printLife

InstaPrints Wall

Check out our new Color Inc InstaPrints Wall! We call it the "InstaWall" showing off pictures of our lovely employees :) This is a perfect idea for someone looking to spice up a boring wall. It's affordable, easy, and allows you to swap pictures out as you take new photos of your friends and family. Would be perfect for an entry way or a college dorm room! How do you use your InstaPrints?

Wondering how to make this collage? It's easy. Head into ROES and select the InstaPrints catalog. Drag your images into the free templates and send them to Color Inc! Once you receive them, grab wire, thumb tacks, and clothes pins and start arranging them as you see fit. Abracadabra .. you're finished! A beautiful new Color Inc InstaPrints Wall!

Visual People

Photographers are busy people. Whether it's capturing a 12 hour wedding, running around taking pictures of families, editing thousands of images, or chasing your own children around, it leaves little time to think about yourself. Often, photographers forget or don't find time to capture the memories within their own family, let alone display them in their houses.

When guests, family, or client's walk into your house, your space is a reflection of you and your style. Having a single 8x10 canvas on a large wall wouldn't encourage them to purchase a 40x40. Many clients may not be able to take into consideration the size of images they are purchasing, and the impact each size creates on a wall. We are all visual people - advertise what you'd like to sell.

As you can see below, an 8x10 doesn't look proportional to the wall but the 24x36 is a perfect fit! Photos by Emily Moelker.

 

Don't forget about the other rooms in your house! Spruce up your office, kitchen, or a laundry room like Anya Plummer of Photos by Anya did! :)

Anya took this picture of her daughter and transformed it into a beautiful wall display for her laundry room!

She used Cluster 21 of our Standout Clusters to make this display. This includes 4-8x8's and 1-20x24 printed on our Standard Professional Paper and mounted on 3/4" Standout Board. Choose between Black, White or Brushed Aluminum finishes! 

For more information on standout mounts and our mounting options be sure to click here. Or if you need a little help getting a collage started, be sure to check out our Standout Clusters option that allows you to check out templates we've made to make the process a little easier! :)

To check out more of Anya's work, make sure to LIKE her facebook page by clicking here! Show us how you use Color Inc to spruce up your home by emailing photos to katie@colorincprolab.com! 

Have a GREAT day! :)

We Love to Chat!

 

Need your question answered fast?

Take advantage of Color Inc's Live Chat by clicking here. During normal business hours, you'll be instantly connected to one of our Customer Service Pros who can help you answer any question you may have. Wether you have a question on an order, curious about a product, or have a technical problem, we are here to help!

 

Not in the mood to talk on the phone? 

Most of your questions can be answered by checking out the Color Inc "Help" Section. We have tutorials, videos, and step by step directions to make your next ROES experience stress free! 

Wondering about a product? Make sure to check out our products page by clicking here. With photos, pricing and dimensions, you'll be able to get a better feel on what we have to offer!

 

General Questions: 

We have our top asked questions listed under "General Questions." 

- No minimum order nor yearly requirement

- Looking for "Regular Prints?" You'll find them in our Standard Professional Prints Catalog in ROES

- For foil stamping, you can have up to 13 Characters for the first line and an additional 4 for the 2nd Line.

- Drop Shipping refers to when your order is shipped to any address that isn't the one we have on file. The order is shipped without an invoice, and packaged in a plain unmarked box.

- We ship all over the world!

 

Other ways to connect:

    Facebook - Check out "Pic of the Day!"

    Instagram - See what were up to at the Lab- @ColorInc!

    Twitter - Send us a tweet!

Our Solution to Less Pollution!

Our Solution To Less Pollution!

Copyright your Images (Using Adobe Photoshop & Bridge)

We all know that copyrighting your images is a must-do, but are we doing everything we can for it? Do you know that you can easily apply your copyright information with Adobe Bridge? This information is stored in the metadata of your file(s). Basically a 'behind-the-scenes' way to ensure your image will always have your information attached to it. Here's how:

First let's create basic a Metadata Template in Photoshop.

Open an image in Photoshop.

From the top menu bar click 'File/File Info...'

 

 

 

 

 

We will fill out the Description tab, then move on to the IPTC tab.

• Fill out all information in the Description tab that applies to your business.*

*There are some properties are not pertinent to fill out at this time, and may change with each session.

SAMPLE Copyright Notice: © 2011, Color Inc Digital Pro Lab

 

• Next click on the IPTC tab. Fill out all information pertinent to your business*.

*Please note that information such as: Keywords and Descriptions are optional and may change with different sessions. I chose to leave these out at this time. If you'd like you can create different metadata templates for different types of session, such as weddings, seniors, families etc. I find that a simple studio copyright will work just fine.

Now we will save your template.

• Click the pop-up menu to the left of the 'Cancel' button.
• Choose 'Export' 
• Name the file as you wish. I chose 'Copyright'. This will save your template for batch use in Bridge.
• Click 'OK'

You should now see a © symbol pop-up next to your file name.

• Save your image.

Head over to Adobe Bridge and select a folder of images you'd like to apply this metadata copyright to.

