information

infrared cleaning
Using this technique allows us to remove dust spots and scratches. This option causes image softening only in the immediate vicinity of dust spots and scratches and not the whole image.
We can control the amount of cleaning of the image by choosing 'Light', 'Medium' or 'Heavy' settings. This is included free of charge and we will use the 'Light' setting by default unless requested not to.
Infrared cleaning is only available when an infrared channel is available and is therefore not suitable for monochrome films.

file type used
All scans are saved as uncompressed 24 bit (8 bits per channel) RGB TIFF files in PC byte order with Adobe (1998) as the embedded colour profile.
We use these settings for the following reasons:

• uncompressed images will open quicker than compressed images on slower machines.
• 24 bit images are more widely accepted in imaging applications.
• TIFF images offer no loss of data, even when they are compressed.
• PC byte order is due to the PC dominance of the computer market and is required by most libraries.
• Adobe (1998) has a wide colour gamut and is considered a standard colour space across all platforms.

Feel free to request your own combination of settings, no additional charge will be made except when 48 bit files are requested. In the case of other file types please state clearly when ordering which format and how much compression (if applicable).
As the scanner head passes over the image data is captured at 48 bit to gather as much information as possible, maximising quality. The final output from the scanner is 24 bit which ensures compatibility with all imaging applications.
48 bit output doubles the file size so requires more disk space, it increases scanning time and therefore cost.

multi-sampling
When we scan your images we will always use multi-scanning as standard to ensure the best quality results.
As the scanner head passes over the media it takes multiple readings for each location. The results are then averaged. This is preferable because any one reading may be inaccurate, resulting in noise in the output. Noise will appear as one pixel whose colour or tone is different than surrounding pixels. Taking multiple samples and averaging the results reduce the effect of inaccurate exposure.

colour correction
Just how your image is seen depends on the lighting conditions it is viewed under. We will check your images using an industry standard colour corrected light box and only make the necessary adjustments to achieve a top quality scan. No other alterations are made unless specifically requested.

borders and text
A plain or coloured border with or without a keyline can be added along with up to 20 words of text to any image for a small additional charge.
Click here for an example.

image enhancement
Not everyone is proficient in Photoshop or has the time to make alterations to their scans. As a result we have introduced this service to save you the time and effort.
Shadow and highlight information will be optimised along with colour balance, saturation and sharpness to bring the very best out of the image. In the case of portraits soft focus techniques can be applied.
A low-resolution digital proof will be made available on line.
Click here for an example.

black & white conversion
Two levels of conversion are available for converting your images to black & white.
The basic level will use some of the best Photoshop techniques to produce an image with a contrast grade that suits the subject.
The superior level is as above plus additional work in localised areas to enhance the shadow and highlight areas and is the digital equivalent of the dodging and burning techniques we used to employ in the darkroom.
A low-resolution digital proof will be made available on line.
Click here for an example.

restoration and manipulation
It would be impossible to have a set price for this service, as the amount of work needed to achieve the desired affect is unknown. The best course of action is to contact us to discuss your requirements.

turnaround
We will endeavour to scan and return your images within a maximum of 2-3 working days; if there is a possibility of any delay we will contact you immediately.

holding of image files
Your images will be kept on file no longer than 14 days after scanning and return. This will allow enough time for you to contact us if there is a problem.
Some of our clients request that we retain their images for longer periods. This we are happy to do subject to certain limitations, so please contact us to discuss your requirements.

CD's and DVD's
Only high quality media with a long life guarantee are used by PicWorks.
We feel it important to point out that poor storage of your disks could shorten their life span, we recommend that you do not keep your disks in areas of extreme temperature or high humidity, only handle disks by their edges and do not scratch or mark the recording side of the disk.
CD's and DVD's are returned without labels or any writing to the disk surface allowing you to catalogue your disks in a way to suit yourself, only use markers or labels designed for this purpose.
Each disk will be returned with a contents advice slip.
We can supply additional copies of disks at the time of ordering. Please remember though to add the appropriate fee for the quantity of disks required otherwise delays might occur.

packaging
Please note the following suggestions and take great care when packaging your images for posting.

• do not send glass slide mounts through the post.
• 35mm slides are best sent in plastic boxes with the lid secured within a padded envelope.
• place sleeved film between two strong pieces of card within a padded envelope, mark DO NOT BEND.
• larger formats are more susceptible to damage so take extra precautions.

We will return your images and disks using the same care and consideration we would expect if they were our own.
Disks are supplied in clear plastic sleeves or slim jewel cases, please indicate your preference at the time of ordering.

account customers
We welcome account customers for our scanning services subject to certain conditions. For more information check our terms and conditions page or contact us.