FAQ

FAQ

FAMILY TREE PRINTS - FAQ AND ANSWERS - CLICK HERE

PHOTO COLLAGE - FAQ AND ANSWERS - CLICK HERE

FAMILY TREE PRINTS - FAQ BELOW - (Back to Family Tree Prints)

1) How is the layout of the tree designed? Answer: The layout is designed based upon who you would like to center your tree around. There is no right or wrong way to display your family names. As a general guideline, the "heart of the tree" usually represents parents, grandparents, etc. Descendants of those persons will be best displayed around the branches and leaves of the tree. Older generations of ancestors are usually best displayed beginning at the roots of the tree working up to the younger generations. This can also be done from oldest at top to youngest at bottom. This proves that the layout is flexible. We will work with you to design the best layout to fit your family.

2) Who do you include in a family tree? Answer: Anyone you wish! This is a very personal item that has sentimental value to all those involved and will be a historical document. Therefore, each family is unique. This can become a sensitive issue among family. Therefore, you decide on all persons to be included or not at your own risk.

For parents who have been divorced, it is your decision whether to include both or not. As a general guideline, normally both parents are placed on a tree to show bloodlines if there are children displayed. However, there are some instances where placing both parents may not be in the best interest of others. Therefore, you decide who to include. On the layout of the tree, usually the divorced parent is placed slightly to the side of the other parent, with children listed to both.

3) Does the tree include a title? Answer: Yes. the title is included in the base cost of the tree. The most common title is, for example, "The Smith Family Tree" However, you can use something like "Our Family" or "Granny Smith's Family Tree"...etc... You can also add an ADDITIONAL TITLE to your print to show a personal sentiment of something that you would like for the print to also show.

4) Do you offer multiple prints and how does the pricing work? Yes, the design and cost of the 1st tree will be more time and cost more than the additional prints. Additional line and image charges will only apply to the 1st print. All additional prints made will be charged at 10% discount from the print size price only. EX. 11x14 Glossy Print is $41.00. 2nd print made in this size will be $ 36.90 total.

5) How far back do I go with my genealogy? Answer: This is up to you. In determining this, you must decide whether you are concentrating on using one surname or more. (This refers to one or both sides of the family). This will determine if more than one tree needs to be designed. For example, there can be 3 trees representing, the father's side, the mother's side, and the family of these 2 persons displayed in between. This can grow and grow. For every parent, there are 2 more parents and 2 more sides of the family to consider, and so on and so on........Another example is, you can display one tree representing one surname (one side of the family) and list the generations of ancestors and descendants beginning at the roots and working out toward the leaves. Deciding the "heart of the tree" will help. OUR RECOMMENDATION IS: Start with person(s) you are creating for. Then list all descendants next, and then go back and list the ancestors you wish to until you have determined that that is enough. Let us design it all.

6) Can I include dates ? Answer: Yes, you may include dates of birth, dates of death, and wedding dates, etc., along with the names, places, etc. Depending on how many people are listed, this may or may not be feasible to do on every name listed based upon the number of names and size of the canvas. We will work with you to determine this. Dates can be written in formats such as: 1-17-1928 or January 17, 1928 or Married January 17, 1928 (this is "1" line of information . If you list a date of birth and date of death for one person, it is also "1" line of information, not 2).

7) May additional names be added later? Answer: Yes, we will keep all Digital Print orders on file for 2 reasons:

#1 - So that other family members have the opportunity to purchase their own print (with your permission) of the one that has been completed.

#2 - So that in the event new family members have made a presence -you have the opportunity to update your print.

The cost to update a print will be the same as the prices currently being charged to design a new one, simply because you are paying for the cost of a new print. If you are adding 1 new line, it will be $1 + print size price. However, prices will reflect the current prices at the time of reorder. For framed prints, you would have to simply send the entire framed print which will cost more due to S&H. We will replace the print with the new one ordered. This framing charge for this is very minimal.

8) Do you handle framing? Answer: Yes. We will be glad to handle this for you. We have 2 Framing Service Lines - Custom Framing & Ready-made Photo Frames. We have selected top quality frames and we offer very competitive prices. We have chosen many different frames for our selections and variety of services that compliment our designs very well. Please click on "Framing Services" for framing images and detailed information.

9) How long does it take? Answer: allow 1 - 2 weeks for shipping unframed orders, up to 3-4 weeks if we frame your order. Much of this will depend on number of orders. We will try to accommodate any time limits that we are able to. Please be patient, this will be well worth the wait! We will do our best to ship your order out as quick as possible.

