Purchasing Prints

How to buy a print
When viewing a print click on the "Add to Cart" button. When you are ready to complete your purchase go to your cart (use the "view cart" button if necessary) and pay securely online using a major credit card. I use Google Checkout, so your credit card information will be kept secure and confidential (even from me). The photographs are printed in the USA, carefully packed, and delivered by US postal mail within ten business days (international deliveries may take longer).

Pricing and Shipping
I am selling 8x12 prints for $80 (US) and 12x18 prints for $115 (US). Prints are shipped directly by the printer. There is a flat rate charge of $5 to ship any number of prints to the USA/Canada and a flat rate of $10 to other international locations.

Printing method, quality and paper
I am selling photographs prints on Fuji Crystal Archive paper that are printed at a professional photo lab (not ink jet prints). Fuji Crystal Archive paper is oneof the best photographic papers available evidenced by near universal acceptance in museums and galleries.

Print sizes
I offer prints in 8x12 and 12x18 sizes. I use these sizes to preserve the original image proportions. Although they are standard sizes, most chain stores don't sell pre-cut mats with openings that match. However, you can easily order a quality pre-cut mat online (and save money compared with the chain stores). I suggest an 11x14 or 16x20 mat and frame for 8x12 prints (with a 7.5 x 11.25 inch mat opening). Use a 20x28 or larger mat and frame for the 12x18 prints (with a 11.5 x 17.25 inch mat opening). I recommend buying mats online at Matshop.com (www.matshop.com). They have a great website and great prices. I would suggest a white mat (e.g., a black core mat in arctic white).

Glossy or lustre finish
Glossy finish offers a wider dynamic range and greater saturation (both in color and black and white). Lustre (between matte and glossy) looks great and reduces glare (it's easier on the eyes depending on how the image is mounted and illuminated). Glossy or lustre is a matter of preference. Many prefer luste because it's easier to look at (less glare) under ordinary light. I use the glossy paper when I exhibit prints, so I have that set as the default option.

Safe delivery and satisfaction guarantee
Prints are well packaged and delivered to buyers by US postal mail. If a print is damaged in the mail, you can return it and I will replace it for free. (Contact me if you lose the return address.) If you are not satisfied with a print for some reason, then send it to me with a copy of the invoice and a note describing the problem) and I will refund the cost minus postage. You must put the print in the mail within 10 days of initial receipt for this return policy to apply. In either case above I will not refund the cost of postage.

Signing prints
I don't sign prints because they are delivered to buyers straight from the printer. Signing prints does not make them more authentic. If you want proof that a photo is authentic, then upon request I will mail a signed letter of authenticity. If you really want a print signed, then you can mail it to me in Japan at your own cost along along with return postage. If a print is damaged in the mail, then my usual guarantee (see above) will apply.

Licensing images
When you buy a print, you are not buying the rights to the image. The photographer still owns the copyright. You cannot scan a photo and make copies or use an image for any commercial or non-profit purposes without permission. If you want want to do any of the above, please contact me about licensing the image. Licensing fees will vary according to the intended use, and not all images are available.

FAQ

How do I contact you?
Scroll down to see my email address below.

What equipment do you use (camera/software/etc)?
I shoot with a digial SLR mainly with prime lenses. I don't use a flash. I load the images into a computer to prepare them for printing without substantially altering them. I do basic lighting and color adjustments, convert to black and white, sometimes crop images, and apply standard sharpening.

Where are your other photos?
I have other photographs that are not included in this gallery. If you want to buy a photo that is not here, then contact me with your request. I will either add the photo to the gallery or arrange to sell you a print separately.

Can I use a photo for business or any other use?
See what I've written about licensing images on the lower left side of this page.

Can I buy a digital copy of an image?
I don't provide digital files unless you are licensing the image. See what I've written about licensing images on the lower left side of this page.

Do you ask permission to photograph the people in your photos?
Generally no. There are times when it's best to ask; and I do that, too. Whether I ask or not, I respect the dignity of people in my photos. Generally speaking the law in Japan allows photographers to take photos of people in public places and sell prints.

Can I print photos using the images on the website?
I can't stop you from making low quality prints this way, and I don't mind if it's for your own personal use. If you want a high quality print then you will have to buy one.

Can I use your photos on my website?
Please contact me for permission. Also when you post an image to a website, please save the image to your own computer first and then put it on other site (rather than just using a link to the image).

Do you display your work in galleries?
Yes, when I can. If you have a gallery and/or would like to help arrange a show please contact me.

Does the copyright tag in the lower right hand corner of online images appear on the final prints?
No, it doesn't.

Contact Information

Please contact me by email and I will respond quickly. For reasons I hope you'll understand I prefer not to include my address and phone number online.