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Eppic Surf Photographers FAQ
How does it work?
When you register as a photographer and create a profile you have an ability to show, market and sell your images on the Eppic Surf network. Eppic Surf allows you to participate in a social network while offering you the opportunity to create a revenue stream from your images. After you create a session and upload photos to it, Eppic Surf takes care of the printing, shipping, and business transactions so you can focus on what you do best, making the sickest photos!
How do I make money with photos I upload to sessions?
When you create a session in your profile, you determine what print sizes and/or other products you want to offer and the price for each print size and/or product. The price of each print and product must be set above that of our standard price list. Please click here to view our standard prices. On all Premium Profile sales, Eppic Surf will charge our standard prices of prints and products + 18% (15% commission and 3% credit card processing fee) on your sale prices. Checks of the remaining balance will be distributed to you on a monthly basis. You can monitor your real-time sales data online via your account at any time.
How much does it cost to set-up a Photographer Profile?
The Basic Profile is free. It allows you a maximum of four sessions which display a maximum of 100 photos in each. With the Premium Profile, you have an ability to create unlimited sessions which can hold unlimited photos. The Annual Membership fee for the Premium Profile is $99.00 per year. The fee includes unlimited uploads to your portfolio, 3 GIGS of storage for your storefront session galleries and order processing and fulfillment for your customers. We will waive the $99.00 Annual Membership fee for the following year if you achieve $3000 in total sales for the current year.
How do I get paid?
Eppic Surf will distribute checks to Premium Profile members on a monthly basis. Our current practice is to mail checks of your account balance as of the end of the previous month on the 15th of the current month. The checks will be made out to payee name and payee address you specify when you sign-up for a Premium Profile. This information can be changed by clicking on user profile from your account page.
How does EppicSurf.com protect and secure my photos so others cannot copy and print?
Eppic Surf offers the highest protection for copyrighted images. Only low-resolution photos are displayed. Full-size images are stored in Eppic Surf's secure server and are only used to print photographs. Also, we offer anti right-click and anti screen-print protections against unlawful image downloads and screen print. You may also add an Eppic Surf watermark to your images by activating it in your Edit Profile page.
What are your Terms of Service for Professional Studios?
The Terms of Service describe the way in which you may use the Professional Studio services. Please click here for more information.
What technology do you use to print photographs?
EppicSurf.com uses digital printers with the highest quality silver halide chemical process as used by regular photo finishers. This is direct digital continuous tone printing, which produces stunning photographic prints far superior to ink-jets or dye sublimation printers.
Will my prints last?
EppicSurf.com's photographs LAST! With our state of the art printing process, images will not fade away and the long-term results are the same as standard high quality 35mm photos.
What is your privacy policy?
EppicSurf.com has a firm commitment to ensuring the privacy of your images. This page will provide you with Eppic Surf's information gathering and dissemination practices. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
What is a Profile Page?
Your Profile page is the page that houses your portfolio and storefront. When you sign up for a profile, you will select a url: i.e. www.eppicsurf.com/yourname. You may give this url our to all your customers. Below your portfolio will be a place where your session galleries previews are displayed. The previews includes the name of your session, surf spot, city and date. The preview links take you to a session display where your customers can view and purchase your images.
How do I add content to my profile?
Once you login, you can access your profile by clicking on your name on the top right. You will be taken to your profile where you can click on the "Edit Profile" link in your info box. The "Edit Profile" page is where you can customize all the necessary setting for your account and profile.
What is a session?
A session is what you set-up to display your images from a particular surf event. Sessions are similar to galleries or albums. They are a collection of images. When you set up a new session from your profile page, you will have the option to select session name, print sizes, products, print/product prices, and more. All gallery names will be displayed on your Profile Page.
How do I create a new session?
Once you login and you are on your Profile page, simply click "NEW" next to Session in your Session box. This will take you to a new page to set up your session.
How do I select the prints and/or products I wish to offer and how do I set the prices?
