Q: HOW DO YOU SUGGEST I FRAME THIS?

A: This is the most common question I get so it has it's own page with some photos with examples at rockytopstudio.com/framing-suggestions

A:  Yes, some sizes will.  My 5x5" prints will fit into the 9x9" RIBBA frame located here

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00078032
My 12x12" prints will fit the larger 20x20" RIBBA frames located here

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60078034

A: At this point I'm only doing prints up to 16x20". My largest size (16x16" for squares and 16x20" for rectangles) is available as limited editions of 25. Any larger sizes that come out in the future will also be in limited editions.
 

A: A limited edition print is a run of prints that, once sold, will never be printed again. All of my prints that are 16x16 or larger are printed in limited editions, and everything smaller is printed in open editions (an open edition will be printed over and over and there is no limit).

 

Q: DO YOU PRINT THESE YOURSELF OR HAVE THEM PRINTED FOR YOU?

A: I've been printing my own work since I began over 11 years ago. I really prefer to have control over the entire process. I started in the b&w darkroom and have progressed to a large Epson digital printer that prints with archival pigment inks up to 17" wide. I prefer matte papers because I love the feeling that the soft matte surface lends to my work, and it just feels more natural to my sensibilities. Any professional printer who prints "archival giclee fine art prints" is likely using a similar ink & paper to what I use, but by printing them myself I am able to ship the next day and create custom sizes for you.

Q:  CAN YOU PRINT IN A CUSTOM SIZE?

A:  Absolutely.  Generally my custom sizes will be the same price as the next size up, because it mostly depends on paper size.  If you have a custom request feel free to ask - I'm happy to work with you to print exactly what you want.

Q: HOW DO YOU PACKAGE THESE?

A: I try to make my packages as sturdy as possible so your print will arrive safely.  All prints are enclosed in clear archival bags and packaged between sturdy boards to ensure your print arrives in perfect condition.  Packages are marked on the front and back with big DO NOT BEND stickers.  Matted prints are shipped in sturdy boxes with a piece of (white, clean, new) newsprint for padding. Cards are shipped in flat mailers for quantities up to 6, and for more than that are shipped in boxes. 

A: I'm sorry, my cards are only available blank on the inside. I don't have any way of printing messages on the interiors. 

Q: DO YOU GIFTWRAP?

A: I'm sorry, due to the nature of how I ship these, I cannot gift wrap any of my items. I am more than happy to throw in a free gift card with any package that's a gift tho - just let me know if you'd like one. I'll chose a seasonally appropriate image for you.

Q: CAN YOU SHIP THIS DIRECTLY TO THE RECIPIENT FOR ME AS A GIFT?

A: Of course! If you'd like me to include a gift card with your message just let me know. I won't include a receipt, unless it's shipping to an international address where I'm required to include one.

Q: HOW DO YOU GET THAT EFFECT ON YOUR PHOTOS?

A: I use a huge variety of techniques to get whatever effect I desire for my prints. Although I was trained photographically in the black & white darkroom, I am now more than happy to employ any digital techniques I feel are necessary to create the image that I have in my head. So most of my images are a result of many hours of playing around with it on Photoshop using many layers and whatever techniques I feel like, and then living with it until I decide to change it again. I've been using Photoshop for 10 years or so, and even tho it's a relatively simple program, there are endless creative possibilities for anyone wanting to make an interesting image.

Q: HOW DO YOU DO THOSE BIRD SHOTS?

A: With lots of patience & persistence. For the flight shots, I have feeders (specially built for the purpose) set up around my house, I know the hours of day that the light works on them, and I shoot the birds through a window. I use a tripod with the camera focused on a spot I know they'll be flying through, and I try to click the shutter when that happens. For some of the other shots I go outside and spend some time blending with the trees. Eventually the birds come to me. The flight shots are very tricky - the magical combination of the bird being in focus, in the frame, and looking cute and/or interesting is a tough combination to come by. I've taken tens of thousands of shots and only a tiny percentage of them become prints.