Photos - Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How should
we take photos of employees?
Answer: The best way is to use a digital camera. A high resolution
photo is not required since the photo is not going to be enlarged.
Photos with a file size of approximately 30k, (normal or VGA setting),
will work fine. A larger file size with also work, however, the
time it takes to upload, (email), them to us will increase. This
can be time consuming when you have a large number of photos to
email.
Question:
How do we send photos to you?
Answer: You have several choices. You
can email your photos to us at the following address; sales@photoidbadges.com,
or mail them to us (P.O. Box 328, Niles, Ohio 44446), on CD, Compact
Flash Card, Smart Media Card, Zip Disk, Floppy Disc. We can also
scan in your existing photos, however, a surcharge will apply
according to the number of photo ID cards or photo ID badges to
be printed.
*Please rename the photos to reflect the employee's name if possible.
This is a very easy process. If you need assistance renaming the
files we will be happy to assist you.
Question:
Should we keep a backup copy of our photos?
Answer: Yes! It may save from having
to retake the photos if something would happen to the photo files
you send us. It is always advisable to make a backup of your photos
and your personnel information. Email can become lost or files
may become corrupted. If shipping an actual disk to us it may
also get lost in the mail or the disk may be damaged during shipping.
Always use proper packaging to protect your discs from damage
during shipping.
Question: Should
we take close-up photos?
Answer: Do not zoom
in too closely on the subject's face. Take your photos from the
chest area up. We will crop the photos accordingly.
Question: What
type of background should we use for the photos?
Answer: A felt type
fabric is inexpensive and will not reflect glare as a shiny material
will. A piece approximately 3 feet by 3 feet can be purchased
from a local fabric store or discount store. You should avoid
white or tan walls as a background or your Photo ID Cards and
Photo ID Badges might have an off-white or tan look to them. Also,
avoid using paneling, brick, cement block, etc. for a background
if possible as it is more difficult to change the background colors
if needed. Fabric will give you a much nicer appearance to your
photo ID card.
Question: How
should we position a U.S. flag for a background?
Answer: Hang an opened
flag either horizontally or vertically. Have your subject stand
with their head centered between the stars and stripes. If they
are not centered you might have either all stars or all stripes
in the photo. A flag hanging on a pole does not usually work out
very well and you may have mostly a wall for a background. If
you prefer a flag in the background you must have a flag present
while photographing your personnel. It is too time comsuming for
us to add a flag to the photos. We are able to print a color image
of a flag on the identification cards and identification badges
outside of the photo area if you prefer.
What are the size and composition of the ID cards and ID badges?
Both are made of PVC plastic. They are the exact size and thickness of a credit card.
Will the photos and text fade over time?
The photos and or text can slowly fade over time, especially if the ID is placed in an ID case or wallet. Fading or wearing away is a normal process due to the rubbing that occurs, especially when the ID is placed in a wallet or ID case that is inserted into a pocket.
The fading process will be slower on the front than the back due to the thin clear overlay panel that is applied during the printing process when full color is used, however, gradual fading can still occur. IDs with black text only on the back will fade faster since there is NO overlay applied when black ink only is used.
The overlay panel applied when full color printing is used will slow the fading process but it is NOT a heavy laminate that can prevent fading altogether. Any ID that fades within the first thirty (30) days of purchase date will be replaced free of charge. Fading is not warranted after thirty (30) days. Fading is usually not a serious problem with ID cards.
Please feel free to contact us if you need
any additional information.
