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FAQs
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1.
How do I find my Proofs?
- There are two ways
to view your proofs, by BROWSING through the
folder hierarchy, or using the SEARCH engine.
- BROWSE: Click "Proofs" in the nav bar, or on the image above "Competition
Proofs; click on the approriate year, then on the desired event which opens
a page of folders organized alphabetically according to the rider's last
name. Some folders contain more than one rider (ex. a folder labeled "B" will
have all riders with last names beginning with "B"). Pick a folder
then click on the rider of choice. Click on any one thumbnail to see it enlarged
with an Order Form below.
- SEARCH: Enter the rider's last name in the KEYWORD SEARCH box at the top
of the home page. *TIP*- just doing this may bring up your proofs as well
as many others with the same or similar last name, or from the same folder.
To narrow your search, try using the Advanced Search.
- 2. Where is the Order Form?
- When you find the
folder with your proofs, click on the desired
thumbnail. A page will open with an enlarged
version of the image. Scroll down to see the
Order Form.
- You can also download the order form as a PDF and mail it.
- 3.
Why do I have to register?
- This is one feature
of the this particular merchant template that
I don't like either, but I have no choice.
Registering allows both of us to keep track
of your order. All that is required to register
is a user name and password. I recieve this
information and file it so if you forget (who
doesn't!), contact me and I will help.
- 4. Do
you accept credit cards?
- Yes. All of the flavors,
even American Express, and PayPal.
- 5. When I enter my last name
in the Search Box, why do I see proofs that
are not mine?
- The Search engine for this program seems to take a shot-gun approach when searching for a name. It is supposed to look at the keyword fields (in which I place the rider's last name), but it also seems to look at folders higher up. I recommend that you use the Advanced Search option to narrow the results.
- 6. Why does it take so long
to post my proofs after an event?
- Unlike other photographers in this business, I choose not to upload all of the images I take at an event which can be up to 4,000 files!
- I take the time to cull the images which means looking at every single file to determine its worthiness to be posted. I also rename all of the files with the rider's last name so that you can find them easily and quickly on my website.
- Finally, when I get home from a 3-4 day out-of-state shoot, other aspects of my life need attention, i.e., husband, house, barn, cats, horses, bills, customers, emails. All of which, combined with the above, take time.
- 7. What is your posting policy?
- One thing that should be remembered... Once images are on the World Wide Web, they are there for ALL THE WORLD TO SEE! good or bad.
- I will not post images of falls or really bad moments in dressage or jumping. I do keep these files for a while and will send them privately if requested.
- Another criteria is the printability of the image. Even if it is a lovely moment, if it will not hold up to enlargement or will be difficult to print because of exposure issues, I will not post it.
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- 8. Why does my friend have
more proofs posted than me and we rode in
the same division at the same event?
- There could be several reasons, first being the last paragraph of Question #7. Depending on the event and what phases run cuncurrently, I may not be able to be in all places at all times. Sometimes I have technical problems with the camera just as you are riding by. Sometimes nature calls.
- 9. I took a spectacular
fall at the fence you were photographing, why
are the pics not posted? Can I see them & order
prints?
- See #7 and yes you can order prints.
- 10. Why does it take 3-4
weeks to get the one 4x6 print I ordered?
- I fill the orders in the order in which they are recieved, no matter how large or small. I will honor requests for special occassions like birthdays if I am notified. As the season of events progresses, I get busier and busier traveling, posting and fulfilling orders. I can't do the latter if I am not at home. I do my best to get the orders shipped before 3 weeks, but sometimes it's a stretch.
- 11. What if i don't like
the prints I received? What is your refund/return
policy?
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed... with one small disclaimer. If you think the print is too dark, to light, a funky color cast, or not cropped as you wanted then yes, I will re-print or send you a full refund. You must return the original print first.
- This refund/reprint policy does NOT apply to situations where you are not happy with the way you or your horse look. My job is to capture the moment, your job is to look good in that moment.
- 12. I bought a print of myself
and want to make copies of it to send to
my grandparents, advertise my horse for sale.
Why do I have to pay you a usage fee? Don't
I own the photo?
- No. Use of any creative work be it a photograph, song, story, or painting is protected by the US Copyright Law. Even though you purchase prints of an image taken of you, your horse, whatever.. the rights to use/reproduce those photographs belong to the creator, in this case the photographer who took them.
- Legally speaking, you need to obtain a release of rights and in some cases pay a usage fee, in order to use them.
- 13. What is all the fuss
about Copyright?
- The first and most important point I need to make here is that I photograph horses for a living. Hoof Pix® is NOT a HOBBY, it is a BUSINESS, trademarked, LLC, tax #, the whole thing. My revenue is soley from the sale of prints, photo products and licensing fees. Without this income, I cannot pay my bills nor continue to travel to competitions to take your pictures.
- Due to the advent of the digital era, conducting such a business and making any money doing so has become even more of a challenge. Copyright issues are even more of a factor because once an image is digitally reproduced it can be used in any number of ways without compensation to the photogapher.
- 14. Can I get my images as
digital files on a disc?
- Please read the answer to question #14 first.
- This is why I am reluctant to release my images on a disc especially at a printable resolution since my income is derived from making prints.
- Once a customer has possession of their images, they can put them on the internet, use them for advertising and I would lose total control of them.
- I am not totally against this, however and am still thinking of ways to offer images on disc that will be affordable to my customers, yet won't shut down my business!
- 15. Do you offer on-site proof viewing at shows?
- I am setting up a viewing station at selected venues. Much depends on the format (event runs over several days) and the help I can hire.
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