Panorama Source

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Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

"Frequently Asked Questions" is a forum to provide quick answers to common questions. As we become aware of uncertainies regarding our website, we will add entries to this page. We encourage you to contact us to ask for clarification about anything on this site.

Index

General Questions

What is Panorama Source?

Who buys these kinds of photos?

How do I order a photograph?

What browsers do you support?

Does your website require or use cookies?

What kind of camera do you use?

How many photographs are on your website?

How many panoramas are on your website?

How many galleries are on your website?

How many galleries indexes are on your website?

How many webpagess are on your website?

What is Panorama Source?

Panorama Source is an online provider of original digitized photographs of people and places from all over the world. All photos on this website were photographed by Jon R. Holmquist, who has not only been a photographer for over 30 years, but who also has extensive experience in computer technology and software development. This has enabled him to to be the sole designer and developer of this website. At Panorama Source, you're going directly to the source. We have complete control over every aspect of content on our website. We encourage feedback about what works and doesn't work on this website. Read more about Panorama Source.

Who buys these kinds of photos?

We sell to individual consumers, advertising and design agencies, corporations, publishers (newspapers, magazines, text books, etc.), calendar and greeting card companies, new media professional, television and film producers, government and non-profit organizations, CD producers, etc.

How do I buy a photo?

You can order online using the button found under all Gallery, Lightbox, and Search Results thumbnail photos. If you'd rather deal with a human, please contact us and we'll take care of all the the ordering details for you.

What browsers do you support?

This website targets modern browsers like FireFox, Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera, etc. It has been tested and should be fully functional (albeit with some loss of intended "look and feel") as far back as Internet Explorer 4.x and Netscape 4.x. We do not use frames, or new techniques that we feel aren't yet completely established. We do use Adobe Acrobat reader for the viewing and printing of invoices.

Does your website use or require cookies?

No. Cookies are not used on this website. You can set up an Account, check your Lightbox, etc. without having to have cookies enabled in your browser. We store NO information on your computer.

What kind of camera do you use?

Jon has typically used Nikon cameras for all of his career, from an old F2 and N80, to his current digital Nikon D200 and P90. For larger formats he used a Bronica 2 1/4". This site contains photos from both formats, but the majority are from 35mm and high resolution digital.

How many photographs are on your website?

This site currently contains 42685 regular format photos.

How many panoramas are on your website?

This site currently contains 1220 panoramic photos.

How many galleries are on your website?

This site currently contains 983 active galleries, not including gallery indexes.

How many gallery Indexes are on your website?

This site currently contains 193 active galleries indexes which contain links to actual content galleries.

How many web pages are on your website?

This site currently contains 44931 pages.

Pricing & Products

How much do your photo products cost?

Photo Prints are priced depending on size and are priced from $2.95 Royalty Free licensed photos have their fee based soley on the size and resolution of the photo you need. These license fees start at $15.95  Rights Protected licensed photos are the highest quality, and most expensive, product type, of interest generally to the graphics design professional. The license fee is based on the intended use of the photo and starts at $14.95 for a small, low resolution use.

In the event your needs aren't covered in the Price List, please you can submit a Custom Quote Request by contacting us.

You can read more about Pricing and Product information.

How do I find out a price?

Prices appear on the product detail pages that you access by clicking on the button found under all Gallery, Lightbox, and Search Results thumbnail photos.

Can I request a Custom Quote?

Yes. Simple contact us and let us know what you're interested in.

How can I get a Photo Comp from you?

Photo Comps (or comprehensive renderings) are available by accessing any Enlarge button (or clicking on any thumbnail image). They will contain our watermark. Read more about Pricing and Product information.

Are the photos I might buy sharper than what I see here?

Definitely! Depending on the size of your computer screen and your browser settings, you generally can only display photos at less than 100 lines per inch of resolution. When you buy a photo, it has been scanned at many times that resolution. The color rendition you see can also be improved.

What are Rights Protected Photos?

