Frequently Asked Questions

How do I upload a photo?

To upload a photo, click the "Select Photo" button and you will be directed to your computer's folders. Go to the folder where you store your photos and double-click on the file you would like to select. Then click on the "Upload" button and your photo will begin uploading to our system.

During the upload process, you should see a graphic illustrating the progress of your photo upload. It may take up to a minute or two to upload your photo depending on your connection speed and the size of your file.

Once your photo is uploaded you will see it on the screen in our editing tool.

How do I use a physical photo?

If you want us to reproduce a physical photo, please digitise your image using a scanner at a minimum of 300dpi resolution and ideally 600dpi for best results.If you have no scanner or are using old film and slides then send the photo then we will scan it and send a low quality

What is Gallery Wrapping?

Gallery wrapping is the process that the finished print goes through in order to mount and stretch it onto the internal frame. The canvas is gently stretched on all four sides and wrapped around the edges. Each print is then hand finished with each corner being carefully folded and tucked in to ensure that there are no unsightly edges.

The canvas is then fixed to the back of the frame all the way round and finished off neatly to hide all of the fixings. This ensures that the final print is as good to look at from the back as it is from the front! Finally, we put stretching wedges into all four corners to ensure the canvas is a tight as possible on the frame.

What is the best file format to use for uploading my image?

Currently we only accept uploads in JPG format though we accept most formats on disk or e-mail.

What is the recommended resolution of the photo I upload?

For enlargements to A3 size or above we prefer images that are at least 700KB pixels in original size though it depends a little on the subject – abstracts require less quality than still life.

The resolution quality from most modern digital cameras is extremely suitable for digital reproduction. However, for best results, we recommend using a good camera that is at least 2 mega pixels and an image that is at least 700kb in size unless it is for Opie effect or a Classic Montage when smaller files are ok. Photo art produced from images that are originally 1.5 megabytes or larger look extremely good enlarged.

You can check your photo's file size by right-clicking on the image, then selecting Properties, where the size will be displayed. You can also e-mail it to us at info@fruit-art.co.uk for a free professional image check.

Will my photo look blocky or blurred once enlarged?

If the photo is of a decent resolution as recommended above and sharp then it will not. If you simply zoom in to low quality digital photos they can become blocky as they are made up of blocks (“pixels”). Our enlargement algorithms are different because they intelligently create new pixels instead of making the existing ones larger producing smoother results. Once an image is enlarged we can sharpen or soften the image slightly as may be necessary to enhance the finish, either manually in certain problem areas or overall. These effects are very clever and always applied by an imaging professional on a case by case basis.

What if my photo has red-eye?

We will remove red-eye prior to printing as a matter of course and any other obvious small blemishes.

How long will my image be stored?

If you order an image, we will store your image file for a maximum of 12 weeks. After this period, we will delete your file. Any files that you upload that you do not order will be held for a maximum of 1 week.

How long will it take to receive my Photo Art?

Please allow 5-10 working days for delivery of any item. For photos with effects or photo montages please allow 1-5 working days for your artwork to be prepared and check your e-mail and junk folders regularly. If you approve promptly we can usually still deliver within 10 working days in total.

Will my final print or frame be the same as the image I see online?

Virtually all products will have exactly the same scale and proportion as presented on screen. Occasionally there may be some variation due to the production processes involved; for example, with the wrap effect on canvas, or the mounting process on perspex. In these cases, it is best not to crop right to the edge of your image as we can then use the spare for the wrap or "bleed". However, we always endeavour to make the finished product as accurate and as attractive as possible.

Can you tile one photo across several canvases?

Absolutely and we also offer live previewing online of this effect! The standard options available are enough for most needs but if you have a different arrangement in mind contact us and we will provide a quote.

Will my print fade?

We always use highly archival inks that in normal indoor lighting will remain fully vibrant for over 75 years but up to 200 years in ideal conditions. For maximum longevity it is still best to avoid direct sunlight, as with absolutely any print or painting.

I Want a Special Size That is Smaller / Bigger Than What You Currently Offer on Your Site?

Not a problem! Simply contact us with what you have in mind and we'll let you know the cost. We can accommodate most sizes within reason and if you want a 'Super Size' multiple print, where multiple canvas prints are used to make one large image for a very large wall or space, we can make this for you too. Why not give this a try, you will be surprised at how cost effective custom sizes can be.

How should I care for my canvas prints?

To care for your canvas prints, we would not recommend using detergents and only use a damp cloth if it has inadvertently become dirty or marked. The best way to clean it normally is with a very light brush or a feather duster. Avoid any harsh contact with nails or other hard items, pay particular care at the corners where it is easiest to catch the edge by mistake. All our canvas prints and canvas pictures are kiln-dried or finger-jointed to make them highly anti-warp, but hanging them directly above a radiator or damp environments will increase the chance that they may warp (kitchens and bathrooms that are well ventilated should be no problem).

How should I hang my canvas prints?

Our canvas prints come with special patented hangers for use with standard strong picture hooks. For the largest and heavy Pro-Canvas pictures the type you screw into the wall with wall plugs will be most secure. If hanging in a public place you may wish to use anchor plates instead for the most secure fitting.

How do I hang my Perspex prints?

Our Perspex prints come with 4 panel fixings supplied. Typically you need to screw each panel fixing barrel into the wall using a wall plug available from all DIY stores and a suitable size screw that goes through the base of the fixing. The best thing is to get someone to hold the print level against the wall while you carefully mark out the positions and then remove before drilling the holes, ensuring there are no electric wires in the wall where you want to drill. There is a small amount of tolerance on the holes in the Perspex prints to allow for slight leeway in your measurements or drilling but be as precise as you can. With the panel fixing barrels screwed in place you can offer up the Perspex and then start screwing the covers through the holes in the Perspex until tight.

Can the delivery address be different to the cardholder's address?

Yes. It will often be easier for those who work to have large pictures delivered to their work address or to a neighbour as they are by courier delivering between 9am and 5.30 pm and require a signature. Posters and Mini Canvas when ordered by themselves are normally sent by Royal Mail as they are a much easier size to pick up from the Post Office if you are out and due to their lower value and robustness they do not need the care or security of a courier.