pricing

Q. What are your prices?

• For a price list for both album design and post production services please contact HappyFish Design.

Q. What is a page 'side'?

• A page 'side' can be thought of like any book you'd read - each page in a book is numbered individually.
• A 20 page album has 40 page sides - a 30 page album has 60 page sides ... and so on.

files

Q. What format should my images be?

• All files must be highest quality print resolution
• JPEG
• Embedded color profile of Adobe RGB (1998) or sRGB - should match the specs of the lab or album company that will be printing your images for your project
• No RAW files please - unless you are a HappyFish RAW client sending images for processing

Q. How do I send my files?

• You can choose to either send the files in digital format on CD or DVD OR use the HFD FTP service.
• We can set up access within minutes - just let us know!
• For FTP just use your regular FTP program, for example Mac users - Fetch or Transmit are both popular; PC users - SmartFTP, CuteFTP ... there are others too. :) If you have never FTP'd files before we can walk you through it - it's very easy!!

Q. How should I name my files?

• Please use file names that don't use parantheses or special characters
• To ensure that the photos are placed in the order that you prefer - please ensure that your files:
  • have a logical numerical naming sequence to them (for example image 20 comes before image 31
  • your EXIF data shows an accurate capture date
  • if using multiple camera bodies that the cameras have been time synced
  • There will be a fee charged for projects where images are unorganizable

Q. Will HFD automatically perform any adjustments, conversions or effects to my images?

• No - HFD prefers to preserve the photographer's unique style and preference for which their clients are paying them to achieve. Everyone perceives color in their own way - one person's red is another's cool orange. Some photographer's like saturated images while others like more subdued neutral tones - even the slightest tweak can affect the 'feel' of the entire photo.
• The files that you send should be ready to go: color profile embedded, white balance adjusted, levels tweaked, color corrected etc.
• During the layout process it may become evident that certain images may need to be converted (i.e. black & white, sepia, split toned etc.) in order to match the flow of the surrounding images. We will review them together, and if you agree, you may either send converted images or HFD can perform the conversion for you. If you have a preference for a particular conversion method or action, let us know.

Q. I really don't have time to process my raws or tweak my images - can HappyFish Design help me?

• YES - HappyFish Design offers raw processing and post production services - please contact us for pricing and details.

Q. I have a number of images that are a 'must use' and others that I love, but are not necessarily ones that my client has specifically requested. Should I include them?

• It is helpful to have a "MUST USE " folder and a "MAYBE USE" folder in which to put your images.
• A "MUST USE" folder is for images that absolutely have to be included in the album no matter what
• A "MAYBE USE" folder is for images that you love ... but don't necessarily for sure have to be included in the album. If there is an appropriate gap in the story that would be well served by an image in this folder, HappyFish Design may opt to include an image from this folder. Flexibility helps to design the very best album that tells the most powerful story.

Q. I don't have time to pick the images for the album - can I send an unedited down wedding/shoot?

• YES - we offer a reasonable fee for picking all of the best images to tell the story - please contact us for pricing and details.

Q. How many images should I send?

• As the saying goes, "Less is More." The most powerful albums tend to have less images in them. The more images that are required to fit within the confines of 'x' number of pages, the more 'layered' or 'full' the layout may feel.
• You choose how many images you wish to include in your album.
• If you need a guide to help - the following is a rough estimate illustrating the high image quantity range scale:

Q. What do I do if I want my logo, web address, and/or contact info placed on the album?

• Please provide the logo as an EPS file, high resolution PDF file, or a high resolution Photoshop file.
• State your preference where you would like it. (i.e. back page, bottom center)
• To retain font preference you can either send us the font, or make sure the font is converted to vector outlines in the EPS file. This just means that the type is no longer editable - they become vector objects.

about HappyFish Design

Q. Who will be designing my albums?

• Karen Dahlquist will be personally designing each album for you. Your album will not be re-outsourced.
• I (Karen) am a graphic designer with over 17 years of design experience and a Bachelor of Applied Design degree with honors. My sole focus and business is designing for photographers.
• My husband Chad is a photographer who is a WPPI member and active on the DWF. It has become evident that there are photographers wishing to rise to the next level in their business and are learning that it really does help to use other professionals trained in their areas of expertise. For example, hiring a designer to design your logo, print ads, collateral and so on. When you thumb through a magazine some ads make an impact and enforce a brand instantly - while others just can't shake that 'not quite polished' feeling.
• To get to know me better - visit about HFD and my blog.

Q. How do you approach the 'style' of the album?

• Your client hired you because of your artistic vision and expertise - I will work with you to enhance your vision on each page
• The design layout should enhance and not distract from the photography and the story that is being told
• Every album is unique - some weddings are short, some clients want to have a number of formals in their album, some albums will have lots of photos - others will highlight a specific selection. I can design a great custom album design layout to meet any criteria.
• I listen to your specific likes and dislikes and keep those in mind when designing for you - some photographers love negative space, others like a more layered look, some people love color , while some of my other clients prefer just a clean, white look .... etc.
• I respect that each of your clients has their own unique tastes and personalities - I believe a great album not only reflects your style and expression - but also is one that your client feels is truly theirs and makes them happy every time they look at it.

turnaround time

Q. How long does it take until I can see the first draft?

• Typical turnaround time is 5-7 business days for an average 40 page side/20 page album.
• During the busy season, turnaround time can be 7-14 business days.
• Albums with color correction or raw processing services may take a bit longer.

Q. How long does it take for subsequent revisions?

• Typical turnaround time is about 3 to 5 business days

other

Q. Is HappyFish Design owned by an album company?

• No

Q. Will HappyFish Design have any contact with my client?

• No