Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it possible to place a single order for multiple siblings?

Yes! Click on "Enter another password," under the password login. You can enter up to five access codes at the same time. This way you will have access to all available photos. You can combine the order and save on shipping costs.

2. I received an access card with an access code - how can I order my photos?

If you have received a access card with a personal access code, go to the "Login" page, enter the access code and click on "Open Album."

3. I received an email with login information - how can I order photos?

After you have placed an order or registered with the online shop, you will receive an email with login credentials. Using your email and the new password, you can use the "Customer Login" to enter your personal gallery, order photos and check the status of your orders. Contact me if you need help!

4. Where can I see the status of my order?

The easiest way is to click the link within your order confirmation email. Alternatively, you can log in with the password and email address you received via email. Once you’ve logged in, your order details can be found under "My Account".

5. How long will the delivery take?

The delivery time depends on the payment, the products you’ve ordered and delivery method. The payment must be confirmed before your order can be processed. Delivery time may also vary depending on the type of products ordered.

6. Is the logo (watermark) going to be removed from the image?

Of course! The watermark is only used to protect against illegal downloads.

7. What is the quality of prints, posters, etc.?

I am committed to providing prints of the highest quality, and use the award-winning One Vision Imaging to create beautiful prints. If you are not satisfied with the quality of your photo products, please get in touch. We are devoted to your satisfaction.

8. Can I crop the images?

Yes. You will find this option within the basket. If you crop the image, an enlargement of the selected area is created. Look for the stars which indicate whether the photo's resolution is sufficient for the enlargement.

9. I rarely order online - how can I order my photos here?

Select a photo that you like from your album and click "Order photo.” Then select the product of your choice, enter the desired quantity and click on "Add to basket". When you have placed all of the photos you like into your shopping cart, click "Basket" on the top right of the screen and follow the instructions. If you don't like ordering online, please get in touch.

10. Why doesn't everyone have the same number of photos to choose from?

One of the things that makes my service different to other school photography companies is that I provide you with a greater choice of images, prints and products. However, I still face the same challenges, and often have no more than 1 minute to photograph each student. The number of photos will be determined by many factors, including time, how quickly the student moves into different poses, and how much they were enjoying being in front of the camera!

11. Black and white photos

Can I have my prints and digital files in black and white? Yes, just ask! Often I'll select one or two photos from a client's gallery, and then process them as black and white images, but if you want one of the other photos prepared that way, please let me know.

12. I love the photos, but is it possible to remove a temporary blemish before I place my order?

No cosmetic retouching is undertaken initially, but if it's important to you, it may be possible to do some discrete editing upon request to reduce temproary blemishes and marks. Please contact me to discuss this further before placing your order.

13. Post and Packing charges

As the prints are made and sent out by a 3rd party, One Vision Imaging, I can't change the post and packing charges. If you don't want to pay P & P, why not download high resolution digital files instead of ordering prints? You'll get your images straight away, and can make as many prints as you want, in whatever sizes you need, either printing at home or using a print company of your choice.

14. Payment

PayPal handle the debit and credit card payments for orders placed on the website. You don't need to have a PayPal account to do this, just a UK credit or debit card. PayPal handle the transaction - as one of the world's biggest payment facilitators, they provide excellent security and the best encryption to protect against fraud and theft.

15. Copyright

Whilst Alastair Merrill Photography retains copyright on all images, you are free to share and reproduce your photos without acknowleding me as the copyright holder. However, it's very much appreciated if you do tell your friends and family who did your photos - referrals are so important to my business! Please note that you may not resell the images, and must not allow them to be used commercially without my prior written consent.

16. Do you do private commissions?

Yes! Please get in touch if you're interested in booking me for portraits, events, weddings, or commercial work. Have a look at my portfolio and biog at www.alastairmerrill.com to see more of my work.

17. Happy/Unhappy?

If you're delighted with your photos and the service you've received, please consider liking Alastair Merrill photography on Facebook and following me on Instagram and Twitter. If you're unhappy about anything, please get in touch so that I can put things right for you. I'm in business to make people smile, and my aim is for you to be thrilled with your photos and my business.