I get LOTS of questions about my photos and this site, and some tend to repeat themselves. So, check out the Q&A we have going on below – everything you ever wanted to know! (OK, maybe not, but close 🙂 )
Q:
Are your books available in print form?
A:
Not at this time.
The reason for sticking to digital is three-fold.
First, it keeps the costs down. The books are large and full of colorful photos and illustrations – making them very expensive to print. Last time I checked, it would raise the cost on your end to over $60 – plus shipping. (Even I don’t think they are worth that much!)
Second, digital makes for easy updates. While some books don’t see updates very often since the information in them isn’t subject to change due to technology (like Secrets To Stunning Wildlife Photography), some books get updated far more frequently.
For example, the Nikon AF book was updated twice for new cameras within the first six months of publication. With digital, these updates are usually free, with paper, not so much. Plus, if I did issue a new update, everyone who purchased the book in hard copy form in the last month or two would want to return it for the updated version. Digital makes the update much easier.
Third and finally, it’s easier for me.
OK, I know that’s selfish, but the truth is, I don’t want to deal with shipping, damages in transit, and any printing issues. I’m a one-man operation and have more projects in front of me than I can ever finish.
So, digital saves me a ton of time and allows me to continue to write books, articles, and produce videos.
All that said, if you do want a hard copy, we’ve had people take the book to a printing place (like Kinko’s) and have it printed and bound. You are welcome to do so for a single copy for your own personal use. You can refer them to this page if they need permission.
Q:
How do I get the updated version of your books / video workshops?
A:
It’s easy! Just re-download the product using your existing link. The link always gives you to the latest version (within the current edition). You can check the book version on the product page (it’s next to “Format” at the top by the “add to cart” buttons).
If you need to recover your download link, see the next question 🙂
Q:
Help! I purchased your book / video workshop and lost it. How do I get it back?
A:
If you ordered one of our e-books or videos after January 1st, 2020 and can’t find the video or download, head to the My Account area of our cart and log in (if needed). Once you’re in, you’ll see tabs on the left for E-Books and Video Workshops. Just give the appropriate one a click and you’ll be all set.
If you ordered before January 1st 2020 and need to recover a download link, click here for a recovery page that you can use to get your receipt and download link resent to your e-mail address (it’s not charging you again, just sending the original transaction info). Note that from time to time overly ambitious e-mail filters will sometimes place your order into the Spam or Junk folder. If this doesn’t work, please contact me ASAP.
If you have any questions / problems, please contact us.
Q:
Are book / video updates free?
A:
As of January 1st 2023, not all updates are free anymore. Minor updates will remain free, however, there are times that due to firmware or software updates that a major overhaul to a book or video is required. In those cases, or in the case of new editions (like from version 1.x to 2.x) there is an update fee.
Q:
Do you ever offer discounts on your books or video workshops?
A:
Nope. I don’t play those kind of games. I believe the products are priced fairly. I don’t like playing the mark ’em up to mark ’em down game. So, I never run a sale and instead just start out with the real price 🙂 So, no need to worry about missing out on a lower price.
Q:
How do I download the books or videos onto my device?
A:
It’s actually really easy to get the products to your device. For books, click here, for video, click here. The info covers all the most poplar devices.
Q:
How do I give your book or video workshop away as a gift?
Q:
How many devices can I use the book / video on? Do I have to buy a separate book or video workshop for each device?
A:
You can use the products on ANY device you own. No need to buy extra copies.
General Questions
Q:
Do you ever do workshops?
A:
Yes, but only on a limited basis. The best way to learn about upcoming workshops is to sign up for our free e-mail newsletter (signup on the sidebar). All new workshops will be announced there. Note that we are currently sold out for the 2020 season.
Q:
So, what kind of camera do you use?
A:
Good question – I use Nikon and Sony bodies and lenses, but the truth is, it doesn’t matter one little bit what I use. Folks get so caught up in the type of camera and lens, but pretty much every image on this site could have been taken with any current DSLR on the market. It’s all about timing and using post processing after the fact to make it look the way it was when you snapped the shutter.
Q:
How much time do you spend taking pictures each year?
A:
It depends – ask my wife and she’ll tell you “Too much!”
I am generally out on at least 8-10 trips per year, many of them lasting 2+ weeks. It all depends on what’s on the photographic menu and how far I have to drive to get there. Make sure you’re on our free newsletter – many of those trips will be posted on the blog so you can follow along as I go (plus it’s a good way to find some pretty cool places to go on YOUR next trip).
Q:
Is there any way for me to upload my personal photos to the site?
A:
I’m glad you like the site enough to want to add your own photos, but at this time it’s strictly for my personal work. I’m in regular contact with publishers, buyers, and clients who need to examine my work and I need a site just for that.
We have had this question pop up a few times however, so I might come up with something down the road (probably using a different site name) that allows people to upload their nature-related photos.
Prints
Q:
How do I order prints?
A:
I only print on a very limted basis. If you would like to order a print, please contact me using this page. Let me know which image and what size and we can go from there. Thanks!
Q:
How is the print quality?
A:
The question that tends to come right on the heels of the one above is, “How good is the print quality?”
Short answer – it’s phenomenal.
Long Answer – I use a commercial grade printer (the kind you’d find in a photo lab) with inks and paper rated to last in excess of 100 years without fading (when framed under glass). All prints are on a premium quality luster surface paper with excellent shadow, highlight and mid-tone characteristics.
I’ve tried a variety of professional level photo labs and the results are always the same – my prints look better and have a better tonal range than the prints I get from the pro labs.
Additionally, since the print is made in-house, I completely control the final output with NO compromises. When I send you a print, I send out the best possible print I can.
Q:
How long are your prints guaranteed?
A:
So, at this point, you may be wondering if I guarantee the prints. You bet.
My prints are guaranteed to not to fade or deteriorate for as long as you own them – provided they are mounted using archival materials, under glass, and are kept out of direct sunlight.
Unfortunately, I cannot warrant against accidental damage on your part (ex – if you scratch or tear the print, if you get it wet, if you spill coffee on it, if you jump on it with dirty boots, etc).
Q:
Will my print match exactly what I see on my computer screen?
A:
Please note that the print you receive will likely NOT be a perfect match for what you see on your monitor. Sure, it’ll probably be close, but unless you use a calibration device to adjust your monitor every week, it may not be a precise match.
See, every monitor displays slightly different. Some are brighter, some are darker, some are a little too blue, some are a little too red – you get it.
However…
The good news is that a website is a poor substitute for an actual print. Even my calibrated monitors pale in comparison to the actual print.
So, when you unwrap that print for the first time, chances are you’ll be blown away at how much better it looks in person 🙂
Q:
What is your return policy for prints?
A:
I want you to LOVE your prints!
I want you to be proud to show them off to family and friends. If for any reason a print does not meet your expectations, simply return it in original condition within 30 days for a full refund.