You may choose your prints and products and set your prices on your "Edit Profile" page or when you create a new session. The first option is to select the size of prints you wish to offer: 5x7, 8x10, 8x12, 11x14. 16x20, and 20x30, and/or other products i.e. greeting cards or gift items. As for prints, your customers will have the ability to order them on either glossy or matte. Once you select the print sizes and/or products, the next line is to set the prices. Once a print size or product is selected, your default prices will be displayed. You may amend the default prices by entering a new price. The price you enter must be higher than our standard prices (click here to see current standard price list). The prices can always be changed in your Edit Profile Page.
How many images can I have in a session?
There is no limit on the number of images in a session if you have a Premium Profile. The Free Profile limits you to a maximum of 100 photos per session.
Do my customers have to be a member to access my sessions?
No. Anyone may access and view your sessions.
What is the total number of images I can store?
There is no limit on the number of photos you can store. We do, however, limit your total storage space capacity to 3 Gigabytes that you initially receive with a Premium Profile. You may purchase additional storage for $20 per 1GB. This is a one-time fee and will remain in your account as long as it is active. It is difficult to say how many images can be stored within 3GB of storage space, as it depends on a few factors i.e. image resolution used, how well you compress the files, and what kind of details you have on the pictures. In general, your image will take up more space if it has higher image resolution (in order to be able to print larger size) and/or it has a lot of details and different background colors (as opposed to the same color background). To state our latter point, we have seen 3.2 megapixel images (which are good for all size of prints up to 20"x30") taking up space ranging from 250KB (when there is large area of same color background in the picture) to 2MB (when there are many details in the picture). On the average, a 3.2 megapixel picture taken under normal lighting condition with average details should take up 750KB to 1.5MB of space. To view your total number of photos and capacity, simply log in and click on my account.
How do I know how much space/capacity I have in my account?
First you must login or become a member. Next, go to the "Edit Profile" page and you will see your total space used and your total space available at the bottom of the page.
Can I add additional storage to my account?
When you become a Premium Profile Member, you automatically receive 3GB of storage capacity. If you need additional space, you may purchase 1GB at a time at a cost of $20. This is a one-time fee. The extra storage will remain in your account as long as it is active. To purchase additional space, first login you will see your total space used and your total space available on the my account page. Click on the purchase icon at the bottom of the page and follow the purchase instructions (note: the minimum purchase is 1GB and you must order in blocks of 1GB). Once you confirm your order, your account will include the new capacity!
Do you offer image archival?
Not really. We do our best to make sure that your images are safe with regular system maintenance and backups. Guaranteed archival, is a much more complicated and expensive process than that - among other things it requires storage of multiple copies in multiple geographic locations. We are considering offering such services in the future. Even then it would be advisable for you to keep your own copies - just in case.
How many sessions can I have?
There is no limit on the number of session galleries you have in your account if you own a Premium Profile. The Free Profile limits you to FOUR sessions.
Where do I tell my customers to go so they can find the correct session?
We recommend supplying your customers with your url and the session name. They can also search for sessions by date, surf spot and photographer.
What technology do you use to print photographs?
EppicSurf.com uses digital printers with the highest quality silver halide chemical process as used by regular photo finishers. This is direct digital continuous tone printing, which produces stunning photographic prints far superior to ink-jets or dye sublimation printers.
What type of paper do you use?
The photographs are printed on real photo paper, which comes in 250 to 300ft rolls. In addition to the superior photo quality output, the real photo paper is durable and resistant to fading. Just like regular film-based photographs, you can select matte, glossy, or pro lustre finish.
Will my prints last?
EppicSurf.com photographs LAST! With our state of the art printing process, images will not fade away and the long-term results are the same as standard high quality 35mm photos.
What resolution images can be used to make photographs?
The following are the guidelines to follow in order to achieve the best quality results for professional photographers (this guideline is more stringent than that for general consumers).
What is Zoom & Crop?