Rights Protected licensed photos are photos that must be licensed for a specific use. The fee for these photos is calculated from several factors including usage, size, placement, duration, and geographic location. Rights Protected photos are licensed for a specific use and cannot be used for any purpose other than what is specified when licensing the photo. Panorama Source provides both Rights Protected or Royalty Free licenses. If you are looking for a unique photo then consider the Rights Protected licensing model. It provide a more distinct, and usually higher quality, photo than Royalty Free.

What are Royalty Free Photos?

Royalty Free licensed photos are photos that can be used multiple times, for almost any usage (refer to each manufacturer's licensing agreement for exact specifications). Royalty Free license pricing is based only on size (not usage) and there are never additional fees for using the photo. Royalty Free photos can often be ordered with other Royalty Free photos on discs for an added value.

Why are some photos available as both Rights Protected and Royalty Free?

Because our photos are relatively fresh on the market, many have not yet been licensed, so they are still available under either license. However, since we guarantee exclusivity for Rights Protected licenses, as soon as one is licensed, it becomes permanently unavailable under a Royalty Free license.

Can I order prints of your photographs?

Definitely yes. They are one of the products we offer. Read more about Pricing and Product information

Can I get a model release for a photo?

Most photos are shot in the public domain. No photo on this website comes with a model, trademark, logo or other intellectual property release. However, in some case, obtaining a model release may be possible. You accept full responsibilities for assuring that your use of the photo does not involve the need for such releases.

Can I get a custom scan of a photo I'm interested in?

Yes. You can contact us , with the details of your request. Be sure to specify the image number, license type, usage, resolution, size of the photo you want.

I really want a larger version of a photo I just bought. Do I have to pay again?

No - but only if you let us know within 30 days of the original order date. You will be charged only for the difference in the upgrade - if any.

How can I get an unwatermarked version of a photo?

All photos displayed on this website have a logo watermark overlayed upon them - including Photo Comps. This watermark is designed to prevent theft. The only way to get a photo without a watermark is to order one - purchased photos will not not have our watermark on them. Photo Comps are not available without watermarks.

How can I find about about the license history of a photo?

You can inquire about photo license history by contacting Panorama Source and asking your question in the text area. Be sure to include the photo number. We'll respond by email and disclose non-private information about the photo's license history.

Exploring Photos

How can I access and view your photos?

• Galleries
  There are many preloaded gallery pages for you to peruse. They are arranged by general geographic location or subject. You start at the main Galleries Index page and "drill down" from there. Read more about Using the Galleries.
  
  
• Searches The most effective way to find photos you want is to search for them. All pages on this website have access to the search tool in the upper right and bottom. You enter one or more keywords and choose whether you want photos that match 'any' of your words, or photos that only match 'all' of them. Your results display in a page that looks just like a Gallery. Read more about Using the Search Tool.
  
  

How can I see an enlarged version of a photo?

From any Gallery, Lightbox, History, or Search results page, either click directly on the small thumbnail photo, or on the button

From a List, simply click on the photo number.

Using Lightbox

What is a lightbox?

A Lightbox is a viewing area where you can save photos to review or order later on. You can see what it looks like by simply visiting any gallery, choosing a photo, and clicking on the button below it. This will put this photo in the temporary lightbox. If you want to save your lightbox, you'll need to sign up for an account.

You can view the Galleries, Lists, and do Searches without having to use a Lightbox. You can order photos manually using email - or use the Lightbox for an online order. Lightboxes are great for saving photos that you are interested in, and are the best way to have photos approved by a client or supervisor before you buy.

Each Lightbox can store as many photos as you would like. Panorama Source does not put a time limit on your Lightbox, and never deletes it. However, you can delete it yourself.

• Add photos
• View large version of photos
• Order photos
• Go Back to the page the last photo you came from
• Delete single phots
• Delete all of the photos in your Lightbox
• Check order status of an ordered photo
• Reprint an invoice of an ordered photo

Do I have to use a Lightbox to buy a photo?

