FAQs

That's a difficult question to answer... Retouching and image composition work is always charged by the time it takes to create the final image. No job is ever the same, so prices are worked out on an hourly rate (see next question). However, as a very experienced retoucher and editor, I can do a lot in an hour.

The saying, you get what you pay for generally applies here. In some instances, you may even get more than you expected... these overseas services are often located in areas where scams and malware are rife and you run the risk of becoming a victim of cyber crime. By using a reputable local service like Mac Artist NZ, your images/intellectual property remains protected, and your details will never be passed on to a third party.

Mac Artist NZ is a New Zealand company and charges NZ Dollars with no add-ons. Remember that when you see quotes elsewhere on the internet, that these are likely to be in US dollars, or you may be in for a shock when the conversion rate is applied.

Mac Artist NZ is lucky to have a studio based in one of the most gorgeous locations in the world: scenic Cable Bay in the Far North of New Zealand. From here, I can work remotely with clients all around the world.

Please see the Services page for more details, but I provide a full range of image retouching/editing services, e.g.: 

• Retouching digital and scanned photographs to improve the brightness and colour tone
• Enhancing photos to their highest quality
• Adding new skies or backgrounds to images
• Clear-cutting backgrounds to white or transparent
• Giving new life and adding colour, if required, to old images by photo restoration
• Adding or deleting people or anything not required in your image.

This is just a start... if you can imagine it, then it can be done. Just ask. Please review my portfolio for a selection of my previous work.

I am happy to provide a ballpark quote for any job free of charge if you are in a hurry. A more accurate final price will be provided when I send you your free proof. This estimate will not change unless more work is subsequently added to the original brief.

Please see the How it Works/Cost page for more.

Yes, you will get a free proof at every stage of production and you can comment on it if you require parts to be changed or adjusted. These proofs will be low resolution and watermarked.

Yes, if you send your image and an idea of the size you require, I will give you an idea of the biggest size you can safely go to and if it can successfully be blown up to the size you need.

The answer is the bigger, the better! 300dpi (dots per inch) is considered the best size for printing at any chosen size. 2480 x 3508 pixels at 300ppi (pixels per inch) for printing an A4 image is said to be the perfect size. However, many images can be printed at lower resolution. The best option when printing is to ask for a proof, then you can see how it's going to look before you purchase it. I often print on canvas, as it always prints and looks great.

I can work with all image file types, but recommend using a .jpg (or .jpeg)... see "What format will my final image be supplied as?" below. Generally, the larger the image, the better.

I always use the We Transfer service, which is free and very good.

Your final image will usually be supplied as a RGB .jpg (or .jpeg) file. This file type, typically pronounced jay-peg, was developed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) in 1992 and is the most popular medium as its size is always very much smaller than other formats without losing detail. Note that detail can, however, be lost if you save it over itself time and time again. Most printers and websites use this format. Other formats are available if needed for special use... just ask.

I do all jobs as quickly as I can. To keep the quality high, I personally do all jobs and never outsource to a third party, but it is unusual for clients to wait longer than 48 hours for their finished product. I will always let you know up front if there is a slightly longer wait time for the Final when you submit your image.

Yes, this is no problem. Your image contains layers, which make it easy for additional changes to be made at any point.

Once payment has been received. A screenshot of your bank payment will help speed things along if you are in a hurry.

No, firstly Mac Artist NZ is not GST registered and working from my studio at home means you get the best price for a five-star service.

No. Your images will never be passed on to anyone else. And I only use images on my website with 100% permission from my clients.

Indefinitely... digital files do not degrade or fade over time and will last more than a lifetime. Just make sure you back them up. The main problem with older files is getting lost, possibly by a hard drive crash. If you ever need to replace your printed image because of age, you can just print a new one from your file.

I endeavour to do the best job for the best price, with free proofs at every stage. Attention to detail is my top priority along with a fast turnaround time. I offer a safe email service and your contacts will never be shared. Mac Artist NZ is a reliable New Zealand Photoshop Retouching service. Read more about me here

Please see the How it Works/Cost page for more information.