These are frequently asked questions about MindWorks Photography, our photos and our products.
Where do you shoot?We have a beautiful studio in Muskego Wisconsin. Additionally we photograph wherever you desire. It may be a sporting event, a favorite park, a pet store, a humane society, or even your home. Will you come to my event?Absolutely! Whether you're hosting a corporate party or want your child's sporting event covered, We'll be happy to be there capturing the memories. Contact us to schedule! How do I order? You may order online, via phone order or by calling 262.679.7900. Each is explained below.
On Line
- Select a photo to purchase.
- Select the size to be printed.
- Enter the quantity.
- Click the Select Options & Add to Cart button.
- Select your finish and any other customization then click Add to Cart.
- Repeat 1-5 until all photos in all sizes desired have been ordered.
- Click the View Cart button.
- Review your cart, updating as needed.
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Select your delivery preference (Pick-up has no cost).
- Enter a Promotion Code if you have one.
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Complete the Billing and Shipping Information.
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Add comments as needed to help us prepare your order the way you want it.
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Click on the Pay Online Button.
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Review your order and click the Place Order button.
- After a brief pause you will see the completed transaction.
Note - if you don't get an order number of an email confirmation, your order has NOT been placed. If you are unsure, please contact us for assistance.
Pay by Phone
- Follow steps 1-12 above (same as On Line)
- Click on the Pay by Phone button
- An email will be sent with the order information, and a copy will be sent to you
- When your order is next in the queue for printing, we'll contact you at the number you provide in the Billing Information section
- We'll finalize your order via the phone conversation
Order by Phone
- Call 262.679.7900.
- Ask for Carol.
- If I'm available, I'll help you with your order over the phone.
- If I'm not available, leave a message including your name, contact number and that the call is regarding photos.
- I'll call back as soon as possible.
What do you charge? There are many variables involved, which makes a discussion of fees complicated. Here are some of the guidelines, and the rest is worked out individually as needed:
- Event Photography (e.g. sporting or school events, dance recitals, etc.) - no fee for taking the pictures. Each attendee purchases what s/he wants.
- Team Pictures - no fee for taking the pictures. Each member purchases what s/he wants. Memory Mates are created with a picture of the team and the individual.
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Weddings - There are 2 levels that account for the amount of time spent capturing your special day and the amount of credit toward your prints. Gold is $1600 including a $350 Photo Pass and a DVD with all of your photos on it. Diamond is $3000 including a $500 Photo Pass and a DVD with all of your photos on it. A discussion with your photographer will reveal the benefits of each level and help you decide which fits best. If you have a custom need, just ask and we'll work with you to fit our services to your need.
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Graduation Portraits - A deposit of $325 is charged. In addition to your session (typically 1.5-2 hours with as many costume changes as you want) you receive a $325 Photo Pass to use when purchasing your prints.
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Portrait Parties - for graduations, birthdays or any milestone event. Rather than having your portrait taken alone, bring some friends. It's fun and your portraits will reflect the good time you're having. When a group of 2 or more schedules a Portrait Party, an additional $10 will be added onto each participant's Photo Pass.
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Family Portraits - Much the same as graduations (see above). The fee is $325 for the session which includes a $325 Photo Pass. - Pet Portraits - Sessions are brief so as not to stress your pet. Fees are $25 for the session. Prints are purchased individually.
Packages start at $22.50. As you look through the albums, you'll see the combinations that are available for $22.50 and up. We also make key chains, greeting cards, calendars and books.
What do you charge for shipping?Shipping charges are based on where the item is printed and how you choose to receive it. Most items are printed by us in our facility, but we sometimes utilize an external lab for special items. Items externally printed are charged the same shipping as the lab charges us.
If you elect to have your items shipped, fees start at $3.94 and are based on actual shipping costs for your order. If your order includes items from both our facility and the external lab, your shipment will arrive in 2 packages. What is a Photo PassA Photo Pass is a code that has a dollar amount associated with it. Sessions that require payment typically include a Photo Pass. At the end of the check-out process, before you decide whether to pay online or by phone, you will have the opportunity to enter your Photo Pass. The associated amount will then be deducted from your order and the order total will be recalculated. You can check the balance of your Photo Pass here. How can I schedule a session? Contact me and we'll discuss the nature of your shoot (portrait, event, location, etc.).
- Call us at 2 62.679.7900
- Send an email to Carol
I'll work with you to pick a date and place, or arrange to cover the event in which you're interested.
How quickly will I see my photos?Generally, the pictures will be published to this Internet site (your album or albums may be password protected at your request) within 4-6 days, sometimes faster. Speed is determined by many factors including the number of photos taken, the number of sessions in a close time frame, and the amount of computer processing that needs to be done. For many, viewing via the Internet is a cost effective substitute for printed proofs. After reviewing the photos, you place your order (via the Internet, or via telephone), and then it takes up to 4 weeks for printing and packaging. When possible we deliver sooner. What paper finishes are available?Each product is available in specific finishes. Select the product and put it into your cart to see the list of finishes available. Canvas is an exception, which is available as a separate product. Here is a description of the finishes:
- Luster - sometimes called satin, it is a semi-glossy finish that resists finger printing while offering a light sheen. It's the default finish for many products because of its beautiful appearance and durability. This is the default finish.
- Gloss - Highly shiny finish.
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Linen - Our answer to matte. Linen is subtly textured like fine linen cloth and has no shine at all.
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Canvas - Transforms your photo into what looks like an oil painting.
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Metalic - Pearlescent finish that appears to have depth. Not recommended for portraits, and excellent for all other photos.
