Frequently Asked Questions

faq
This section offers answers to the most frequently asked questions about our services.

Does U-Photo Develop Traditional Camera Film?

Sadly, no! Due to the steady decline in demand for film processing, U-Photo ceased these services in October of 2012.

If you still shoot film or want to experiment with this classic medium, check this link to see what is available in your area: www.ishootfujifilm.com. It can help you locate a lab that MAY still offer film processing services. Because of declining demand, these labs may stop offering processing services at any time, so you should contact them directly to confirm that they are still offering this service.

Do you offer any services from film?

Although we no longer develop film, we still offer a range of scanning services that allow us to produce high-quality prints from previously processed color or black-and-white negatives and color slides. If you are still interested in shooting film and can get it developed, we are happy to provide these services.

How long will it take to complete my order?

Orders placed through our Photo Factory gateway will be filled in the order that they are received. We will email you when it’s ready.  Turnaround times are subject to order volume and are estimated, not guaranteed.

Orders placed in person at our Beltsville shop will be quoted a turnaround time when the order is placed. You can schedule our “concierge” service, where we meet with you one-on-one and, in many cases, complete your order while you wait. Appointments must be scheduled in advance.

*Subject to order volume. Rush charges may apply.

Will you let me know when my order is ready?

When your order is completed, we’ll let you know! Orders placed online will receive an email. In-person orders dropped at our shop will receive a phone call immediately upon completion. Make sure to provide a current phone number (preferably a cell number) and email address when placing your order.

When will my online order be shipped?

Completed orders will typically ship by the following business day. Orders shipped locally via USPS First Class or Priority Mail usually arrive within 1-2 days. In other parts of the country, you may need to allow up to 7 business days for USPS delivery.

We can also ship orders by FedEx (Ground or Overnight) and UPS at additional cost. We can provide these charges on request.

Can I get “Same-Day” printing?

Pro Luster Prints are usually produced daily. Orders placed before 3:00 pm on production days can be ready for pickup by appointment between 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm, subject to workload. Regardless, you will receive a phone call or automated email to let you know your work is ready for pickup.

Ask for “SAME DAY PRINTING” when placing your order. You can also schedule a face-to-face “Concierge Service” appointment in advance, and we try to complete your order during the visit. Please note that there may be an additional charge for this premium service that includes a one-on-one consultation on your project.

How long will you keep my order once it is complete?

Naturally, we hope you will collect your completed order as soon as possible; however, our policy is to store orders for up to 120 days. If you can’t come in person, we can always ship your order to you or your client for a small fee. 
Payment is required in advance of shipping any work. We will make every reasonable attempt to contact a client before securely discarding abandoned orders.

Can I drop off an order at your shop in person?

In 2016, after over 23 years in our Route One, Beltsville, Maryland retail store, we relocated our business to a Non-Retail location. However, we still see clients face-to-face by appointment. These can be set up most days, Monday through Friday, from 12:30 pm – 6:00 pm. 
If you can not meet with us during normal weekday hours, we can often schedule appointments on Saturdays from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Please don’t make unscheduled visits, as we may not be available to serve you.

Is it O.K. for me to email images for printing?

While it’s OK to email a small number of files for printing, we recommend using our Online Order App, which lets you preview cropping, choose printing and finishing options, and specify your turnaround time.  You will also automatically receive email notifications upon submission and completion. 
Send your images as file attachments (not embedded in the body of the e-mail message), or send us a Dropbox link via the contact form at the bottom of this page, and make sure to include a phone number so we can go over any details with you and collect payment information. 
Posted turnaround times often do not apply to emailed orders, which may be delayed during peak volume.

How do you handle Color Correction or Matching?

Most clients have us perform color and density corrections to their images so that we can produce the highest quality prints. That said, if you work in a well-managed environment that includes a calibrated monitor, you can order our Economy, “Ready-to-Print” option, from your self-corrected files, and they should closely match what you see on your screen.

What do you mean by a “calibrated monitor”?

We recommend that all photographers utilize an external Monitor Calibration Device to get reliable, consistent results from their digital workflow. Think of it this way… would you buy a new watch and then NOT set it to the correct local time? It’s the same kind of thing with your computer monitor. Even a brand new monitor will probably not produce accurate results without calibration, which must include the measurement of the ambient lighting in your working space.

What kind of Monitor Calibration do you recommend?

Systems from several manufacturers are available that do a fine job. We have tried several, but now use and recommend one of the Datacolor Spyder expert calibration systems.  These devices will help you calibrate your computer screen to display images to an industry-standard brightness, contrast, and color balance.

How can I get U-Photo’s Standard Color Reference File?

To check your display, download our monitor calibration file at the bottom of this page by right-clicking then selecting “Save Image As”. This is the same file we use to check our own workstation monitors after they have been calibrated. Once you have this image on your device, just open it with a program like PhotoShop.

We can supply you with a free standard reference print that has been made from this file. Ask for one of these the next time you stop by or request one to be included with an online order.

For color-critical work, we recommend that you submit a reference print and have us produce a test print for approval of quantity print orders. When you compare this sample photo with the image on your monitor, you will be able to visually determine how close they match.

Click on the image to download a High-Resolution JPG

fuji-digital-reference_uphoto
Fuji Digital Reference for U-Photo
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