and review its status.

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What if I don't remember my password?

Enter your e-mail address: and then click here and your login and password information will be immediately sent to you. Alternatively, you can pick a new login name and register again.

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What photos are available for purchase from this service?

We have tried to make all the images in our two photo libraries available. You can find pictures two ways. Our Print Collections are a selection of some of our more popular images and can be searched for by category. You may also search through the thousands of images we have in our library. Simply go to either New York Stock Photo or California Stock Photo and follow the directions for searching for images. It's fast and easy.

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How fast can I get my print?

Once you have placed your online order via Pictopia, allow five working days, plus shipping.

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What makes Pictopia archival photo prints so good?


Pictopia archival prints are true photographic prints made on Fuji Crystal Archive® paper. As silver halide photographs, these images yield an extraordinary color range as well as sharp detail in a predictable, repeatable, digitally controlled process.
Our state-of-the art digital enlarger exposes 180 million pixels onto the paper when making a 40" x 50" print. By comparison, digital cameras capture up to 1 to 6 million pixels.

The digitized image is transferred to the paper via lasers in the LightJet printer, a color enlarger that uses extremely precise controls to 'paint' the image onto photographic paper, resulting in the highest quality conventional photographic print. These continuous tone photographs, made without dots, either ink jet or lithographic, render details and subtle graduations smoothly and naturally. The colors are extraordinarily deep and rich with a full range of detail that is sharp and clear, seen even in a large print under close inspection.
Our LightJet prints are rated at up to 60 to 70 years of display life under standard, fully illuminated gallery light conditions. This color durability is more than double that of dye transfer and Ilfochrome® prints, which previously set the stability standards for color photographic prints.

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What is the print finish?

Prints are shipped with a matte finish.

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How are the prints shipped?

8X10 and 11X14 prints are shipped flat. All larger prints are rolled, and shipped in mailing tubes.

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What are the dimensions and prices of prints?

Four standard sizes are offered at the following prices. Prices do not include shipping charges. Sales tax will be added for California orders.
Paper Size
$
8 x 10
29.95
11 x 14
49.95
16 x 20
79.95
20 x 30
129.95
Prints DO NOT necessarily fit the full sheet of paper at the size you request, since they are reproduced as the full-frame image that the photographer recorded. This means that if you order an 8X10 image, the image are will usually be 6.5 inches by 9.5 inches. This photograph would almost fill the paper edge-to-edge on the 10-inch side, with two margins of 3/4 inch of white along the 8-inch side.

If you'd like to find out the actual dimensions of any photo before ordering, you may e-mail or call us (800-627-8057 or 310-312-6640) for the measurements.

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Is framing available?

Yes, framing options are now available.
To provide the greatest longevity and most stable environment for your photographs, Pictopia provides museum-grade matting and framing at a reasonable price to help you enjoy and protect your investment. We use high quality Nielsen metal frames, acid-free museum board for the mat window and archival materials for corners, hinges and backing. The simple look of the frame honors each photograph with the respect of a great presentation.
The Nielsen 15-21 matte black anodized metal sectional frame has been selected for a perfect presentation. The look of 100% rag museum board provides a striking border for the photograph, and plexiglass glazing has been selected for lightness, safety in shipping, and its brilliant clarity. Only the finest materials and craftsmanship are provided.
    Frame front view   Frame cross-section
Sample Framed Print Front view of frame Frame cross-section
The frames and mat windows center each print within 2 inch borders, with an extra one half inch added at the bottom to provide a natural "centered" look.
Print Sizes (Inches) Matted and framed Size (Inches)
8 x 10
 12 x 14.5 (or 14 x 12.5)
11 x 14
 15 x 18.5 (or 18 x 15.5)
16 x 20
 20 x 24.5 (or 24 x 20.5)
20 x 30
 24 x 34.5 (or 34 x 24.5)

When ordering a framed print, please allow fourteen days for us to fulfill your order

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Can I order a digital copy of a photo instead?

Yes, but only for commercial use. We do not send digital files for personal use. For more information on the fees for commercial usage go to How To Order.

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What is a commercial use of a photograph?

Commercial use is any use that brings value to the person or organization displaying the photograph to the public. Commercial usages includes publication in magazines, newspapers, newsletters, brochures, flyers, photocopied handouts, and any website or e-mail distribution.

Even a non-profit organization or a private individual who uses a photograph in this manner is using it commercially.

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How can I use an Ambient Images photo commercially?

Any commercial usage must be approved by Ambient Images. Please contact one of our sales representatives for ordering information. For more information on the fees for commercial usage go to How To Order. Unauthorized use of a photograph will carry severe financial penalties to the user. See our Ambient Images User Agreement for more information.

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Can I use the photo on my website?

Not without permission from Ambient Images. This is considered a commercial use of Ambient Images property.

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