10) Will I be able to view a proof before it is printed? How will I Know if I like it? Answer - Yes - We will design a text proof only that will be the layout of the text EXACTLY AS YOU WOULD SEE IT ON TOP OF THE TREE BACKGROUND. You will easily be able to see the shape of the tree and determine if you will like the final print. This proof will be sent via email in the form of an 8x10 size print. It will come as a .pdf or .jpg file and will give you the opportunity to review all of the information you had provided. It will be your responsibility to double check all spelling and dates to be certain that all information was included and layed out properly. At that point you can make any changes at your request and correct any errors. When all information is correct, you will be asked to complete an "Approval of Proof" form. This gives us permission to continue the order by having it printed and/or framed. HOWEVER - IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE PROOF AND DECIDE THAT YOU DO NOT WANT TO CONTINUE THE ORDER - YOU CAN MAKE THAT DECISION AT THAT TIME AND YOU OWE US NOTHING! Its that simple.

If you have any more questions, please contact us

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PHOTO COLLAGE - FAQ BELOW - (Back to Photo Collage)

1) What is a Photo Collage? Our Photo Collage designs are digitally reproduced using high tech software that enables us to design an image that is eye-catching and not over-crowded. They are printed on your choice of canvas or high quality photo paper in any size. We take your photos, scan, create, blend, and enhance the images so that the objects of the images are seen based upon the theme of each collage. Such as a wedding, vacation, family reunion, etc. Each collage is layed out for easy recognition without overcrowding. You may give us your own ideas or let us do it. We will be glad to enlarge certain photos to stand out over others to create a desired affect. You can include any documentation in these images, basically anything that we can scan can be included, such as: invitations, letters, certificates, awards, etc. Another Great Idea - use the collage on a sign-on board for group functions. - see below for more information.

2) Ways to use a Photo Collage? There are several great ideas of ways to use our collage designs to benefit your needs.

Sign-On Boards - Place the collage in the middle of a white sign board leaving 4-8 inches around it for people to sign the name, make well wishes, etc. This makes a great piece to frame after it has been signed. This is a great idea for Big Birthday or Anniversary Parties as well as family reunions, school functions, etc. Maximum size is 32x40 for sign-on board with collage placed in the middle.

Graduation / Through the Years - Gather school pictures of the children from Pre-School to High School or College graduation.

Family Reunions - Display one of the reunion gatherings for all to see. Do you have auctions at your reunions to raise money for the funds? Auction one of these collages off --- use it as a Sign-On Board as well during, or prior to an auction.

Vacation Memories - Display your trip from one year to the next so that it can hang in a special room.

Weddings - Display those wonderful shots of people, friends, etc. of that special day.

Birthdays/Anniversaries - Having a big birthday party or surprise party for someone. Use this as a prop and gift during the party for all guests to view. Better Yet - place it on a sign board for the guests to sign.

Family Album - Such as Sample A - gather generations of family photos for display. This makes a great historical document as well.

Display children/grandchildren - Use this as a great way to hang your favorite snapshots of the loved ones! This is better than leaving them in a drawer or inside photo albums that sit on a shelf.

Landmarks & Places - For tourism and other information, placing landmark images of any geographical location together makes a great advertisement.

School Activities/Sports/Organizations - Show off a record setting year with a team, or club showing action and outcomes. Make them for your teammates or other members as an award or better yet, make a sign-on board for everyone to sign and make comments on. Display it for all to see.

3) What kinds of photographs can I send and how do I send them? Will I get them back? - Send only the photographs that you have taken. We cannot reproduce copyrighted professional images. Refer to the Disclaimer on the product page. For information on how to send the photographs, see question #7 below.

4) Can I include other information such as text and/or documentation into the collage? - Yes , you can send letters, certificates, awards, invitations, or any other document that we can scan and reproduce the same image. Items will be reviewed and discussed if we do not feel that it will reproduce well or has limitied capabilities of enhancement. If you wish to add text writing on any part of your collage, we call that labeling. You can add text to any photo image for $2 per photo. We will include the title of the collage for free.

