1. Are photo sculptures really 3-D or is it an optical illusion?
They are really 3-dimensional. You can FEEL the 3-D! A cutout is 1/4-inch thick giving it dimension. With a popout photo sculpture the subject that "pops-out" protrudes from the background 1/4 inch. That's why when people see the statuettes for the first time they usually do a double-take and want to feel it to see if what they think they are seeing is actually real.
It is!
2. I'm confused with terms that are used like "cut out" and "pop out".
Some companies refer to only "cut outs" as photo sculptures. In actuality, both "cut outs" and "pop outs" are in the photo sculpture family. The appearance and format is descriptive with the terms "cut out" and "pop out". With "cut outs" the background is removed and only the subject remains.
With "pop outs" the subject protrudes from the background. Therefore, completed "cut outs" have contour edging while "pop outs" have a square or rectangle appearance as the photo's edge remains.
Which format should you order? It depends on what is shown in the background. Our suggestions: If the background is interesting, unique or helps to tell a story about the subject(s) then the photo is a good candidate for a "pop out". If not, then eliminate the distraction of a background and order a "cut out".
3. If I order today how long before I receive the sculpture?
It depends on the size of your order and the complexity. Turnaround time for standard sculptures (no extras) is usually 10 days or less to 2 weeks (seasonal). To assure delivery by a specific date, please allow 2-4 weeks.
4. Does it affect the cost if several people are shown in a photo that I want made into a sculpture? Does it cost more for a photo which shows a group of 5 people?
No. Our prices are based on photo size NOT what is shown in the photo. The number of people or animals shown in the photo does not affect cost.
5. What are the sculptures made of?
The base and back of cutouts and popouts are made with durable 1/4 inch acrylic. Smaller and portable pieces such as magnets, key rings, pins and ornaments are created with 1/8" acrylic. The edges are completed with a smooth finish. Four "bumpers" are placed underneath the base of stand-up sculptures to prevent the base
from moving and scratching.
6. Do your sculptures have a clear piece of acrylic on the surface as I have seen on some sculptures in the past?
No. There are very few, if any, creators who sandwich the photo between acrylic, the top surface being clear. That procedure was found to be problematic and not cost effective. Since acrylic is a petroleum based material, the cost from distributors has skyrocketed in recent years just as you have seen the price of gas jump at the pumps. Questions of durability should be focused towards the quality of photos and printing. The photos that we print are water, scratch and fingerprint resistant.
7. Can you give me details about your "100% satisfaction guaranteed" policy?
If you are not pleased with your photo sculpture you may return it, in it's original condition, for a re-do or refund within 30 days of delivery.
8. If I send you a picture to be made into a sculpture, how do I know it will look as good as
the ones shown here?
If we receive a photo to sculpt that would not look good as a sculpture, we will consult with you before proceeding.
In general, the ideal photo is one where the subject is close and in focus. All limbs of the person or animal are shown.The subject is not obstructed by another object.
The subject, that is going to be "cutout", should not be at the edge or off the edge of the photo or border. Avoid photos which include objects that photograph "thin" such as golf clubs, ski poles, ribbon, flower stems etc.
The size of the subject in the photo will decide how large the statue will be. Whether the photo was shot vertically or horizontally can affect the size of your finished sculpture. For helpful tips in improving your photography
skills, you may find the information at the following link helpful...Quick Guide to Taking Better Photos. You may also find the information about the photo sculpturing process here beneficial.
9. Do you accept digital or scanned photos via e-mail?
For best results and longlasting color and quality of your photo sculpture, we highly recommend the use of prints which have been
produced in a professional lab at your favorite film/photo processor (most pro photographers and/or Wal-Mart, Costco, CVS etc). However, if it is more convenient for you to send a scanned or digital
picture via e-mail we do accept and can print them. Send to sales@funfotos.com at a minimum of 200 dpi (up to 5x7) or 300 dpi (larger than 5x7). To reduce transmission time save the photo file
as a .jpg (JPEG) file before sending. Send digital photos directly from camera to avoid e-mail size restrictions. Image resolution should be as follows...
