FAQ

Pricing & Payment Shipping Camera Equipment Photo Hosting General Questions

Q. What a great concept! How much does it cost?
A. We try to keep our price structure simple: $145 for 5 cameras, $245 for 10 cameras, $325 for 15 cameras and $395 for 20 cameras. Remember, this includes EVERYTHING – except shipping – we won’t nickel and dime you to death. Our shipping is what we like to call “transparent”, which means that we charge you EXACTLY what it costs us to ship the cameras to and from your location. We also don’t charge a “handling” fee.


When comparing prices to disposable cameras, remember all of the “hidden” costs associated with them: developing the film, delivery, missed photographs, time spent going to and from the photo store and unused pictures, etc. Not to mention the cost to the environment in chemical contamination and landfill waste!


Q. What are your payment terms?
A. We accept major credit cards only. A 10% deposit is required to reserve your date. The remaining balance will be charged to your credit card when we ship them. Your deposit is fully refundable, as long as you cancel at least seven days before your event.


Q. Where do you ship to?
A. Currently, Photofest only ships to locations in the U.S. But we’ll be in Canada before you know it!


Q. When will I receive the cameras?
A. You will receive the cameras at least one business day before your scheduled event. We guarantee an on-time arrival. If UPS has not delivered your cameras, or you have not received a notice from them, DON'T PANIC! Simply give us a call, and we'll pay for a replacement set to be shipped to you via overnight delivery.


Q. How long can I keep the cameras for?
A. You can keep them up to seven days, including delivery days. For example, if your event starts on Friday, the cameras will be delivered on Thursday. As long as you get the cameras back to a UPS drop off location by the following Wednesday, you’ll avoid our $5 per camera per day late charge. After all, we need those cameras back so we can get them to the next event on time. Remember, the sooner we get the cameras back from you, the sooner you’ll have your photos.


Q. How do I send the cameras back?
A. We send our cameras in sturdy reusable containers, each made from a minimum of 40% post consumer recycled material. Each container comes with packing material to protect the cameras – please don’t throw this away – as well as a prepaid return label. Just repack the cameras in the box, affix the return label and seal the box with the enclosed tape. Then take the box or boxes to the nearest UPS return shipping location. The boxes might look a little bit worn, but that’s only because we reuse them as long as we can. Reusing our boxes is just one of the ways we practice environmental stewardship.


Q. What kind of cameras do you use?
A. We use only the latest model, cutting-edge technology Canon A590IS digital cameras.


Q. Do you provide batteries for the cameras?
A. Yes, all of our cameras will come with fully charged rechargeable batteries, as well as a battery charger...just in case your guests use them a lot. Which is exactly what we want.


Q. How will my guests know how to operate the cameras?
A. Our cameras are simple and easy to use, and are shipped to you already in the Auto mode. Even the most technologically challenged of your guests can churn out professional shots!


Q. How many pictures/videos can we take with the camera?
A. Each camera contains a 1 GB SD card. That’s enough space for 460 photos at a resolution of 3264 x 2448, as well as plenty of space for movie clips. We don't lock the cards in the cameras, either, so if you're tech-inclined, you can copy the pictures directly from the cards before you ship the cameras (don't forget the cards!) back to us.


Q. Can the cameras shoot video clips?
A. Absolutely, and with included audio, everyone can even make their own personalized message.


Q. Where can my friends and family view all of our great pictures?
A.

Just have them point their browser to: http://photofest.smugmug.com, then select your event. The most recent events are near the top. They'll need a password to access your gallery, which we'll provide to you after we post your photos.


They won't need to create their own account, either, and can download as many full-sized copies of your photos as they want, or order prints through Smugmug!


Q. Can I download and print full-size pictures from Smugmug?
A. Unlike most services, you can download all of the pictures, at full resolution. Then you can print them, email them, set them as your desktop background, make a calendar – whatever you want to do! They’re YOUR pictures!


Q. Can I get professional prints as well?
A. Smugmug offers professional, high quality printing of pictures for a small fee. It’s one of the reasons we chose to utilize their website for our hosting.


Q. How much do you charge to print the pictures?
A. Smugmug’s prices vary by size. Check their website for the most current pricing.


Q. How long will my pictures be available online?
A. We’ll keep them up for a minimum of a year. After that, we’ll remove them once we start to run out of space. Of course, we’ll remove them at your request as well.


Q. How long will it take before my pictures become available at Smugmug?
A. We will upload your pictures promptly once we receive the cameras. We’re usually able to get the pictures uploaded the same day, but sometimes demand is pretty high, and it takes us an extra day or two. We’ll send you an email as soon as they’re available.


Q. Why don’t you charge me for camera insurance? All the other services do. Are you guys scamming me or what?
A. We think camera insurance is a rip off, so we don’t charge you extra for it - we've taken occasional breakage and wear and tear into account in setting our prices. The only way you’ll get charged is if you fail to return any of the cameras (which has not happened to date). We understand that accidents happen, and that you’ve got enough to worry about for your event without having to constantly wonder what’s happening with our cameras. We do hope that you and your guests will treat our cameras as they would treat their own, though!


Q. What if the camera is lost or stolen?
A. In the very rare event that a camera is lost or stolen (which hasn't happened to us yet), we’ll have to charge you for the loss. We’ll contact you before we do to let you know how much the charge will be. Guests are very unlikely to leave with our cameras; they are pretty well marked as ours! We suggest you have your DJ or master of ceremonies make special mention of the cameras and that they should be treated with care for your special occasion. Additionally, you may wish to have a trusted friend or family member be in charge of collecting the cameras toward the end of your event.


Q. Can I get a CD or DVD with all of my pictures and videos?
A. No. We’re better than that. We’ll give you a personalized 1-3 GB USB drive with all of your pictures and videos on it instead. You can use this to archive these pictures, as well as any other electronic media from your wedding – songs from your playlist, other digital photos, a copy of your invitation – whatever you want.


Q. How much will that USB drive cost me?
A. Nothing. It’s included in the price of camera rental.


Q. Great FAQ, but you have failed to account for MY question. How do I get some answers?
A. Easy! Just contact us via email and we'll answer your question. We might even add it to the FAQ (if it's asked frequently enough, of course).