5) Can you repair damaged photographs? Each photograph sent will not be altered, the reproduced image will be the one that will be repaired to the best of our capabilities. We will automatically enhance any photo as far as contrast, brightness, minor flaws, etc. This is not an extra charge and will be included in your design. If we receive a photo that needs alot of work done to it, such as ripped, written on, damaged spots,etc., we do offer photo restoration service at an additional fee. We will contact you to let you know how much EXTRA it will be to repair any photo that needs attention. Each damaged image will be reviewed for the capability of reproducing the image. If we do not feel that we can repair the image, we will inform you of that after review. Basic photo restoration fee will be $ 20 per hour, with a minimum 1 hour charge. If you have special requests of removing persons from a photo, etc., Please let us know. Depending on the image, we can alter the objects within that photo to meet your needs. Again, all photo images will be reviewed.

6) How do I know if a picture is good enough to use for a collage? Basically, if you look at a photo and can see it clearly focused and in good color, then it is a great selection. If you find a photo that is blurred and not in focus, we will not be able to work with clearing it up.

Photos that may have lost some color or are faded in spots are fine. Even damaged photos can be sent if we are capable of repairing them.

The sharper the objects in a photo, the better the image will be as it is reproduced into the collage. It does not matter about the size of the photo that you send as all images will be adjusted in size and will not remain the same size in most instances. However, the larger the picture that is sent, the better the resolution and detail will be to reproduce. If you have a photo image scanned prior to sending to us, please make sure that it is scanned in at a HIGH RESOLUTION. This is very important. The higher the resolution, the better the image will be to work with. If we receive a low quality copy of an image with poor resolution, we have limited capabilities of enhancing that image.

7) How do I send the photo images to you? There are several ways you may do this:

- send us your photos by EMAIL OR MAIL Send the duplicate set made. Place them in a photo mailer envelope that includes cardboard to allow them not to be bent, or you may insert cardboard into any size envelope that works for you.

- Have your photos scanned at a HIGH RESOLUTION (this is very important) and saved to a CD. Mail us the CD or prints made from the scans.

- We will only accept photos emailed to us in a .jpg format or digital photo .

Large quantities of photos need to be arranged with us by email.

- Last option, you may mail us your originals, if you do not have accessibility to the options above. However,

this will be done at your own risk. We are not responsible for the loss of this information by mail. See disclaimer on product page.

8) How will I know what size print to choose? This will be left for you to decide. If you need some help, we will help you determine that based upon the number of photos you would like to include. Typically, - such as in Samples A & B, you will see that many photos can be included on the 11x14 or 16x20 sizes. Decide on a size that you would like- regardless of the number of photos. We will tell you if we feel that you need to request a larger size. At the same time, you can request any size up to a 36x48. There are larger sizes available such as banner lengths. Please let us know if you have a special size request. We may or may not be able to meet your needs, but we will certainly do our best to try.

9) Will I be able to see the collage before it is printed? How will I know if I like it? YES YOU WILL. We will send you the image by email in the form of a .jpg or .pdf file at very low quality resolution due to file size so that it can be sent by email. This file will have a PROOF STAMP going across the entire spread of the collage. You would be able to review the layout and determine if you like the layout or if you would like to make any changes. Upon approval of the proof, we will complete your order. If for some reason you do not like it, you owe nothing and all information will be returned to you.

10) How long does it take to complete a photo collage? Normal turnaround time will be 2 weeks unframed, and 3-4 weeks for framed orders.

However, time may vary around holidays due to other products and services being completed. Most collages can take from 8-35 hours to design depending on number of photos used. If you have a rush order, please let us know. We will work with you to meet any deadline needed if we are given enough time to design the collage. Depending on the season, a rush charge may be added for orders. 15% rush fee.

11) Can I make special requests? Answer - if you would like to make a special request, please email us at : info@familytreepaintings.com

and we will be glad to discuss it with you. You may also contact us by phone at (254) 848-9068 between

9:am - 5 pm Central Standard Time - USA. Each case will be determined to see if we are capable of meeting your requests.

12) Do you provide framing services? Answer - Yes, framing is optional, of course. But, we have a beautiful line of frames at very competitive prices. We have 2 lines of framing services - Custom framing & Ready-made Photo frames.

13) What payment methods do you accept? When is payment to be made? Answer - We accept international orders, however, there are some restictions on payments accepted depending on location. Generally, we accept VISA and MASTERCARD, money orders, cashiers checks, US personal checks (require 10 day + clearing time before shipment), We offer a Site Secured Ordering Form for your convenience. All information is encrypted during transmittal. Or, if you prefer, information can be received by phone or fax. After the approval of proof form is completed, full payment will need to be made prior to printing and framing any order. Shipment will not take place until payment has been cleared.

If you have any more questions, please contact us

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Updated February 2007