FAQ

Below are answers to many of the questions you may have regarding Exel Photography's products and services. If you have additional questions not answered below, please call us at 412-969-7094
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  1. What type of photographic paper do you use? We print exclusively on Kodak Professional Endura Paper for all photographic printing. We offer both Lustre (E-Surface) and Metallic finishes (Glossy may also be available – call for details). Kodak Endura Paper sets the standard in professional printing, so you can feel confident giving your client the best paper in the industry that offers the best representation of your work.
  2.  What is the difference between lustre and metallic paper? Lustre paper is similar to matte, but with a textured finish. It is the standard in traditional professional printing.
    The Lustre/Luster (E-Surface) paper features:
    • Medium contrast for more true to life skin tones
    • Enhanced highlight and shadow detail
    • Works well for a variety of photographic applications
    • State-of-the-art image stability
    The Metallic paper features:
    • High gloss finish with tear resistant laminate layers
    • 3-Dimensional/metallic appearance
    • Ideal for outdoor images, black/white, and portraits
    • Has been described as "chrome on paper"
    • State-of-the-art image stability
  3.  How much is shipping? Most canvas and specialty product orders exceeding $50.00 will ship FREE OF CHARGE.
    Gallery Block orders are subject to a $7.50 shipping charge, plus 5% of the sub-total of the order.
    All other orders are $7.00.
    You can upgrade to 2nd Day Air for $15.00 or Next Day Air for $30.00.
    Album orders ship for $10.00 through FedEx ground.
  4. Is there a minimum amount for ordering? No, there are no minimums for ordering.
  5. When will my order ship? We offer a 24-hour turnaround time on most print orders from the time the order begins processing. Orders including mounted prints, gallery wraps, gallery blocks, albums and prints that require retouching may extend the expected turnaround time. Orders that are received on Friday after business hours will be treated as orders received on Monday morning. We do not make shipments on weekends.
    Please note: Delays may occur during the holidays, depending on our daily volume as well as our shipping courier’s volume.
  6. How long will it take to receive my order? Once your order is shipped, the time it takes in transit depends on your location.
    The following is an estimate of Federal Express ground shipping times:

    East Coast: 1-2 Business Days
    Midwest: 2-3 Business Days
    Southwest: 3-4 Business Days
    Northwest and West Coast: 4-5 Business Days
  7. What happens if my order arrives damaged? We strive to ensure that each order is properly packaged for safe arrival. In the event that your order arrives damaged please contact us at 412-969-7094, within three (3) working days to have your order replaced. We reserve the right to ask for the return of the original order.
  8. How do I know you received my Catalog order? Shortly after you place your order, you will receive a confirmation email. In the event that an e-mail confirmation is not received within 24 hours, please contact one of our customer service representatives at 412-969-7094 immediately, to ensure we have received your order.
  9. How can i order from the catalog?  Simply choose the Catalog link, and fill in the information.  Send payment via Paypal to email address FUZZIE@LOLLI.ORG  If you are paying by check, send check made payable to: Alan Beddingfield, 7355 Bennett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 
  10. How do i pay by check or money order?  If you are paying by check, send check made payable to: Alan Beddingfield, 7355 Bennett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208  
  11. Will I be notified when my order is shipped? Yes, once your order is prepared for shipment, you will receive an automated email with a tracking number.   
  12. What kind of albums does your photo lab offer? We offer the Infinity Flush Mount Album. It is an extremely high quality photographic album that is offered in panoramic or split style format. Panoramic is free of a gutter down the middle of the album while the split style book has a very small 2mm gutter. We offer a variety of covers and other options to customize your album.
  13. What is the turnaround time for the Infinity Flush Mount Album?
    The Infinity Flush Mount Album require a 30-day turnaround time from time of order.
  14. Does your photo lab offer album design services?
    Yes, our professional album designers will create your album design for only $5.00 per side. Turnaround time on most album designs are 10 working days.             
  15. What type of paint is used on the Hand Painted Canvas? We only use top-of-the-line heavy archival acrylic paints for the detail work on the canvas. The canvas is then coated with a UV gel-gloss layer to keep it looking perfect for many years to come.
  16. Do I have input on what colors are used, embellishments are used and where the paint will be applied?
    At this time, we are leaving the artistic vision of the Hand Painted Canvas up to our EXTREMELY talented and highly experienced artist. This provision ensures the final canvas will be a true one-of-a-kind professional piece of artwork. 