No. You can buy photos directly from the Gallery or Seach pages you find them on by using the button. Your Lightbox is just a convenient place to "park" photos you're interested in for later review and comparison.

Do I have to have an Account to use my Lightbox?

No. However, if you want the contents of you Lightbox to be saved, and available next time you visit, you must 'Sign Up' for an account and 'Sign In' during your visit. If you haven't set up an account with us, click "Account: Sign Up" from the bottom of any page. Read more about Using your Account.

Can I check what I've previously held in my Lightbox?

Not exactly. But you can check everything you've previously ordered by clicking on Account History at the bottom of all pages. It works in very much the same way as your Lightbox does - and you do have to be 'Signed In' to use it.

Using Account

What is an "account" and why is it necessary?

You can read all about Using your Account which allows you to:

• Store and retrieve your current Lightbox when you 'Sign In'
  
• Access your Order History
  
• Reload your Contact Info
  
• Track Order Status
  
• Access and reprint order invoices
  

It is intended for repeat customers who want to keep track of their orders and not have to re-enter information each time. You can always order photos via email without the need for opening an account.

How can I open an account with you?

You 'Sign Up' for an account by clicking on the Account: Sign Up button at the bottom of any page on our website. You'll need to fill in your Sign In details - your Email and password, and your Contact Details - your bill to and ship to addresses, phone numbers, etc. Read more about Using your Account.

How do you protect the privacy of the information I submit to you?

We don't sell or divulge your personal information, including your email address, to any other party. Buying online can include using a credit card. Here, you provide PayPal with your credit card information (and sign up for a PayPal account if you don't already have one) on their secure site. Your contact information is automatically forwarded to them so you don't have to re-enter it. We do not store, or ever have access, to your credit information. For a complete overview of how we protect your information, read our Privacy Statement

Buying

How do I buy a photo?

You can order photos via email, with our assistance, or automatically, online.

If you simply contact us we'll respond with requests for more information if needed, and provide you with a price quote for you to approve before we place your order for you.

Online ordering is the quickest way to buy, and its ideal for repeat customers who want to keep track of their orders. The basic steps for buying photos online are:

1. Click on any button found under all Gallery, Lightbox, and Search Results thumbnail photos.
2. This will take you to the Product Details page where you will choose the product type and add it to your Shopping Cart
3. Once you have your Shopping Cart the way you want it, you Checkout
4. This is where you enter your Account Information (if you're not already Signed In) and your shipping method
5. You'll then go to the Order Payment page where you choose your payment method.
6. Then you'll end up on our Thank You page. If you choose to pay via PayPal, there will be a link here to Paypal to complete the payment process
7. We'll ship your order as soon as we either receive your check or a payment verification from PayPal

What payment methods do you provide?

We accept payment via major credit cards using Paypal. If you don't have, or want to setup, a PayPal account, you can still pay with a credit card. We will send you a PayPal 'Request Money' email form. This allows you to pay without setting up a PayPal account and only uses PayPal as the 'Payment Gateway'. You can also opt to send a check or money order by regular mail.

How quickly can I get my order?

This can range from same day, to several days. If you pay by credit card, and the photo you've specified is small enough to download, you can download usually within 24 hours of when we receive payment verification from PayPal. If you're receiving a CD or a mailed print, it is shipped the same day payment is received, and depending on your location, you should receive it within a few days.

Can I download photos immediately after I've ordered them?

The quickest order method is by credit card, and photo download - however it is not immediate. As soon as we receive payment verification from PayPal your photo is made available for download and you are notified. This most often should happen within a few hours.

Can I get the original transparency of a photo I'm interested in?

No. Our business is online and digital - original transparencies are not available. You can request custom scan resolutions and image sizes by contacting us with a custom quote request. However, there can be exceptions under special circumstances.

Can I see my past orders?

Yes. You can access all of your past order information by clicking on Account History. You must first be signed in. All photos you've ever ordered will display in a format just like your Lightbox. You can click on the button at the bottom of each page to retrieve order information and allows you to reprint the invoice.

