These are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions; click on the appropriate category below.

Images        Products/Services       Photo Use/Copyright         Event Photography

Images

Q: What is the image quality of the web-site photos compared to purchased photos?
A: All images are high quality JPEG photos; proof size web-site photos (75k-100k) are low quality and not indicative of the photos you will receive (1.0-3.5 Mb).   Most images, even when cropped, make suitable for framing prints up to 16x20 (and in many cases 24x36).  Also, upon special request, I may offer raw images.

Q: Some images on your web-site look washed out, dark, or even out of focus?
A:  There are many reasons they may appear this way, among the most common are:  your monitor is not color calibrated, lighting in the room your are viewing the images is not good for the viewing experience, the fact that low resolution images are posted to this web-site, etc.  I assure you, I do not post out of focus images to my web-site.  Additionally, I have a special calibration tool that assists me in image post-processing.  If your monitor has never been calibrated, your viewing experience could vary widely.  Everything that leaves my computer has been fine-tuned and is vibrant!

Q: The slide shows take a while to load, why?  
A:  While the software I am using creates a high quality viewing experience, the files are quite large.  Unless you have a high speed broadband internet connection (cable, dsl, T1, etc.) the slide shows will not work correctly or at all.  Also, please note that you will have to download the 'flash' player to view the images (you will automatically be prompted to do this if the software is not currently installed on your machine).  If you have any questions about this, please let me know.

Q: I see you offer vector-based graphics, what are they? 
A:  Nearly every image you have seen is pixel-based, which means its scalability is finite.  Huh?  Try enlarging an image beyond the resolution it was shot at and you begin to see distortion and diminished image quality.  Vector-based graphics can hypothetically be scaled to infinity.  What does this mean to you?  Let's say you want an image of your hound placed on a banner, vehicle decal or another large medium, you cannot do it with the standard image photographers shoot; however, advanced imaging software can convert pixel- to vector-based images.  Uma Rapiti recently purchased the software that enables this conversion.  Jobs for this special processing will be priced on a per image basis.  This is an exciting new product that we are proud to offer and it backs up our promise to be on the cutting edge of digital photography and image processing.  Please e-mail me for more details. 

Products/Services

Q: What differentiates you from other photographers?
A: I have a passion for what I do, I know photography and I know technology.  I have been taking pictures with 35mm cameras for nearly 25 years.  In that time I worked for newspapers as both a photojournalist and darkroom editor.  I learned a variety of techniques which I employ today.  I also have a multi-faceted understanding of technology which I have brought to my business:  web-design, computer design/builds, and expertise in the best software available.  Since photography has evolved to the electronic medium it is today, I am uniquely positioned to offer my customers expertise in photography and technology.  I do not cling to the old product offerings of the past; I offer my customers the freshest and most exciting products available and build friendships along the way!

Q: If I order prints, who creates them?
A:  I have a relationship with a professional printing lab out of New York. They offer competitive rates as well as outstanding service. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Unless otherwise specified, all prints are made on Kodak Endura Luster professional paper (images won't fade and last a very long time).

Q: Do you touch up photos?
A:  I will do minor cropping and color adjustment as necessary.  If a customer requires more, I can usually do it without a charge, please ask, though.

Q: How long does Uma Rapiti Photography keep photo files?
A:  Indefinitely.  Even though photos may have been removed from this web-site, we still maintain electronic archives.  If you require photos from events no longer on this web-site, just send an e-mail to lpgearhart@umarapiti.com.

Q: I would like to publish your photos in a publication or advertisement, will you help me with that?
A:  Yes.  Just give me the details and I will ensure your pictures meet the required specifications.

Q: I lost my purchased photos.  Can I get them from Uma Rapiti Photography again without being charged full price?
A:  Of course you can get them again.  You will only be charged a shipping and handling fee, just send an e-mail to lpgearhart@umarapiti.com.

Q: Why do your images cost less than other photographers?
A:  I don't know why other photographers charge more for their work, but I expect it is related to a combination of the following:  they have added overhead due to using vendors (e.g., web-site development, photo printing services); they are 'professionals' and photography is their sole source of income so they need to charge more and customers are willing to pay more for their photos.  I keep my costs lower since I have no overhead and do all the work myself.

Return to Top

Photo Use/Copyright

Q: I noticed I can right-click on proof photos and save them to my computer, is it okay to do this?
A: The short answer is, 'No'.  If you are viewing them in this manner in order to make a decision about a pending purchase, then it is okay.  If, however, you are doing this so you can have your own file copy, publish, or e-mail to a friend, then no (this is considered copyright infringement and a violation of the law).  This also applies to screen capture software that is available (e.g., Snag-It).

On at least three different occasions I have had images stolen.  In all instances I was able to resolve the matter without pressing criminal charges.  Be forewarned, I take this seriously...on any given weekend I spend close to 40 hours taking pictures, editing pictures and posting pictures to this web-site.  This is my passion, don't rip me off!  The price I charge for my work is very reasonable.  Depending on the nature of the activity I reserve the right to charge up to $100 per stolen image instance, and/or report you to ASFA and AKC for misconduct, and/or press criminal charges.