  17. How should I care for my Hand Painted Canvas?
    Canvases may be wiped down CAREFULLY with a damp cloth, but no care is really required. Do not put the Hand Painted Canvas in direct sunlight or in a room that is moisture filled.
  18. Does my Hand Painted Canvas come ready to hang?Yes, like all Exel canvases, the Hand Painted Canvas comes with a finished back, attached mounting bracket and clear rubber wall bumpers.
  19. What is the Hand Painted Canvas process?Hand Painted Canvases are created by our experienced painters. Using their vast artistic experience, they create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Acrylic paint is precisely applied by hand to spot locations on the canvas, including the sides. The flesh of the people in the image is not painted. Our painters only add to the background, scenery, clothing, jewelry, and such. After drying for an exact amount of time, our artists apply gel-gloss coats over the canvas to create a unique layered effect.
  20. Can I see the actual brushstrokes on the Canvas?Yes! You can touch and feel the actual brushstrokes and there is a layered 3-D look to many areas of the canvas!
  21. How is my Hand Painted Canvas shipped?All canvases are carefully wrapped in bubble wrap and cardboard sleeves so as not to damage the acrylic paint and to prevent any chipping or scuffing during shipment.
  22. What is the turnaround time to receive my Hand Painted Canvas?We quote 15 business days to ensure the most wonderful acrylic application to your favorite canvas image, as well as the time necessary for the layered acrylic paint to dry thoroughly!
  23. Can I cancel a Hand Painted order?Unfortunately Hand Painted Canvas orders cannot be cancelled
  24. What is Luster Finish mean? It is a type sheen that will be visible on your luster prints, it is in-between glossy and matte. You may also see it spelled lustre on our website and other places, luster and lustre are used interchangeably.
  25. What is Metallic Finish mean?  It is a type sheen that will be visible on your metallic prints, it is a finish with a high gloss sheen that gives your images a deep, rich effect.
  26. Why does it state Lustre/Luster on your website?
    There is no difference between Lustre and Luster, we here at Exel use it interchangeably as “Lustre” is used in the professional photography industry and “Luster” is the correct spelling for the sheen on the paper.
  27. What is Pearl Cardstock Paper? Pearl refers to the type of metallic shimmer that is evident on this particular cardstock.
  28. What is Semi-Gloss Cardstock Paper? Semi-gloss refers to the type of sheen that is in-between glossy and matte and evident on this particular cardstock.
  29. What is Linen Cardstock Paper? Linen refers to the texture and look of the paper used on this particular cardstock.
  30. What is Protective UV Coating? Protective UV Coating is a special material that is adhered to your product that creates a protective barrier and longer lasting.
  31. How does a Tri-Fold differ from a Gate-Fold? The tri-fold panels are all of the same size and fold evenly on top of each other. The gate-fold has two smaller panels that open and close onto a larger panel creating the products aptly named “gate” function.
    32. Gallery BlocksShipping Information
    $7.50 plus 5% of your SUB-TOTAL (*No need to figure out the calculations, our software will do it for you.) Ground Shipping is the ONLY available shipping method at this time.                Turnaround Time refers to the time it takes to physically create the product; it does not refer to the shipping time. Cancellation Policy Due to the resources and supplies needed to create this unique product, there is a no cancellation policy in place. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. To ensure you are satisfied with your order, an experienced “Quality Control Officer” will be inspecting each order and we will contact you with any irregularities.
    Cube DecorShipping Information
    $7.50 plus 5% of your SUB-TOTAL (*No need to figure out the calculations, our software will do it for you.) Ground Shipping is the ONLY available shipping method at this time. Turnaround Time refers to the time it takes to physically create the product; it does not refer to the shipping time. Cancellation Policy Due to the resources and supplies needed to create this unique product, there is a no cancellation policy in place. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. To ensure you are satisfied with your order, an experienced “Quality Control Officer” will be inspecting each order and we will contact you with any irregularities.
    Metal Prints Cleaning & Care Instructions
    Like other photos, it is best not to expose the metal print to direct sunlight. It is waterproof and a great way to preserve a photo for generations. The surface can scratch and should be handled with care. Do not stack metal prints on top of metal prints. Metal prints can be cleaned with any glass cleaner; however, be sure to use a clean rag.
    Metal Print Disclaimer Tiny bumps and imperfections in the metal are inevitable. When the prints are quality controlled by our professionally trained team, a metal print may be reprinted only if the bump is on a very noticeable focal point of the photo and distracts from the image.