Frequently Asked Questions

CUSTOM MOSAICS

What is a Photo Mosaic?

A mosaic is a group of small photos called cells that are arranged in a way that creates a larger picture.

What are some general guidelines when choosing and submitting photos?

First choose 1 Master image (source image). This is what your print will look like from a distance. Try to choose an image that does not contain a lot of detail. Here are a few other tips when choosing a main image:

1) Don't use photos that have wide angle shots or large group shots (5 people or more)
2) Photos of people should be as close as possible and not taken from a distance or face recognition could be an issue.

3) Up close photos of faces, simple silhouettes, buildings, animals and landscape photos work well.

4) If possible, provide us with a hard copy of the Main image you want so we can scan it in at a high resolution.

For Good sample images of the main images, view our gallery link under mosaics.

Please specify your source image when sending photos.
It's best to submit photos that are either all portraits or all landscape. The more uniform the photos are the better the result. We can, at your request resize and crop photos that need modifying forv a small fee. Photos that are a not the same size or shape may cause clipping resulting in some important details being left out. If you crop the photos yourself, please crop them to a landscape 3x4 ratio. Please be sure images are correctly oriented (All going the same way so we don't have to rotate)
You can submit most any size photo, but please do not send them in frames or albums.
You can include ANY images that you want, nature, animals, sports, etc. Most people stick to a theme of the main image. For example only family members and friends related to the source image.
Color and Black and White images are acceptable
All images should be boarder free, no white spaces.
Mail photos that you need scanned (we charge .35 cents to scan) or mail a CD with your image files on them. Remember to specify the main image. (eg. if you send 100 pictures to scan, we will charge $35.00 for scanning)
If possible, provide a hard copy (Photo) of the main image so we can scan it at a high resolution.

What are the guidelines to submitting digital images?

Sending images that are from a digital camera or on a CD is the best method because it saves you money. If you don’t have digital images we will be happy to scan your photos for an additional fee. But if you want to scan them yourself please follow these instructions:

1) Please scan your MASTER image at least 600 dpi and cell images at 100dpi.

2) Images must be saved as either a JPEG or TIFF.

3) Images should be at least 640x480 or 100dpi minimum.

4) Images should be boarder free. No white space

5) All the images should all be either vertical or horizontal and preferably the same size.

6) Burn your images on a CD and mail to Flashback Creations. ONLY the images you want in your project.

How many photos should I include?

We suggest at least 50 and up to 300. We will set the reputation at an optimal level, based on the number of photos, cell size and print size. If you don’t have a lot of photos, you will still get a great looking mosaic even with the repetitiveness. On average most people submit between 100-200 photos. Remember, you are not charged per photo unless we scan them.

What size print do you suggest?

Simply put, the larger the print the better the mosaic will look, regardless of the number of photos you have. Currently we offer 16x20” to 24x36” prints. We can do some 8x10" mosaics based on the main image. Chose the print size based on your budget, wall space and type of photo. You will notice in our price list sizes with * next to them. This represents a standard size print for framing. Choose a print size based on the layout of your main image. For example, if you main image is a vertical landscape, chose the print size underneath the vertical price list. This will prevent the main photo from looking distorted.

What are the most common specs for a mosaic?

There really isn’t one set of rules for a good mosaic. You can get great results from 50 photos with a 16x20 print. But we recommend no smaller than that.

How do I know if I will like the results?

Not all mosaics are created the same. There are many variables that effect how well your mosaic is designed. Factors such as print size, number of photos, detail of the source image, cell border size, cell size, etc. all need examining.

We run several rendering tests and experiment with various settings to get the best results for your Mosaic. Once we feel that we have created the best results, we will email you a sample image. If you are happy with the results then we print and ship. If not, we go back to the drawing board. We will keep designing until you are completely satisfied with the results.

How long will it take to receive my mosaic?

The design time varies mostly upon the season. In general we need 2-3 weeks from the time we get your photos. Please let us know when you need it and we may be able to get it done sooner. Please plan ahead if you need it for Christmas. If you need it in 2 – 3 days, call us; we have special rush order pricing.

What kind of Paper and ink do you use to create a mosaic?

We use only top quality premium photo paper and ink. The paper is heavy weight and the ink is chrome-based meaning it will last up to 80 years.

I sent my photos, now what?

Once we get your photos or CD, we will send you a confirmation email, price quote and completion date. Of course we will discuss pricing and completion dates before you send your photos as well.

What if I don't have enough photos?

We will be happy to fill your mosaic in with our stock photos. Some of our best mosaics are done with a different theme type. For example, a wedding mosaic of a couple who are big Red Sox fans had their mosaic filled in with Red Sox players. Call us for details.

GENERAL

How can I send you my photos?
You can send your photos in any of the following ways: If your images are digital, (meaning they were taken with a digital camera) and don't need scanning:

You can send by email to info@flashbackcreations.biz
We are also currently looking into a FTP uploading program. Please check back.

Copy them on a CD and mail the CD to flashback creations

By "snail" mail. Send your photos (preferably in a 8x10 or 9x12 envelope) and protect your photos by inserting a hard cardboard-like structure inside. This will protect them from bending while in transit. Attach instructions on "stickies" or write a note informing us of any special cropping, removing of people/blemishes, center photo Ccd.

What do you require if I scan my own photos?
If you decide to scan your own photos, please be sure the resolution is 300dpi and scanned as a JPEG or TIFF. Scanning your own photos will reduce the cost of your project, however, Flashback can scan then for you for .35 cents each. Rest assured your photos will be sent back in the same condition they were received. We keep your photo stored in a fire/water proof safe when not being worked on.

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