Zoom & Crop allows you to select how your image will be printed. If you choose the FIT option, your entire digital image will be scaled to fit within the print boundaries. Extra space on the print around the edges will be filled with white space. Simply put, your photo is scaled by width if landscape, or by height if portrait, to fit into the print size dimensions. The CROP option automatically sizes your image to fill the entire print. This option shows the most detail in the center of your photo, but may chop off the outer edges. This option will leave no white space around the photographs ordered.
Can my customers purchase photo greeting cards or photo gifts from my Sessions?
Yes. You need to specify the items you want to offer and prices in the gallery profile.
Do you use secure ordering?
Yes. When you place an order or become a member, all information (including the credit card transaction) is encrypted using our secure software server (SSL) before it is sent over the internet. Our Secured Server can only read this information and data.
How long will it take to ship my photographs?
All orders are processed in 3 business days or less. After the order is processed, it will be shipped from EppicSurf.com. Shipping times will vary depending on the mail service you select: US Postal Service, Priority, or Express mail.
How do I check the order status for my customers?
Go to "Edit Profile" page. Click on "sales report." On this page you will be able to view all orders placed in any given month. Simply click on the order number and you can view all the images ordered and see the order status.
How do I upload images?
Uploading to EppicSurf.com is super easy. Once you've created the session you simply drag and drop your photos into the Java Box. Please make sure you have the latest version of JAVA on your computer. You may have difficulties if you don't.
How long does it take to upload my images?
It depends on the speed of your internet connection and the size of the image file. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes to upload a single 200KB file over a typical 33.6 kbps modem connection. So, for 10 such images, it may take 30 minutes to complete the upload. If you have an ADSL, ISDN or a cable modem connection, your upload time will be substantially shorter.
What file formats do you support?
We support only JPEG files.
How can I tell that the upload is complete?
You will see a progress indicator which will say Upload Finished.
How does it work?
When you register as a photographer and create a profile you have an ability to show, market and sell your images on the Eppic Surf network. Eppic Surf allows you to participate in a social network while offering you the opportunity to create a revenue stream from your images. After you create a session and upload photos to it, Eppic Surf takes care of the printing, shipping, and business transactions so you can focus on what you do best, making the sickest photos!
How do I make money with photos I upload to sessions?
When you create a session in your profile, you determine what print sizes and/or other products you want to offer and the price for each print size and/or product. The price of each print and product must be set above that of our standard price list. Please click here to view our standard prices. On all Premium Profile sales, Eppic Surf will charge our standard prices of prints and products + 18% (15% commission and 3% credit card processing fee) on your sale prices. Checks of the remaining balance will be distributed to you on a monthly basis. You can monitor your real-time sales data online via your account at any time.
How much does it cost to set-up a Photographer Profile?
The Basic Profile is free. It allows you a maximum of four sessions which display a maximum of 100 photos in each. With the Premium Profile, you have an ability to create unlimited sessions which can hold unlimited photos. The Annual Membership fee for the Premium Profile is $99.00 per year. The fee includes unlimited uploads to your portfolio, 3 GIGS of storage for your storefront session galleries and order processing and fulfillment for your customers. We will waive the $99.00 Annual Membership fee for the following year if you achieve $3000 in total sales for the current year.
How do I get paid?
Eppic Surf will distribute checks to Premium Profile members on a monthly basis. Our current practice is to mail checks of your account balance as of the end of the previous month on the 15th of the current month. The checks will be made out to payee name and payee address you specify when you sign-up for a Premium Profile. This information can be changed by clicking on user profile from your account page.
How does EppicSurf.com protect and secure my photos so others cannot copy and print?
Eppic Surf offers the highest protection for copyrighted images. Only low-resolution photos are displayed. Full-size images are stored in Eppic Surf's secure server and are only used to print photographs. Also, we offer anti right-click and anti screen-print protections against unlawful image downloads and screen print. You may also add an Eppic Surf watermark to your images by activating it in your Edit Profile page.
What are your Terms of Service for Professional Studios?
The Terms of Service describe the way in which you may use the Professional Studio services. Please click here for more information.
What technology do you use to print photographs?