• Select all the images. (Mac: command+A; PC: control+A)
  
• Click 'Tools' from the top menu bar.  
  
• Select 'Append Metadata' and the name of the template you just saved. This will automatically apply your copyright information to your selected images.

 

 

 

 

 That's it! You should now see the IPTC data come up on the right-hand side of Bridge when looking at an image. You will also see your © Copyright Notice text when you open your images in Photoshop, and when looking in any 'file info' or 'properties' commands.

New Product + SALE! Save 20% on Gallery Wrap Canvases in Clusters!

 

  
Make a statement with our Gallery Wrapped Clusters! Help your clients tell a story with one of our 30+ Gallery Wrapped Clusters all while selling more than just a single print! Our Gallery Wrapped Clusters are groupings of prints intended for display together on a wall for a dramatic story telling effect.

All Gallery Wrapped Cluster sets are hand wrapped around a 1.5 inch frame with the finest attention to detail. Each piece is properly finished with a wire hanger, bumpers, and you can choose to leave the back open or cover it with Tyvek backing. In addition, your canvas will be coated with Hahnemuhle protective spray which protects your work from harmful UV rays and other atmospheric contaminants.

Simply select the "Gallery Wrapped Products" catalog in ROES by clicking on the "Sizes" button, and then selecting the "Gallery Wrapped Clusters" catalog.


Gallery Wrapped Clusters have a turnaround time of 5 - 7 business days.

If you have any questions on how to order your Gallery Wrapped Clusters, contact the lab by phone at 1.800.475.8340, by email at info@colorincprolab.com, or by utilizing the instant chat option on the ColorInc homepage.

Express Print Sale!

 

For those of you looking to save money this summer (and that is probably all of us) utilizing the Express Prints Catalog in ROES is a quick and easy way to start!

Express Prints are printed on our high-quality Fujifilm Standard Professional Paper (the same paper as our Standard Prints), and the only difference is the price! When ordering from the Express Prints Catalog, there is a minimum order quantity of 20 prints. If you fail to meet the 20 print minimum, the prints will be charged with Standard Print Pricing.

Another point to keep in mind, be sure to get your order total over $15. With the order total over $15, the $8.50 handling fee will be waived and allow you the maximum amount of savings.

If you have any questions on how to order your Express Prints, contact the lab by phone at 1.800.475.8340, by email at info@colorincprolab.com, or by utilizing the instant chat option on the ColorInc homepage.

Printlife REWIND: ROES Packager & Presenter

The Color Inc ROES software has many features built into it that are useful for photographers. Take a look at how these two great features can help automate your ordering process, and make it easy to showcase your images to your clients.

Packager

The packager tool is available in your Color Inc ROES software, and is a useful feature for any photographer who needs to order any quantity of a single image in several different sizes. Packager helps take the work out of your hands by allowing ROES to automate it.

For a complete video tutorial on Packager, click here.
Or, for a PDF file with step-by-step instructions on Packager, Download ROES_Packager_Guide

Presenter

The Presenter is a feature that enables you to present your images in a professional manner to your clients when they are in your studio. This tool includes a great slide show option as well as a side by side comparison of any two images.

For a complete video tutorial on Presenter, click here.
Or, for a PDF file with step-by-step instructions on Presenter, Download ROES_Presenter_Guide

If you have any questions on either Packager or Presenter, please feel to contact us at 1.800.475.8340, or by email at info@colorincprolab.com

Rearrange Your Cluster or Panel Split!

When you choose from any one of our Standout Image Cluster or Gallery Wrapped Panel Split designs, dont be afraid to get creative! You can spice up a foyer, recreate the space above your mantel, or even make a masterpiece out of a staircase wall with one of our original Cluster or Panel Split choices. Or, by changing an image orientation either vertically or horizontally from our original designs, you can easily customize your very own Cluster or Panel Split!

 

Here are a few variations to consider...

 

Standout Image Cluster:

Cluster 22 (Original)

 

 

Cluster 22 (Variation 1)

Cluster 22 (Variation 2)

 

 

Gallery Wrapped Panel Splits:

Gallery Wrapped Panel Split 8 (Original)

 

Gallery Wrapped Panel Split 8 (Variation 1)

 

Gallery Wrapped Panel Split 8 (Variation 2)

 

To order in ROES:

1. Click on “Sizes”.

2. Click on “Catalog”.

3. From the Catalog menu, choose either “Standout Image Clusters” or “Gallery Wrapped Panel Splits”.

4. In the “Sizes” menu, choose your desired design.

5. On the right hand side, click on “Folder”, select the folder of images needed, and click “Choose”.

6. Drag desired images into template on the left side.

7. Either format images as seen on the website (Cluster / Panel Splits) OR change an image orientation either vertically or horizontally to customize your Cluster or Panel Split. (As shown above).

8. Once finished, click “Add to Order”.

9. Click “Review Order”.

 

 

Design, customize, and create your own personalized Standout Image Cluster or Gallery Wrapped Panel Split today!

 

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact the lab by phone at 1.800.475.8340, by email at info@colorincprolab.com, or by utilizing the instant chat option on the ColorInc homepage.