For a 4x6" print, image resolution should be 768 x 512 pixels minimum
For a 5x7" print, image resolution should be 1024 x 768 pixels minimum
For an 8x10" print, image resolution should be 1536 x 1024 pixels minimum
When printing, we will crop the photo to get it as close to the size of sculpture you have ordered. However, size will probably not be exact since we will sustain the original
aspect ratio (width to height) to prevent distortion. In addition, images from digital cameras are more square than rectangle as with traditional photo sizes. Depending on layout or design of image, your photo/cutout
may not stand at the height (RE: 6", 7" or 10") of traditional formatted photos. However, the total image size will be the same in "square inches" as the size ordered. Computer generated prints are sprayed with an invisible protectant.
The cost for each "professional quality " print is...3x4-4x6 (12"sq. to 24" sq.)--$3...5x7 (35" sq.)--$4...8x10 (80" sq.)--$5.
Due to variations in monitor displays, screen resolutions, e-mail size restrictions and transfer
capabilities, the photo we print here will not look identical to your original in size or color. That is one of the reasons we recommend sending us
a photo that has been printed in a lab. For the greatest customer satisfaction, we know you'll be pleased with your photo sculpture if the picture you have seen
as a print and approved is sent to us and used in creating your sculpture.
10. Does it make any difference what kind of photo is used...lab printed vs computer generated?
Yes. Most computer printed photos are printed with the image on the surface of the paper instead of imbedding the image in the emulsion of the paper, as is done in lab printing. Therefore, most photos that are printed by computer, including "do-it-yourself quick prints" available in retail outlets, will probably fade
and/or the ink will become discolored within a few years. In general, most computer generated prints are not as durable as lab prints either. Since the image is at the surface on computer prints, the image is at a high risk for scratching, fingerprints, fading and moisture damage.
As to our computer printing procedures...for the best in photo appearance and quality we use the highest quality photo paper, inks and printer. Our photos are resistant to fingerprint, moisture and scratch damage and are a "soft gloss" in appearance. Nothing can prevent damage to photos 100%.
If you are going to send a "hard copy" photo to us via snail mail, the best quality photos are those that are lab printed. If a computer print is your choice, either printed by you or a retail outlet, the quality, longeviity and durability of the photos will probably be an issue in the future. If this is not a concern of yours, and convenience is a top priority, send us the photo. For customer satisfaction and the highest quality in computer generated prints, it would be best
if Fun Fotos printed the photo for you. Of course, if you send us a digital image via e-mail we will be printing your pictures and longevity problems will not be an issue. In summary...
OptionResultLongevityDurability
Sending us lab prints ideal good good
We print images good good good
Send computer copies not recommended poor poor
11. Can you make a copy of a photo, use the copy to make the sculpture and return the original picture?
Yes, we can make a copy and return your original photo. On the order form at "Special Instructions", note that you want a copy made and the original returned. Include the cost of a print according to the size that you want. All of the photos that we print are
moisture, scratch and fingerprint resistant. If you don't want to use an original (and perhaps only) picture that was produced by a professional photographer, you can also arrange with the photographer for him/her to make you a copy.
12. Can you tell me more about your company?
Fun Fotos was created in 1993. It arrived on the web in February 2001. Marilyn Lyons, the owner of
Fun Fotos, is an award-winning photographer with an Associate of Photographic Technology degree from the Ohio Institute of Photography & Technology.
The design concepts practiced in photography are reflected in Fun Fotos' 3-D sculptures. Fun Fotos' sculptors were trained by the pioneers of the industry, those who own the patent, and practice the original process which brought the concept it's popularity.
Marilyn is involved with the design and creation of each photo figure. She's dedicated to "creating the highest quality 3-D photo sculptures and pleasing the customer".
Not all photo sculptures are made the same way.
Click here for information.
"I had to write. I received the "pop-out" today, and the whole
department absolutely loves it! It far exceeded my expectations -
not only in the quality of the design, but also in its timeliness.
My boss will be so proud to display it. I will be sure
to recommend your services to all family & friends."
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"I had to write. I received the "pop-out" today, and the whole 