Are these photos printed on good paper?The UV resistant EPSON UltraChrome™ pigment inks and fine art quality resin coated (RC) papers used to produce your photos are museum quality. The printing is performed using state of the art professional printers. With proper care, your photos should last more than 80 years (200+ years if stored in the dark, as in a closed album). Proper care consists of:
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight • If framed, display under glass or plexiglass glazing. UV resistant glazing will further enhance the durability of the inks and is an especially good investment if your photo will be displayed in a sunny room or if a light is shining directly on it. • Keep dry
Who prints my photos?Except for items larger than 24" in either dimension, prints on Metalic paper and some specialty products, we print in our facility. This gives us complete control over quality and turn-around speed.
The UV resistant EPSON UltraChrome™ pigment inks and fine art quality resin coated (RC) papers used to produce your photos are museum quality. The printing is performed using state of the art professional printers. With proper care, your photos should last more than 80 years (200+ years if stored in the dark, as in a closed album). Proper care consists of:
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight • If framed, display under glass or plexiglass glazing. UV resistant glazing will further enhance the durability of the inks and is an especially good investment if your photo will be displayed in a sunny room or if a light is shining directly on it. • Keep dry
Do you photograph weddings?Absolutely! Weddings get the full attention of 2 photographers to capture the action as well as the portraits that preserve the memory of your important day. We start with an in-depth interview where we gather information about your plans and fit our services to your need. Contact us to schedule your first meeting. Consider engagement, bride and rehearsal dinner sessions as well! Do you participate in fund raising for organizations?Yes. Contact us to learn how your organization can earn more funds at any event by having photography available. What's your return policy?MindWorks Photography's return policy is based on a simple premise: we want you to be happy with your purchase. We therefore unconditionally guarantee your complete satisfaction with any product you order from us. If, for any reason, a product you order from us does not meet your expectations, then simply return it to us. We will cheerfully provide a refund or an exchange, as you prefer.
A Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number is required for all returns and it must be visible on the outside of the shipping box or on the mailing label. To receive an RMA number, please fill out our online RMA request form. Any products returned without a visible RMA number will be refused by MindWorks Photography LLC.
We cannot refund shipping and handling charges, and we cannot accept c.o.d. packages. We normally process refund and exchange requests within one week of receipt. New Photo Purses - What do they cost? On July 7, 2008 we added Photo Purses to our product offering. Most have an image on both sides. Images may be a single photo or a collage*. Here are the sizes and prices:
Purse Name
| Size/Description | Charge | | Lunchbox | 9.5"W x 7"H x 3"D Insulated Lining | $56.00 | | Cosmetic Bag | 7"W x 4"Hx1"D | $74.00 | | Clutch | 10"W x 5.5"H x 1.75"D | $79.00 | Petite Bucket
| 7"W x 7"H x 4.25"D | $102.00 | | Backpack | 9.5"W x 11"H x 3.5"D | $120.00 | Beach Bag
| 15"W x 13"H x 6"D
| $120.00 | Creel
| 12”W x 11”H x 4”D | $131.00 | | Everyday Bag | 10.75"W x 7.75"H x 5"D | $137.00 | | Artist's Tote | 18”W x 12”H x 5”D | $154.00 | | Workout Bag | 15.5"W x 11"H x 5"D | $154.00 | | Diaper Bag | 15.5"W x 11"H x 5"D | $154.00 | Tote
| 16"W x 13"H x 4.75"D | $166.00 |
* Collages available at an additional cost.
An important note - these purses are not available for purchase using a photo pass. See our blog entry for photos of the handbags.
What are your hours? We're open somewhere between always and never. I know that's a bit sassy, yet it does set expectations in the right direction. Although I get lots of help from my husband and partner, Roger, I work the day-to-day operation of the business alone. So when I'm with a client - on location or in the studio - I'm not available for pick-ups or walk-in inquiries. We work whenever our clients need us - 9:30 AM on a Sunday morning, 5:00 PM on Christmas Eve, etc. That said, our home life needs attention and we provide it around our work schedule.
The bottom line is, I aim to be available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM - and it never works that way. When you need me, just call. We'll make arrangements for your session or for you to pick up your prints at a time that is convenient for you!
How can I get a custom collage and what will it cost? The collages that I make as samples are my choice of photos and color scheme. I create them 8x10" and they can be resized. The samples are available for sale at the standard cost of the print size being ordered. They may be customized only at the fee structure outlined below.
Custom collages are also available. To create one, select the photos you want included (7 to 9 for an 8x10", 9 to 13 for an 11x14" and 13 to 17 for a 16x20 - less is fine too). Start a new order and include only the photos for the collage. Order one of the photos as the finished size of the collage. Add the others to the order as 4x6s. In the comments for the order (part of the check-out process) let me know that it is a collage and provide any special instructions you may have (like an inscription, or which photos to emphasize if any). Use the Pay-By-Phone option so that you don't get charged the amount of the order as your total will be less.
I will contact you to arrange for payment and to be sure that we're on the same page. The cost will be the amount of the size of the collage plus $3.50 for each photo (minus one that's included with the cost of the collage base size). So... If you are creating an 11x14 with 7 photos you the collage will cost $52.50 (price at the time of this entry) plus 6 * $3.50 ($21) for a total before tax of $73.50.
Why the somewhat complicated formula and method and why not have some templates so that the viewer can make their own collage? Because collaging is art and art needs to find it's own theme and flow. No template set could ever accomplish that. So I keep the possibilities all available. Once your collage is created I typically post it for your approval before printing.
Collages are a great way to keep and display multiple images from a session. Give it a try!
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