At Digital Mints we get a lot of messages and inquires on a daily basis that sometimes the questions become a little too redundant. So in this post we are basically putting together our most FAQ’s here in hopes that it gives you an idea of what to expect if you decide one day to work with us.
Another reason we put this post together is go into more detail on what it is we do. We don’t want to just flippantly throw our services out there like a used and abused drink coaster in some dumpy beer bar and walk away… we put this together because we want to show we are a business and we really do care about what it is we do and produce.
We don’t do this as a cute hobby or for just enough money that it pays for our next Visa Run to Cambodia so we can get back in time to hit the Six before our Terak runs off into the night with someone else. One thing you learn quickly about doing business in Pattaya, is people will choose quantity over quality. Don’t ever forget that. There are very few people here who see ‘quality’ as – golden for their business.
We also want to put this post out because we tend to meet a lot of Fresh Fish Bar Managers who for some reason end up in Pattaya and love to brag about being ex-CIA, gun runners to Africa/ military engineers who try to impress you with the story that he hired the lighting guy from Al Jazeera Tv to staple a 120฿ in Christmas lights along the wall of his bar as if you should be impressed by this.
So let’s get the number one question out of the way so you can either leave here and get on with your day or stay and keep reading on.
Do you work for barter or an exchange of service
No. We do not.
Why are you so expensive compared to others
Our portfolio and quality of work speaks for itself.
What is a Model Release form?
A model release, known in similar contexts as a liability waiver, is a legal release typically signed by the subject of a photograph granting permission to publish the photograph in one form or another. A model release is needed for publication where personality rights or privacy rights would otherwise be infringed.
To protect both parties we ask that you download and review our model release form and to feel free to ask us any questions you may have.
All model shoots require a release.
Do you do free work for charitable foundations
We have already pre-selected and scheduled our charitable events and causes at the beginning of each year we keep this private because we understand some business or charities may be a bit worried or uncomfortable with having the Digital Mints logo attached to them due to the sensitive nature of our work. We completely understand and respect this concern.
Do you edit and retouch all your photographs
Yes. All of our photos are retouched and color-graded in-house. We do not send them off to a third party. Only qualified staff with years of experience who don’t over-dose on the skin softening or faking blurred backgrounds will be retouching your photos.
Do you work with a second photographer
Yes. We can collaborate and navigate events with other photographers on the scene and can coordinate with them on a professional and effective level.
Do you provide video service
We have been involved in the film & television industry for over 10+years and have created video content for many big and small brand name companies.
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How will I receive our digital files
Do you provide online storage and archiving
All edited digital files will be made available via DropBox / Google Drive Cloud Storage or our secure and private online password protected clouding service SMUGMUG. If you can provide your own FTP Server details we can also accommodate that as well.
All image master files not associated with the final delivery will be deleted after 5 days. All final designs and completed projects are held in storage for a 1 month (30 days) period. Should you need the photos / designs after 30 days and the client did not download their images they will be billed the same rate for this extra service to retrieve and or a redesign of the original file(s). We encourage you to be safe by backing and archiving your digital files. Here is a detailed article published by ExtremeTech.com to get you started on “How to Store and Backup Photos”.
What involves basic retouching & high-resolution retouching?
Basic Retouching
Tonal and colour exposure, contrast, noise and lens distortion adjustments. These are the basic, default adjustments any software editing program will offer.
High-Resolution Retouching
Basic retouching acts as a canvas and a starting point for the next step that involves a lot more detail and attention to the photo; high-resolution retouching. With this process we use Photoshop techniques that provide more room to edit the image. Shifting colour and removing scars, scratches and and within reason the majority of any defect in the skin. We can also graft and Liquify parts of the body that may appear awkward or out of place.
It also offers us the ability (within reason) to remove backgrounds that may be too cluttered or busy. There is a fine-line when it comes to retouching. It is a delicate process that requires finesse and experience.
We avoid the outdated and passé glamour style of photography and do our utmost best to keep the photo as real as possible without over-dosing on skin softening and creating fake blurred backgrounds.
Please note: Additional retouched images over the 10 limit will be charged at a rate of – THB ฿1,500 per image.
Will our digital files be watermarked
The only images that will be watermarked are on selected projects that we deem necessary. If you supply us your business logo and the package you choose requires it we will include it in the final exports. We usually provide 2 batches of exports: 1st Batch contains your logo on all images a 2nd Batch of images are without a logo. This is in consideration for your own marketing team, so they can have a clean image to work with in case they have a preferred placement for your logo.
How long before we receive the images or video
This all depends on the amount of images requested and how many images will be retouched. Every project varies and many factors come into play that will be needed to allow us adequate time so we can provide the highest quality images. We do not like to rush or cut corners to get a job completed. If we feel that a project needs to be rushed, we will gladly decline and recommend another photographer who can provide quick and dirty results.
For the majority of all projects and if all requirements are met by the client the average turnaround time for photos and designs are 2 – 4 business days, and for video 2 – 5 business days. *This is only if the requirements of the client are met*
Do we have the full copyright of the images
Absolutely not. The copyright is always the property and legal ownership of the photographer. Unless we sign a Licensing Agreement with client there is no right to use our work without expressed written and or signed consent. We are hired to take and provide photos or videos and the soul & legal ownership of those digital files are the property of ©Digital Mints.
We won’t get into it here but if you wish to read more on it please click the following link.
Do we receive the raw, unedited images
No. We do not provide the RAW/ DNG files but we will be happy to provide full resolution, jpeg images flat with no post-processing applied.
What is a Brand Guideline and why do you have one?
A ‘Brand Guidelines Document’ (sometimes called a ‘Brand Bible’, ‘Style Guide’, ‘Brand Guide’, ‘Brand Toolkit’ or ‘Brand Book’) is what big brands use to ensure that they present a consistent corporate image, which in turn contributes to how they are perceived as a brand. We have one for Digital Mints because we take our branding very serious. Its what separates us from everyone else.
We want to make it easy for you to understand the Digital Mints logo guidelines while respecting our brand and legal/ licensing restrictions so we have provided you with our Downloadable Branding Guidelines in a PDF format.
How do you accept payment
In full before each project begins.
Do you travel for work
Yes. All the time. Please keep in mind travel time and expenses are factored into the cost.
We hope we provided you with enough information and didn’t discourage you from considering to work with us. We are very honest and open in our approach and provide a very professional level of service. Sometimes this may frighten or put-off some people and we understand if it does. Not everyone wants or likes to work within protocols and that’s not a problem.
Pattaya has many cheap photographers that we can actually refer you to. Its a small town and everyone in the industry knows of someone who can do photos with their phone or even hobbyist moonlighting as photogs.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to Contact us
