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Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions

What is DoodleDo? 

DoodleDo is a photographic post-production studio.  We provide image editing, image processing and custom album design services to professional photographers and their clients.  DoodleDo is owned and operated by Robin Pesa and Bruce Erik Steffine, both Photographers and Designers.

 How are you different from other post-production companies?

Our album designs are truly custom creations.  We do not use templates.  Every design begins with a blank canvas and features themes and enhancements that you specify or that we choose to best showcase your work.  

Our image services are highly personalized.  Every collection of images you submit is refined to your specifications without using batch processes.  Every file is opened and optimized to best retain image integrity.  

We believe helping our clients set themselves apart is what sets us apart.      

What are DESIGN services?

We design custom pages from any collection of images.  Be sure to check out some of our samples in the design section, as well as those we feature regularly on the home page or buzz page of this site.

These are normally printed and bound by leading album companies accessible only to professional photographers.  But we are happy to design a layout for anyone.  Image collections include, but are certainly not limited to weddings, engagements, pets, seniors, and artists.  We also design guest books and parent albums.  If you have a collection of images, we’d love to create a beautiful design to showcase your work! 

What are REFINE services?

This is the editing and/or optimizing of your image collection.  We define Editing as the process of selecting images for inclusion in an album design, or to receive Processing.  We define Processing as the optimization of your RAW or JPEG images by the adjustment of white balance, exposure, contrast, color and other processing controls to produce a corrected image. 

What is an Artistic Enhancement?

Any additional image adjustments and artistic effects such as toning (black & white, sepia, duotone) which often includes the use of Actions.  We define Artistic Enhancements as any image work that must be performed in Photoshop.  We do include general black & white conversions in our regular album design service when requested, as well as in our image processing services when indicated in your Order preferences.  

How do I get complete pricing information?

Simply sign up for our email on the contact page, and we'll send you pricing.

I'm ready to get started! What do I do now?

Once you have read our Terms & Conditions, we just need you to fill out an Account Application.  We'll contact you and complete your profile in our system, and take it from there.

I’m not a professional!  Will you work directly with me?

Yes!  In fact, we work with anyone who has a collection of precious images they want enhanced or preserved in a bound book.  We request that you contact us directly to discuss your project. 

DESIGN FAQs

What is the cost of a design?

We have a variety of options, so you will want to visit the contact page and sign our email list.  We will promptly reply with preliminary info and price sheet.  Full designs begin at only $8 per page! 

How do I submit files?

Album files may be mailed on DVD or CD, a mini hard drive, even a USB flash drive.  For small submissions, we'll set up an FTP folder for you.  We will accept whatever works best for you!  

What is a page?

A page is one side.  Opening and closing pages may start on the right, or left (as a full, 2-page spread).  We price these as one page.  All other pages are counted as 1 page per side. 

Is there a minimum number of pages?

Yes.  Our minimum is 20 pages.  When you submit your order, you will specify an exact number of pages.  If you like, we will design extra pages that you can show your client.  More information will be available on your order form. 

What about a cover?

We design Covers too!  There is a flat fee for cover designs. 

How long until I see the first draft?

This depends on the complexity and page count of your design.  Designs without graphics will be ready in 7-10 days from receipt of images. 

Can I add graphics?

We can add graphics anytime.  It’s best if you include them in your initial order since they are a design element, or after you have seen the first draft.  Graphics may add up to 2 days to production time. 

Can I delete graphics?

Yes, you may.  Charges for graphics still apply once the design work has been performed.  There is no additional charge to delete them, but we hope that you wouldn’t want to! 

May the bride choose the images? 

Of course!  We just need to know how many pages your design needs to be, and if you want all the images included.  When submitting more or less than the recommended number of images, be aware that it will affect the appearance of your design. 

How many photos are in an album?

We recommend submitting 2-3 images per page.  You may also submit additional images for use as backgrounds and accents, such as detail photos from a wedding.  We request that these images be submitted in their own folder, and note that we may not use any or all of these images. 

Will you choose the images for me?

We will, if you like.  There is an additional editing fee and it may add time to production.  We do request that family and group photographs, and any “must have” images be identified, preferably in a separate folder. 

What if there are changes?

Swapping images (vertical for vertical, horizontal for horizontal) is included at no extra charge.  Swapping vertical for horizontal or horizontal for vertical is also free of charge, however, it will affect the look of your design. 

Cropping and simple black & white conversions are also done at no charge.  There are additional fees for Artistic Enhancements to images. 

Changing a layout is considered a new page and is charged at the regular page rate.  This includes changing graphics and moving images. 

My bride loves it, but she wants the page background to be a different color.  Now what?

We can change the background color, or any consistent color throughout a design.  A flat rate applies.  We will gather this preference from you before we begin so as to avoid this issue. 

Do you design Parent Albums?

Yes!  We have 2 basic themes or you may request a completely custom book.  Parent Albums that are 1 image per page have a very special rate.  Please sign our email list on the contact page to receive pricing information.  

Printing a full Primary Album as a Parent Album is also an option.  You will have the design files and may print it as many times as you like, in any available size. 