How can I get a quote for products that I don't see listed in the Product Details?

You can get a price for any product and option, including custom scan sizes, by contacting us with details of your custom quote request.

What is your cancellation/refund policy if I change my mind?

We can only cancel - and refund (or credit) payment of - an order up until the point at which it is shipped or downloaded. Sales are considered final when a product is shipped or downloaded. However, we are sensitive to your satisfaction and will always work with you whenever possible.

What if I have trouble downloading a product?

Your download file will remain accessible for retries until we receive notification of success - but not indefinitely. If for some reason downloads are unfeasible, we will gladly send you a CD file ASAP. We will ensure that you receive your file.

What's the difference between the RGB and CMYK color mode?

These are two different color modes. RGB stands for red-green-blue. These are the three colors used on computer display screens. On the other hand, commercial printing invariable requires that photos be converted to CMYK: cyan-magenta-yellow-black in order to make color separations and film for 4-color offset printing. An RGB file can be converted to CMYK, but this can occasionally alter the color. We deliver all photos in the RGB color mode unless you request otherwise.

What's the difference between JPEG and TIFF image formats?

These two file formats have differing advantages:

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a file compression technique that provides relatively compact file sizes. However, this format is "lossy" - over repeated cycles of resizing, file detail is lost.

TIFF(Tagged Image File Format), on the other hand, is "lossless". It retains detail information - however it cannot be compressed nearly as small as JPEG.

Depending on whether or not you want to be able to download the file online, you may choose one over the other. The 'Buy Now' screen will show you the file format based on your delivery option. If your file is too large to download, you will be warned that you must receive the photo by CD instead.

How will I know when you have shipped my order?

We will always notify you by email when we ship an order

Am I required to give Panorama Source a Credit Line?

If you are publishing one of our images, in the spirit of professionalism, we request that you provide a photo Credit Line for any editorial use of a photo in the format: "© Jon R. Holmquist - Panorama Source, according to your standard placement preference. Where possible we also request a copyright notice as well.

Is it safe to use my credit card on your site?

Yes. However, to be specific, when you make a credit card order on our website, you are taken directly to the secure PayPal website. Read about PayPal security - they are the premier online payment provider for EBay. None of your credit card details are stored, or even accessible, from our website. If you don't yet have a PayPal account, you'll need to set one up the first time.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept payment via PayPal (which requires a PayPal account) and payments from all the major credit cards Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover. Credit Card payments are made via a PayPal Request Money transaction - but this does not require a PayPal account and only uses PayPal as the "payment gateway". By regular mail, we accept checks (both corporate and personal), money orders, and cashiers checks. Products are not shipped until checks are cleared. All payments other than by credit card - must be in U.S. dollars.

What currencies do you accept?

If payment is by credit card, we can accept, via PayPal, virtually all the major world currencies - they do the conversion. If payment is by check or money order - we require that it be in U.S. dollars.

Searching

Can I search for a photo on your website?

Yes, this is the most effective way to find photos you want. All pages on this website have access to the search tool in the upper right and bottom. You enter one or more keywords and hit enter. Your results display in a page that looks just like a Gallery. Read more about Using the Search Tool

Can I search your website for web page text?

Yes, the search tool allows you to search for either photos or web page text. All pages on this website have been indexed and are searchable using the search tool found in the upper right and bottom of all web pages. You enter one or more keywords and optional boolean operatores and then hit return. Your results will be listed with links to the pages they are found on. Read more about Using the Search Tool.

Are parts of my keywords also used when I search?

Yes.Our search engine uses an advanced technique called "stemming". It automatically finds, and includes, the "stems" of your keywords in searches. For example, if you search for "running", the search engine will also include matches on the word "run". If you search for a plural word like "towers", you'll also get results for the singular form: "tower".

What languages does your search engine support?

This website is written in English and searching is based on English. However, there are some foreign locations that are spelled using the local language. For example, the famous castle island in France is "Mont Saint Michel".