Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to some of your frequently asked questions (FAQs). If you can’t find the answer to your question here, please contact us, we’d be happy to help you.

About your photos

1. Are my photos suitable?

   We check your photos for suitability before confirming your order. Just upload them when placing your order and we'll let you know if they aren't suitable, and suggest a solution. Remember, you don't have to pay when placing an order so there's no risk.

2. How big should the photos be?

   The bigger the better! The main photo needs to be at least A4 size. Inset photos can be smaller. It's impossible to create a high-quality print from small or low resolution images. High resolution images (300dpi) produce the best results. Photos taken with a digital camera set to large, high or maximum quality are usually fine.

3. How can I send my photos?

   You can upload your photos (JPEGs or TIFFs) when placing your order, or email them to us if you can't upload them. You can also send them by post on CD, DVD, media card or as prints (we'll contact you with details of where to send them when we receive your order). Please let us know if you have any problems sending your photos, we'd be happy to help you.

4. What are JPEGs and TIFFs?

   JPEGs (.jpg) and TIFFs (.tif) are image file formats - also called bitmaps or raster images - produced with a digital camera or desktop scanner. Most photos are saved and stored as JPEGs or TIFFs [see Wikipedia]

5. Can I send RAW images?

   Yes, we can work with RAW images but prefer JPEGs or TIFFs, providing they're not compressed too much. [see Wikipedia]

6. What is resolution?

   Resolution refers to the amount of data and, therefore, detail an image contains and is measured or described in DPI (dots per inch) or PPI (pixels per inch). Higher resolution means more detail. On-screen images are usually 72dpi and prints are 300dpi or more. [see Wikipedia]

7. What is compression?

   Compression is a way of reducing the file size (not the dimensions) of an image by discarding data, usually resulting in a loss of quality. JPEG is the most common format for saving and storing compressed images. [see Wikipedia]

8. Are photos taken with a mobile (cell) phone suitable?

   It depends on the phone - many phone cameras aren't up to it at present, although some are. The latest high-spec phones from Apple, BlackBerry, Sony Ericsson and Nokia are fine. Anything more than 3 megapixels is OK. If you're not sure, just upload the photos when placing your order and we'll let you know if they're not suitable.

About the prints

1. How big are the prints?

   Our personalised magazine covers are A4 size (21cm x 29.7cm), the standard size of most UK magazines. We'll also be offering A3 size soon although you'll need to supply exceptionally high quality photos for a print this size.

2. What type of paper are the covers printed on?

   We use premium grade advanced 250g/m gloss photo paper for the magazine covers. Get a FREE sample to fully appreciate the exceptional quality and value of our prints.

3. Can I get a free sample?

   Of course! When you’re buying on the internet it’s difficult to know what you’ll get. Get a FREE sample to fully appreciate the exceptional quality and value of our prints.

4. Will the print discolour or fade?

   The superior long-life pigment inks that we use have a 200 year guarantee, meaning that there should be no noticeable loss of colour or fading in that time. As with any artwork, it's best not to hang the print in direct sunlight.

5. What type of frames do you use?

   Framed prints are mounted in contemporary acrylic clip-frames. We found them to be the most popular choice. If you'd prefer something else, order an unframed print and frame it yourself or have it professionally framed.

6. Can you do a particular magazine title?

   Unfortunately not. We've had requests for titles such as Vogue, Cosmo, OK etc, but are unable meet these requests due to very strict copyright issues. Our personalised magazine covers are designed to closely imitate the real thing without infringing the publisher's copyright. New designs and titles are added regularly so keep in touch for updates and special offers.

7. Can I order more copies of the print?

   Of course, and at a greatly reduced price! Use this form to get more copies for your family and friends (you'll need the order number on the reverse of the print, or on our communications relating to the order).

8. Can I make copies of the print?

   Only if you purchase the copyright or a licence to reproduce the artwork, otherwise we retain all rights to works created. Please contact us if you wish to acquire a copyright or licence. See our Terms & Conditions for more information.

About ordering

1. How do I place an order?

   Just complete the Order Form and upload your photos. You can also print out the Order Form and return it by post, with your photos on disk, media card or as prints. Please contact us if you have any questions about placing an order, we'd be happy to help you.

2. When do I pay for my order?

   After we've checked your photos we'll send you an invoice... See About Payment.

3. How do I pay and is it secure?

   You can pay online by credit or debit card, or pay by cheque... See About Payment.

4. How long will my order take?

   When you've paid for your order we'll send a proof, for your approval, within 72 hours. When we get your approval we'll print your order and despatch it within 24 hours (except weekends and public holidays). So, an order can take 3-5 days to ship and will depend on how quickly you pay the invoice and approve the artwork. Please note: your order will take longer if you choose to pay by cheque.