Do you design Guest Books?

Of course!  We have two basic themes.  Or you can request a more unique design.

Can I choose the colors of the design?

Yes!  In fact, you choose many aspects of your design!  You will provide us your preferences when you place your Order, and we will discuss your project before we begin the design. 

What file types do you accept? 

Because we are an editing, processing and design firm, we accept nearly all file types, including JPEG, TIFF, DNG, and RAW.   Processing fees may apply per image for DNG and RAW files, and will add time to production. 

Will you retouch and enhance my images for me?

Certainly!  Fees apply per image, and will add time to production. 

Will you submit my designs to album companies for me? 

Definitely.  There is a small fee to submit designs directly to the album company. However, if you are using one of our preferred vendors, submission is free! 

How will I receive my design? And what file format?

Your finished files will be mailed to you on CD.  We can also FTP the files to you.  Normally we provide your design as JPEG, but you may indicate to us a format preference. 

Will you provide me with layered PSD files? 

Because of the custom nature of our designs, we do not provide layered PSDs at this time. 

How long do you keep my design?

We archive all finished designs indefinitely. 

How will I see my design?

Your design will be hosted online and a link will be provided, which you may share with your client.  The initial design will be viewable online for 30 days. 

How long do I have to make changes and how long do they take?

You have up to 3 weeks to submit your initial revision request.  Revisions take approximately 2 days and will be re-released online.  If after 4 weeks we do not hear from you regarding changes, we will presume no changes are required and your design will be finalized, archived and shipped to you. 

How do I make changes?

Just complete our Revision Form, which we will provide, and email it to us.  If for some reason clarification is required, we will email or call you immediately. 

Will you communicate directly with my client?

Normally we do not communicate directly with your client.  However, we do offer an exclusive program for select photographers who desire us to handle their complete album process.  If you would like to be considered for inclusion in this group, please email us. 

REFINE FAQs

What types of files do you accept?  And what do I receive?

We will work with almost all image formats including RAW, JPEG, TIFF and DNG.  Your processed images will be returned to you in their original format, along with XMP files when available, as well as your converted files to your specified format.  When not specified, the default is JPEG at full resolution. 

Will you process to black and white?

We process all images to color and a percentage of images to black & white when specified on the Order Form.  When satisfactory color optimization cannot be achieved, black and white conversions will be applied if the conversion can produce a presentable image, and you have indicated this in your preferences.  

How will I know if I will like my images?

You will submit to us a variety of finished JPG images that you processed to your liking, along with the RAW files and their .xmp sidecar files.  These images should  be from a variety of lighting conditions along with black and white.  We will evaluate the images to be able to match your processing as closely as possible.  Image processing can be subjective, however, our system makes the results objective.  If you are not happy with the results you currently achieve, we can evaluate your images with you and tell you how we can help.  We want you to be completely pleased! 

I use Pictage.  Can you help me?

Sure!  We will sort, categorize and rename your images. We will also upload them to Pictage if you like. There are additional fees for these services.  

Will you do only the Artistic Enhancements for me?

Absolutely!  All of our services are a la carte, so you pay only for the service you need.  Keep in mind that our minimum order is $50.

I use special Presets and Actions.  Will you use these?

We will gladly accept and use your Presets.  We can also create custom Presets for you to be used only on your files.  If you provide us with your own custom Presets or Actions, we guarantee they will only be used on your images. 

How do I submit my files?

We prefer you send large image collections on one of the many mini hard-drives available.  We would be happy to help you make a good selection if you have never purchased one.  Smaller collections may be submitted on DVD, CD, or FTPd, once we set up a folder for you.

PC or Mac?

We use both! When submitting your files on hard drive, we will need to know the format of the drive, whether it is for PC or Mac.  

I need it fast!  How long does this take?

Depending on the size and complexity of the job, most events are completed within 3-5 days.  Note that an event is one single image collection, such as one wedding.  If multiple events are submitted in the same order, each event will be in production for the estimated time.  Initial events for editing and processing often take a little longer since we will be establishing your preferences and creating the online gallery for feedback and approval.  

Do you provide a RUSH service?

We strive to provide the fastest service to all of our clients, so a rush service is not available at this time.  If you need something really fast, check out our Best of Show option.  Your client will then know that it will be worth the wait!

I have a complete wedding that I need you to process, but need a slideshow right away!  Can you help?

This is pretty common.  We call this service Best of Show. Just let us know that you need a slideshow, and we will select about 50 images as soon as we receive your files.  These will be processed, converted to JPEG and enhanced with various tones and Actions.  We will then create a simple slideshow and place it online. The rest of your event will be entered into our normal production schedule.   

I am not in a hurry. What can you do for me?

If you can wait, we have a lower rate for your images.  Typical processing is 7-14 days per event.  Look for the
“I Can Wait” rates on our price sheet. 

What color profile do you use?

Our monitors are calibrated to 2.2 gamma, 5500°K white point.  Because images and page files are printed in the sRGB color space, this is how they will be processed.  Please let us know if you have other requirements. 

Thank you for visiting!

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all designs ©DoodleDo, Inc.

 

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