If you have illegally obtained images, please e-mail me immediately...I will offer you amnesty, but you will still pay a higher price than usual.  If you don't e-mail me, I will find you.  I have recently teamed up with a sophisticated software engineering company that has special 'sniffer' servers that tracks ISPs that have downloaded my images and/or used screen capture software.  (I have already caught one person who downloaded 6 of my images.)

Q: Who owns the photographs I purchased from Uma Rapiti Photography?
A: All photographs are the property of Uma Rapiti Photography and intended for personal use only.  When you "purchase" a photo, you are purchasing a license to use it. 

Q: I ordered photographs from Uma Rapiti Photography.  May I use them on my web-site, in newsletters, or in magazines?
A: All images sold are intended for personal use and are granted permission to be published in personal  venues: personal web-sites, personal prints, and brags in local club newsletters.  If you pay to have images published as part of an advertisement, whether part of a commercial enterprise or not (e.g., hound, kennel, non-personal web-sites), this is not considered personal use and different per image rates apply; please contact me for more information/clarification.

Q: How do I give credit to Uma Rapiti Photography?
A: Simply include a note near the photo stating, "Photo Courtesy of Uma Rapiti Photography."

Return to Top

Event Photography

Q: I would like Uma Rapiti Photography to shoot an event. 
A:  Send an e-mail to lpgearhart@umarapiti.com and give me the specifics.

Q: Do you have any requirements that a club should be aware of when you are invited to shoot an event?
A:  First and foremost, a verbal or written commitment between me and a club/individual constitutes a contract.  Pursuant to this, I will be the only photographer allowed on the field to shoot the event (read questions below for more clarification).  Second, if possible, my business name and web-site should be listed in the event premium.  Also, if a club has a web-site, I request my business name and a hyperlink be added to it.  Third, typically me or my wife will need the draw sheets (this helps us put together the web-site once we are done shooting.)  These are the most critical requirements.  All clubs I work with have been very accommodating!

Q: At some events I have seen more than one photographer on the field, why?
A:  Well, this could be for a couple of reasons.  First, it could be due to large/multiple fields being used for a trial.  Second, it could be because the hosting club does not offer exclusivity for any one photographer; I have not had this happen, but expect it will some day.

Q: What can a club expect to receive when you shoot an event?
A:  First, I will provide complete coverage of your event.  Second, if needed, some help with your trial; my wife, Elizabeth, is an accomplished paddock master/hunt master and is more that willing to help out...just ask!  Finally, in most cases I will provide some event photos to the hosting club free of charge.  (Such photos include stacked winner photos, award/trophy photos, and action photos.)

Q: Isn't a photographer on the field distracting to the hounds?
A:  Very unlikely.  I typically position myself out of a hound's line of sight.  Also, a hound that is distracted usually lacks prey drive, is not disciplined enough to follow the lure, or is just having a bad day.  I cannot recall one instance where my photography distracted a hound.  (Just recently I had a hound turn his head 90 degrees and stare me down while at the line, when all other hounds were focused on the lure.  When the lure started, the hound darted directly at me as the other two hounds pursued their prey.  Since I was a convenient target, the hound's owner blamed me for his dog's lack of performance!  Give me a break...the dog was not remotely interested in the lure. (Click here to see the sequence of photos.)  A little later I will post photos of this incident.)  When 99.9% of the hounds do what they are supposed to do and the other .1% decide to quit, it is not any photographer's fault...so please don't blame us!

Q: I have seen you at events, but not taking photographs, why is that?
A: Chances are a photographer has already been secured for that event.  Normally, only one photographer will be allowed on the field at a time.

Q: Is it okay for me to take personal pictures of my hounds at a coursing trial?
A: Of course!  Local club rules will dictate what you can and cannot do, just remember you will likely have to stay off the field when taking these pictures.

Q: I am not the event photographer, but I have a really nice camera with an incredible lens.  Can I shoot the event if I am not on the field?
A: Well, it depends.  Local club rules will dictate what you can and cannot do, but typically If these photos are only for your personal use and nothing more, then it would probably be okay.  If your ultimate goal is to sell the photos or give free access to them through a  web-site or e-mail, then no.  When I or any other photographer are on the field, we have a lot of expenses:  gas, lodging, meals, etc; not to mention we put in very long hours on the field and many more editing photos and maintaining web-sites.  When we are shooting the event, this is our livelihood.  When I shoot, I have been invited ahead of time to be the event photographer by the hosting club.  Remember, a lot of people have nice photographic equipment, but not a lot of people build a business and invest endless energies into it. 

Q: What kind of equipment do you use?
A: NIKON, of course!  My primary body is a D300 with a D200 backup.  I only use Nikon glass.  If you really want me to bore you sometime, just strike up a conversation about cameras!  I also use Adobe and Nikon software in all my post-production work.

Return to Top