5. Can I cancel the order if I change my mind?

   We hope you don't, but you can cancel your order right up to the time you approve the artwork. After that, because the print is made specially for you, the order cannot be cancelled unless it is damaged in transit and arrives in an unacceptable condition. Please see our Terms & Conditions and About Returns.

6. Are my details safe with you?

   Absolutely! We take great care of information supplied by our customers and visitors to our website. All customer records held on our systems are kept encrypted when not in use and are protected against unauthorised access. We comply with the UK Data Protection Act. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details.

About payment

1. When do I pay for my order?

   After we've checked your photos for suitability we'll send you confirmation of your order and an invoice for the total amount, including delivery (for overseas orders) and any discounts you are entitled to. You should pay the invoice within 30 days.

2. How do I pay for my order?

   You can pay online by credit or debit card, using PayPal, our secure payment partner. You don't need a PayPal account to use the service. You can also pay by cheque if you'd prefer, although we will have to wait for the funds to clear before proceeding with your order.

3. Do I need a PayPal account to pay for my order?

   No, you don't. We use PayPal for billing and they handle the transactions but you don't need an account to use the service. Just enter your credit or debit card details to make a payment without setting up an account.

4. Is the online payment process secure?

   Absolutely! We appreciate the importance of security when making online payments which is why we choose PayPal to handle the transactions for us. PayPal use industry-standard SSL encryption to ensure your details are safe in transit (look for the 'padlock' symbol on the status bar of your browser).

5. Can I pay by phone, with a credit or debit card?

   Not at this time. All credit and debit card transactions are handled by PayPal, our secure payment partner, on our behalf. Please pay online (it only takes a couple of minutes) or by cheque, if you'd prefer.

About delivery

1. How will my order be shipped?

   Orders are despatched to addresses in the UK using First Class post or Airmail for overseas deliveries. We'll send you an email confirming despatch. Please contact us if you haven't received your order.

2. What is the cost of delivery/shipping?

   Delivery to addresses in the UK is absolutely FREE! Delivery elsewhere in the world is dependent on the location. Please see our prices for more details.

3. How are prints packaged for shipping/delivery?

   The prints are protected in heavy-duty rigid corrugated cardboard mailers to prevent damage in transit. Packaging is made from a minimum of 60% recycled material.

4. What if my order doesn't arrive on time?

   We'll send you an email confirming despatch. Please contact us if you don't receive your order within 3 days in the UK, or 21 days for overseas deliveries.

5. What if my order is damaged in transit?

   We hope it isn't, but if your order arrives in an unacceptable condition you can return it to us for a full refund or replacement. See About Returns for more information.

About returns

1. Can I return a print if I don't like it?

   Under the UK Distance Selling Regulations you have the right to return any goods purchased via mail-order, phone or online. However, where goods have been made or customised specifically for you this right does not apply. Therefore, because our prints are personalised, you can only return them, for a full refund or replacement, if they are damaged in transit and arrive in an unacceptable condition. Please see our Terms & Conditions and find out about your rights at Consumer Direct.

2. What if my print arrives damaged?

   Items damaged in transit must be reported to us within 48 hours of delivery and returned within 14 days, for a full refund or replacement. Please see our Terms & Conditions for details.

3. How do I return a damaged item?

   Once you have notified us of a damaged item, you should return it within 14 days using the original packaging (or other suitable if the packaging is damaged). We will refund the full cost of returning an item to us, where proof of posting is provided.

4. Will I get a full refund if an item is damaged?

   Yes, providing you report the damage to us within 48 hours of delivery and return the item within 14 days, you'll have the option of a full refund or replacement.

About the website

1. Why don't some parts of the website work?

   The PhotoFun Studio website is designed to work with the most commonly used browsers; Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Opera, as well as mobile browsers. Some features and functions require javascript and cookies are enabled.

2. What is javascript?

   Javascript is a computer language which enables you to interact with websites. You can disable javascript in your browser but doing so might mean many websites, including our own, will not function as intended. [check your browser]

3. What are cookies?

   Cookies are small pieces of information sent by a website and stored on your computer to make using the site more convenient. You can disable cookies in your browser but doing so might mean some parts of a website, including our own, will not function as intended. [check your browser]

4. Why do the larger images take so long to load?

   Images are compressed for the web, to make them load quicker, but it does reduce the quality of the image. It's important to us that we maintain the quality of the material on our website which might lead to an increase in download times. Broadband users are unlikely to experience any delays.

We hope we’ve answered your questions. If not, or if there’s anything you’re unsure about, please contact us and we’ll do our best to help you.