Frequently Asked Questions		  
 

     Below is a compilation of some of the more common questions about us our services and products. We will add helpful answers to this page often, so check back soon!

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What do I do to get started?
It’s easy to start sending your images into HS for printing. Simply visit the Getting Started area of this website. Fill out the new customer account form, download our free HS ProDigital software, and start sending us your images. You could also visit launchblink.com for a very quick way to order basic prints from us. There is no account setup needed and you just use your credit card to pay as you go.
How much do you charge for shipping?
We actually provide the shipping for FREE, but we do charge $3.25 per order for packing and handling. All shipping is done using UPS Ground service, and if you provide us with your email we can send you the tracking information when your order is shipped. We are also able to ship through US Postal Service if requested, but we will have no way of tracking your order. Next Day, 2nd Day, or any other special shipping requests can be accommodated and will be billed at cost.
What are your forms of payment accepted?
We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Check, and Cash. If we are shipping your order we do not offer COD so you would have to keep a valid credit card on file with us. Download the Credit Card Authorization form here.
Are you strictly digital or do you do some film work?
We are primarily a digital lab, in that we only output print using digital printers. We do not process film. However, if you have negatives that are already processed we can scan them in at a high resolution and still produce stunning prints for you.
What kind of printers do you use?
We have several different printers that we use here at HS and they will vary depending on your order. To learn more about our printers, papers, and even chemistry you can visit our "HS Equipment and Papers" page on this website.
Do you offer Ink Jet Prints?
We do offer inkjet printing as a specialized service. Our standard printing method would be using photographic paper and chemistry. To learn more about our inkjet services click here to be sent to our Fine Art Printing page.
How do I calibrate to your printers?
You don’t calibrate directly to our printers. You calibrate your monitor to a target value for color temperature and gamma. Then you can set up your PhotoShop Color Settings using certain parameters. We also have a printer profile that can be used to soft proof in PhotoShop as well. This all is very detailed and we have dedicated a whole page on this site (including downloads and screen captures) to this topic. Simply go to our Color Management page and get all the details for calibration there. If you still have questions, feel free to call or email customercare@hsphoto.com anytime.
What is the difference between ProDigital and bLINK?
Our bLINK ordering program is for basic print ordering. All prints ordered through bLINK are priced without any color correction added. You may add color correction to all images from the review screen. The bLINK program is free to download and does not require an account to be set up, since you will be paying by credit card as you place the order. Our ProDigital software is also free, but does require an account to be setup in your name or studio name. The ProDigital program has a lot more products and options than the bLINK program. You will have access to package products, inkjet prints, specialty items, design modules, and much, much more.
What are the Pick a Pack Packages?
We have a very extensive selection Pick A Pack units available for ordering. Units are basically made up of print combinations that fill an 8x10 sheet. There are also a large variety of specialty products like magazine covers, memory mates, photoballs, buttons, magnets, and more…than can be used to create your own package offerings. Visit the School and Sports Packages area of our website for more information.
Do you sharpen my files?
NO…and Yes! We would not normally add any sharpening to your files before printing. We do offer a wide selection of retouching services that can be added to your images. So, if you select sharpening from the options within ProDigital then we would sharpen at your request
Are you offering proof books? What sizes?
Our proof books are 8x10 or 10x13, spiral bound with a cardstock back cover and a clear acetate front cover. The pages are in a contact sheet style format with 4, 6, 8, 12, 15 or 20 images per page with the filename under each image. We offer white or black background colors. A photographic cover is available with multiple styles for image and text options to choose from.
Do you put borders on prints?
Our standard prints would not have a border. If you would like a border we do offer them for print sizes up to 8x10 and you can make that selection under the options button in HS ProDigital. There are several border styles to choose from and they can fade to either black or white. We also have borders within our proofing catalog.
Do I get a CD with color correction or retouching?
Our color corrected files would not be sent to you unless requested, and the charge is $10 per DVD. If you request retouching then you will receive a CD of your retouched files back with your order at no extra charge.
Do you require any software to use your lab?
No lab specific software is needed to do work with HS Photo, but it will definitely provide you with more control over your ordering, faster delivery times, and large variety of preset layouts that can save time and money. To view all of the ways you can send us your images start at the “Ordering” landing page.