 

ColorInc Holiday Shipping Timeline

With the holiday season in full swing we know how easy it can be to lose track of time! To ensure your orders arrive on time for the holidays we've compiled a list of processing and shipping dates to eliminate some of the guess work this holiday season!

 

Standard Print Orders (United States):

 

• Orders received before midnight on December 19 will arrive on or before December 24 with no additional shipping charges or upgrades.

**For customers located in a closer proximity to Michigan (i.e. Ohio, Illinois, Indiana & Wisconsin) Orders received before midnight on December 21 will arrive on or before December 24 with no additional shipping charges or upgrades.**

 

• Orders received before midnight on December 21 will arrive on or before December 24 with 2^nd Day Air ($30) or USPS Express (Actual Shipping Costs Apply) upgrades.

   

• Orders received before midnight on December 22 will arrive on or before December 24 with Next Day Air (Actual Shipping Cost Apply) upgrades.

 

 

Gallery Wrapped Canvas Orders (United States):

 

• ALL Gallery Wrapped Canvas orders must be received before midnight on December 15 to arrive on or before December 24.

 

 

Press Printed Cards/Books (United States):

 

• Orders received before midnight on December 13 will arrive on or before December 24 with no additional shipping charges or upgrades.

   

• Orders received before midnight on December 15 will arrive on or before December 24 with 2^nd Day Air ($30) or Next Day Air (Actual Shipping Costs Apply) upgrades.

Standard Print Orders (Canada):

 

• Orders received before midnight on December 12 will arrive on or before December 24 with Priority Mail International Shipping ($16).

 

• Orders received before midnight on December 16 will arrive on or before December 24 with Express Mail International Shipping ($25).

 

Standard Print Orders (Australia/New Zealand):

 

• Orders received before midnight on December 16 will arrive on or before December 24 with Express Mail International Shipping (Actual Shipping Costs Apply).

Guilty By Association

The title is a little harsh, but sometimes that is how life rolls.

I just want to take a moment to share a message that is on my heart.  As I type this, unbeknown to me, I am Guilty by Association and this is not a fun place to be.  “How?” I ask myself, and “Why me?”  This sucks!!  I pray, I seek the Lord, I talk to my wife, and I talk to my Director of Operations for guidance on how to proceed.

The answer in my heart is this: Speak this message…. put it in words…. it will save a few people future heartache.  Looking back, my mother’s words ring sooooo true, “Choose your friends wisely” and “You are who you hang around with”. 

My thoughts – Friends are like elevators, they will take you up or down.  Seek good solid relationships.  If something feels a little off, it probably is.  Dig deeper and don’t second-guess your gut.  Be of good character and be sure your close friends are as well.  I pray that my mistake will give you the opportunity for future success in choosing the right relationships.

Regretful? Yes! Good learning experience? Yes! Moving on? Yes!

 

Peace

Tim

In a Rush? We can help!

If you find yourself in a rush to get your prints back, we have not one, but two options available to you. 

VIP Rush Processing

VIP Rush places your order at the top of the processing queue. If your order is in by 12 noon EST, it will go out yet that day! If your order does not go out the same day, we will refund your VIP Rush charge. This service is only available in ROES, in the Review Order window.

The VIP Rush Processing is only available for non-color corrected orders on Standard E-surface paper that do not contain extra work (no mounting, spray coating, texturizing, etc ).

100% Guaranteed Rush

This service is the real life saver. When you absolutely have to have your order immediately, you want to select the 100% Guaranteed Rush service. All orders qualify for Guaranteed Rush, but your order must be received by 2:00pm EST, and your credit card authorization must be completed before 2:30pm EST (in other-words: no declined cards). Guaranteed Rush is available on any order for an additional fee (order cost doubles + shipping). This service is only available through ROES, in the Review Order window.  If you need this order to arrive to you by the next day - upgrade your shipping option for an immediate turn around.

 

For more specific details, check out the Turnaround Time page on the website. 

 

Please contact the lab with any questions

1.800.475.8340 | info@colorincprolab.com | live chat on the homepage

How To Use the Control Panel

The Control Panel is an excellent tool that is available for you as soon as you create an account with ColorInc. By accessing your control panel you are able to update your account information, track your orders, view all of your past orders and much more. Take a look at your Control Panel and see how easy it is to use.

 

Where to find the Control Panel

- Go to the ColorInc homepage - www.colorincprolab.com

- Click the "login to control panel" link on the left sidebar

 

Using the Control Panel

- Insert the appropriate email address and password

- This will bring you to the Control Panel Dashboard [as shown below]

- From this screen you can access all of your account information.  

What Can I Do In the Control Panel?

• You can use the control panel to access all of your previous orders, check the status, and view thumbnails of the images you ordered
• edit your ColorInc profile information: credit card info, phone numbers, mailing address, billing address, and text message activation
  
• there are quick links to all of the ColorInc products, services and policies
  

 

Check out a previous blog post addressing changing your password. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@colorincprolab.com, by phone 1.800.4758340, or by the live chat option on the homepage.

Save the Date for Dawn McCarthy