Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing what size print is a subjective decision, that depends on many different factors such as how you plan to mount it, where you plan to display the print, and how important the quality of the print matters to you. While it differs for everyone and for every print let me list a few tips to help you make the right choice.

1. Space: The main concern with choosing the right size print is to have it match the space you plan to put it in. When considering the width of the space consider the Rule of Three-Eighths. The Rule of Three-Eighths states that the white space on either side of the artwork should be roughly three-eighths of the width of a the final display. In terms of height the standard height is 58 inches from the floor to the center of the print, or if hanging over a piece of furniture, place the bottom of the piece end 8 to 10 inches above the top of the furniture.

2. Mounting: When choosing your print size its important to keep in mind the final intention, and if you plan to frame or mount the print in any way. In terms of framing the print it is custom to keep a minimum of a 2 inch matte border. For example a 12x18 inch print would fit a 16x24 inch frame.

3. Quality: Different size prints will have a difference in quality, with smaller prints being higher quality, and larger prints being slightly lower in quality. The biggest factor is in regards to sharpness with larger prints losing there sharpness and becoming softer in appearance. For most people the difference is so small it can’t be seen with the naked eye, and for many photographs sharpness is not a concern because it was intentionally designed to be a soft photograph.

It is important to note that if you receive a print and it appears slightly different from what you saw online, this is completely normal. Despite the advancements in printing technologies, achieving an identical representation on screen and in print is extremely challenging; due to the fundamental differences between screens and prints. Screens, such as those on computers and devices, emit light to display images, while prints reflect light. This distinction alone leads to variations in how images are perceived. Screens have a significantly wider range of brightness compared to paper prints. In fact, screens typically support a dynamic range at least 10 times greater than the best photo printing paper. Moreover, screens typically have a contrast ratio of around 1000:1, whereas printing papers average around 100:1.Another crucial factor to consider is the type of paper used for printing. The paper you choose can significantly impact the final appearance of the print. As mentioned earlier, the dynamic range of the paper, as well as its ink absorption capabilities, contribute to these differences. However, the paper's white point (the shade of white it reflects) and texture can also play a significant role in the overall outcome.In conclusion, it is important to understand that slight variations between online images and physical prints are to be expected. Screens and prints employ entirely different technologies, resulting in differences in dynamic range, brightness, and contrast ratio. Additionally, the choice of printing paper and its characteristics, such as dynamic range, ink absorption, white point, and texture, contribute to the overall appearance of the print. So, even with advanced printing technologies, replicating an image exactly as it appears on screen remains a considerable challenge.

At Lovell Photography, we understand that some customers may come across a situation where they cannot find certain photographs listed in our online store. There are several reasons for this, which we would like to clarify. Firstly, the absence of certain photographs may be attributed to data loss or damage. In unfortunate circumstances where our hard-drive sustains damage, we may lose access to specific images. This loss prevents us from offering these photographs for sale. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and assure you that we take steps to prevent such data loss in the future.Secondly, client rights play a significant role in determining which photographs are available for purchase. As part of our personal approach, we respect the privacy and preferences of our models. Therefore, we do not sell any portrait photographs for retail if our models have not signed a release for sale. This policy ensures that we maintain a strong and trusting relationship with our models, prioritizing their comfort and consent.Furthermore, our personal projects, such as "What is Light?" and "What is Self?", are designed specifically for gallery exhibitions and shows. Consequently, these prints are currently not available for retail sale. We appreciate your understanding in this matter and encourage you to visit these exhibits to experience these projects in person. Lastly, there may be situations where specific photographs are not featured in our store. If we believe that a particular photograph would not print well or provide respectable results, we choose not to offer it for sale. Our commitment to delivering high-quality prints is paramount in providing you with the best possible photographs. We understand that you may still be eager to purchase a print that is not listed in the store. If this is the case, we kindly request that you contact us via the contact page on our website. We will be more than happy to discuss the possibilities that may be available to accommodate your request. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we strive to meet your expectations to the best of our ability.

At Lovell Photography, we understand the importance of convenience and efficiency in delivering high-quality prints to our valued customers like you. Currently, we employ the use of digital signatures on our prints to streamline the process for all parties involved.As of now, our workflow includes outsourcing the printing of our photographs to a reputable third-party print shop. By sending our photographs with a digital signature, we ensure that the prints are produced accurately and promptly. Once printed, the shop ships the finished products directly to you, allowing for a smoother and faster delivery process.While this method allows for reduced costs and quicker turnaround times, it does not afford us the opportunity to physically sign the prints. We acknowledge that a physical signature can add a personal touch and enhance the value of the artwork.However, rest assured that our digital signatures are carefully designed to replicate our unique and identifiable mark. Through this process, we aim to maintain consistency and provide you with the same level of authenticity that a physical signature would offer.Ultimately, our priority is to provide you with exceptional prints efficiently and at an affordable price point. We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we strive to improve our services and explore new opportunities to incorporate physical signatures into our prints without compromising on quality or cost.