EppicSurf.com uses digital printers with the highest quality silver halide chemical process as used by regular photo finishers. This is direct digital continuous tone printing, which produces stunning photographic prints far superior to ink-jets or dye sublimation printers.
Will my prints last?
EppicSurf.com's photographs LAST! With our state of the art printing process, images will not fade away and the long-term results are the same as standard high quality 35mm photos.
What is your privacy policy?
EppicSurf.com has a firm commitment to ensuring the privacy of your images. This page will provide you with Eppic Surf's information gathering and dissemination practices. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
What is a Profile Page?
Your Profile page is the page that houses your portfolio and storefront. When you sign up for a profile, you will select a url: i.e. www.eppicsurf.com/yourname. You may give this url our to all your customers. Below your portfolio will be a place where your session galleries previews are displayed. The previews includes the name of your session, surf spot, city and date. The preview links take you to a session display where your customers can view and purchase your images.
How do I add content to my profile?
Once you login, you can access your profile by clicking on your name on the top right. You will be taken to your profile where you can click on the "Edit Profile" link in your info box. The "Edit Profile" page is where you can customize all the necessary setting for your account and profile.
What is a session?
A session is what you set-up to display your images from a particular surf event. Sessions are similar to galleries or albums. They are a collection of images. When you set up a new session from your profile page, you will have the option to select session name, print sizes, products, print/product prices, and more. All gallery names will be displayed on your Profile Page.
How do I create a new session?
Once you login and you are on your Profile page, simply click "NEW" next to Session in your Session box. This will take you to a new page to set up your session.
How do I select the prints and/or products I wish to offer and how do I set the prices?
You may choose your prints and products and set your prices on your "Edit Profile" page or when you create a new session. The first option is to select the size of prints you wish to offer: 5x7, 8x10, 8x12, 11x14. 16x20, and 20x30, and/or other products i.e. greeting cards or gift items. As for prints, your customers will have the ability to order them on either glossy or matte. Once you select the print sizes and/or products, the next line is to set the prices. Once a print size or product is selected, your default prices will be displayed. You may amend the default prices by entering a new price. The price you enter must be higher than our standard prices (click here to see current standard price list). The prices can always be changed in your Edit Profile Page.
How many images can I have in a session?
There is no limit on the number of images in a session if you have a Premium Profile. The Free Profile limits you to a maximum of 100 photos per session.
Do my customers have to be a member to access my sessions?
No. Anyone may access and view your sessions.
What is the total number of images I can store?
There is no limit on the number of photos you can store. We do, however, limit your total storage space capacity to 3 Gigabytes that you initially receive with a Premium Profile. You may purchase additional storage for $20 per 1GB. This is a one-time fee and will remain in your account as long as it is active. It is difficult to say how many images can be stored within 3GB of storage space, as it depends on a few factors i.e. image resolution used, how well you compress the files, and what kind of details you have on the pictures. In general, your image will take up more space if it has higher image resolution (in order to be able to print larger size) and/or it has a lot of details and different background colors (as opposed to the same color background). To state our latter point, we have seen 3.2 megapixel images (which are good for all size of prints up to 20"x30") taking up space ranging from 250KB (when there is large area of same color background in the picture) to 2MB (when there are many details in the picture). On the average, a 3.2 megapixel picture taken under normal lighting condition with average details should take up 750KB to 1.5MB of space. To view your total number of photos and capacity, simply log in and click on my account.
How do I know how much space/capacity I have in my account?
First you must login or become a member. Next, go to the "Edit Profile" page and you will see your total space used and your total space available at the bottom of the page.
Can I add additional storage to my account?
When you become a Premium Profile Member, you automatically receive 3GB of storage capacity. If you need additional space, you may purchase 1GB at a time at a cost of $20. This is a one-time fee. The extra storage will remain in your account as long as it is active. To purchase additional space, first login you will see your total space used and your total space available on the my account page. Click on the purchase icon at the bottom of the page and follow the purchase instructions (note: the minimum purchase is 1GB and you must order in blocks of 1GB). Once you confirm your order, your account will include the new capacity!
