FAQ - Photo Services

What will I get back when I place an order?
After you approve the photo proof on the internet, we send you:

Your original photo(s), if sent (If you send the original photo to us, we will return it either through UPS or the USPS based on our communications. In all cases in which Yellow Cat is returning the original photo, the mail return will include insurance.
A CD containing your restored, retouched, or repaired photo(s).
A high quality print up to 8x10 of the work. If you ordered additional prints, you will receive these as well.

Do you alter the originals?
No. Our retouching services are done digitally. Your original will be returned to you unmodified.

My photos have mold & stains. Can you restore these?
Yes. These photos can be restored. The more information you can provide about a specific photo (i.e. the location of the shot, what's missing in the background, etc.) the more accurate the restoration. If little information is known about the photo, a high quality restoration can still be achieved in most cases.

Can I send you photos in frames?
Yes. If for any reason you do not want to remove the photo from the frame, just send everything "as is". When we receive the photo and frame, we will take the photo out of the frame to scan the photo. Quickly and gently, we will return the photo to the frame. We can either send the photo and frame back to you immediately. Or we can send the photo and frame to you at the completion of the project. Let us know your preference when you fill out the quote form. If the photo cannot be removed from the frame without further damage, then we will arrange to scan in the most accurate fashion possible. Additionally, shipping charges will be incurred based on the packages weight and any special packaging needed.

I've got photos in my computer. How do I get these to you?
Instructions on how to do this are listed in the ordering section. If you have any additional questions as to how to do this, please feel free to contact us at 408.436.7406.

How do I place an order?
The information necessary to place an order can be found on the ordering page. There are 4 ways to place an order, all ordering methods require filling out our quote form:

Online Ordering:
Fill out our online quote form. This is the fastest and easiest way to start an order.
E-mail Order:
You can e-mail smaller files (under 2 megabytes) to Yellow Cat Design as bitmaps, tiff or high quality jpeg. If your file is large (over 2 megabytes), then mail your file on CD, zip disc, or DVD. In addition to the file, you will want to include the order form.
Print & Mail Order:
Fill out our quote form and mail it along with the pictures to:
Yellow Cat Design
1635 Parkview Green Circle
San Jose, CA 95131.
(NOTE: Visits are by appointment only, see our contact page for info)
You may also mail us a disc, zip disc, DVD, or CD. However, the photos must be a resolution of at least 300 dpi and saved in an uncompressed file format. See our ordering page for details.
Order locally in San Jose: We can meet with you locally in Santa Clara County to pick up photos and discuss projects.

How should I package my photos for mailing?
Photo Mailers are appropriate packaging for newer photos or negatives that just need color correction or retouching. If the photo is old or damaged, where it is extra fragile, we recommend that you:

Sandwich the photo carefully between two pieces of thick cardboard (the edges of the cardboard should extend at least 1 inch beyond the photo).
Tape the cardboard together on its edges.
Place in an appropriate express mailer and express mail it to:
Yellow Cat Design
1635 Parkview Green Circle
San Jose, CA 95131

How long does it take to complete my order?
It depends. One photo that has moderate damage usually takes about a week to process during most of the year if you are ordering prints. The closer we are to a holiday, the longer it may take. Rush orders are available at additional cost. Please call for an estimate.

What if I am not satisfied with the results of the restoration?
If you are not satisfied with the results at the time you see the digital proof, let us know. We will refund 100% of your deposit (if applicable) and not charge you anything.

I only have the negative to the photo I want restored/retouched, can you still help me?
Yes! We can scan your negative or other transparency and make the necessary corrections the same way we would a print.

Can I approve the photo proof before the final print is made?
Yes! Yellow Cat Design gives you the control to approve the proof before the final print and CD are sent to you (Note: self pick-up, email, and photo delivery are available when requested in the quote or order form.) Through your e-mail, we will send you an internet URL Address. This address will take you to your photo proof. Only Yellow Cat and you have access to your photo proof. After you view the photo, contact Yellow Cat Design to approve the photo. Once you are satisfied with the photo proof, we will send you a final print and CD with the photo saved in a digital format(s) of your choice.

Is the mailing insured?
If you want Yellow Cat Design to send your photo with insurance, please let us know at the time that you are submitting a quote or order form. This is also the best time to let us know which mailing provider you would like us to use. Typically, Yellow Cat Design utilizes United Parcel Service (UPS) or the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Here is the typical cost, see below, for mailing domestically (inter-continental) in the U.S. Yellow Cat Design also delivers internationally. Just let us know, in the order or quote form, that you have an international shipment.
UPS: UPS typically charges $10.10 for regular ground delivery. This includes, 3 to 5 day shipping, tracking & insurance up to $100. If you want to receive your mailing sooner or increase the insurance, please let Yellow Cat Design know.If you sent Yellow Cat your original photo, then we require that we return the original with insurance utilizing either UPS (for $10.10) or USPS (the extra cost is about $1 for every $100 value of insurance plus the regular shipping cost of $3.85).
USPS: If you are not concerned about the insurance and we do not have the original photo, you can select to have your final photo print returned by USPS for $3.85. This service does not include insurance and is not trackable. It takes 4 to 7 days to receive the photo mailer using this option.