Do you offer image archival?
Not really. We do our best to make sure that your images are safe with regular system maintenance and backups. Guaranteed archival, is a much more complicated and expensive process than that - among other things it requires storage of multiple copies in multiple geographic locations. We are considering offering such services in the future. Even then it would be advisable for you to keep your own copies - just in case.
How many sessions can I have?
There is no limit on the number of session galleries you have in your account if you own a Premium Profile. The Free Profile limits you to FOUR sessions.
Where do I tell my customers to go so they can find the correct session?
We recommend supplying your customers with your url and the session name. They can also search for sessions by date, surf spot and photographer.
What technology do you use to print photographs?
EppicSurf.com uses digital printers with the highest quality silver halide chemical process as used by regular photo finishers. This is direct digital continuous tone printing, which produces stunning photographic prints far superior to ink-jets or dye sublimation printers.
What type of paper do you use?
The photographs are printed on real photo paper, which comes in 250 to 300ft rolls. In addition to the superior photo quality output, the real photo paper is durable and resistant to fading. Just like regular film-based photographs, you can select matte, glossy, or pro lustre finish.
Will my prints last?
EppicSurf.com photographs LAST! With our state of the art printing process, images will not fade away and the long-term results are the same as standard high quality 35mm photos.
What resolution images can be used to make photographs?
The following are the guidelines to follow in order to achieve the best quality results for professional photographers (this guideline is more stringent than that for general consumers).
| Print Size | Minimum Image Resolution |
|---|---|
| Wallets (2.1" x 3.1") | 512x384 |
| 3.5" x 5" | 800x600 |
| 4" x 6" | 1024x768 |
| 5" x 7" | 1152x864 |
| 8" x 10" | 1536x1024 |
| 8" x 12" | 1600x1200 |
| 11" x 14" | 1712x1368 |
| 16" x 20" | 2048x1536 |
| 20" x 30" | 2400x1800 |
| 24" x 36" | 2880x1920 |
| 30" x 40" | 3200x2400 |
| 40" x 50" | 4000x3200 |
| 40" x 60" | 4800x3200 |
What is Zoom & Crop?
Zoom & Crop allows you to select how your image will be printed. If you choose the FIT option, your entire digital image will be scaled to fit within the print boundaries. Extra space on the print around the edges will be filled with white space. Simply put, your photo is scaled by width if landscape, or by height if portrait, to fit into the print size dimensions. The CROP option automatically sizes your image to fill the entire print. This option shows the most detail in the center of your photo, but may chop off the outer edges. This option will leave no white space around the photographs ordered.
Can my customers purchase photo greeting cards or photo gifts from my Sessions?
Yes. You need to specify the items you want to offer and prices in the gallery profile.
Do you use secure ordering?
Yes. When you place an order or become a member, all information (including the credit card transaction) is encrypted using our secure software server (SSL) before it is sent over the internet. Our Secured Server can only read this information and data.
How long will it take to ship my photographs?
All orders are processed in 3 business days or less. After the order is processed, it will be shipped from EppicSurf.com. Shipping times will vary depending on the mail service you select: US Postal Service, Priority, or Express mail.
How do I check the order status for my customers?
Go to "Edit Profile" page. Click on "sales report." On this page you will be able to view all orders placed in any given month. Simply click on the order number and you can view all the images ordered and see the order status.
How do I upload images?
Uploading to EppicSurf.com is super easy. Once you've created the session you simply drag and drop your photos into the Java Box. Please make sure you have the latest version of JAVA on your computer. You may have difficulties if you don't.
How long does it take to upload my images?
It depends on the speed of your internet connection and the size of the image file. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes to upload a single 200KB file over a typical 33.6 kbps modem connection. So, for 10 such images, it may take 30 minutes to complete the upload. If you have an ADSL, ISDN or a cable modem connection, your upload time will be substantially shorter.
What file formats do you support?
We support only JPEG files.
How can I tell that the upload is complete?
You will see a progress indicator which will say Upload Finished.