West Coast Imaging

General FAQ:

Scanning FAQ

Custom Exhibition Print FAQ

West Coast Imaging FAQs

Shipping Info

FAQ for clients making prints from their own files:

Basic knowledge

Tips on using our Online Portal for transferring and downloading files to WCI

Digital darkroom tips

Download ICC Profiles for our printers

FAQ about our Printers and Processes:

Chromira Print FAQ

Epson 9600 Photo-Quality Print FAQ

Giclée Print FAQ

Common Questions About West Coast Imaging

Why should I send my images to West Coast Imaging, instead of another lab?

In 1997, we opened our business to offer the care and attention photographers deserve. Coming from fine-art gallery backgrounds, we have a high standard for quality print making. We are not a lab, but a studio. We built our business from the ground up around one goal: to offer the best quality prints to photographers from their images.

There are several factors that set us apart from other labs in the country.

We treat printmaking and scanning as an art, giving each image intense individualized attention. We are a studio that helps photographers achieve their goals, rather than a lab that pushes images through a fixed process. Fixed processes work well for E-6 lines, but not for fine art printmaking.
Our staff members offer extensive backgrounds in photography and digital imaging. Whether you're a photojournalist, commercial photographer, portrait photographer or landscape photographer, we talk the same language, and we understand the value of your original transparency. When you call to talk with us, we'll understand what you mean if you say, "I'd like the foreground a stop lighter."
We offer personalized service. One of the best parts of our job is chatting with clients. We want to get to know you, your photography, and your vision. This is the best way to make prints that please you.
Our Tango Drum Scanner delivers exceptional 8-bit or 16-bit scans. Starting out with an excellent scan makes everything else in digital imaging significantly easier.
We offer a wide variety of digital printing options, including Fuji Crystal Archive Prints and the latest Epson printers with a wide variety of papers. Offering many high-quality options gives photographers more creative control over the look and feel of their final prints.
We offer full service printing to photographers who would rather be in the field making new photos than working in Photoshop. All we need is your film or digital camera file, and any direction you would like to give us. We'll put our imaging talents to work, delivering a final print you can sell or display.
Photographers who want to do their own Photoshop work can use our Print Lab, and we'll make prints directly from your files. This is a great way to make prints of your images without having to spend the money (or space) to have the printer in your own studio.
With digital imaging changing virtually every day, it's important to stay on the cutting edge of all new developments. We take this task seriously, and are constantly implementing new services and technology as the industry evolves.
And if you need more reasons, read what our clients have to say about us.

What kind of equipment do you use?
Our studio uses primarily Macintosh computers. All of our monitors are calibrated using EyeOne Photo by GreytagMacbeth. We own two Tango™ Drum Scanners; Epson 11880, 9800, 9600, and 10000 model printers; and a Chromira 30.

Where can I see examples of your prints?
You can request samples, and we will mail you small sample prints for your review.

Where is Oakhurst, California?
Oakhurst is located on California Highway 41, about 15 miles from the south gate of Yosemite National Park. We're also about an hour north of Fresno--where the closest airport is located. View a map of the area.

Why are you located in Oakhurst as opposed to LA or the San Francisco Bay area?
Our staff is comprised of photographers and artists who are motivated by beautiful scenery and time spent in the outdoors. Digital printing requires a great amount of creativity, clarity and patience--which are easily found when you step outside our studio. Shipping companies like FedEx allow us to conduct business overnight with our vendors and our clients. Turn-around times wouldn't be any faster if we lived in a large city. We can't find a good reason to NOT live in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

I am an amateur photographer, not a professional. Can I still send my work to West Coast Imaging?
Yes! We welcome work from ANYONE who wants an excellent scan or print of their image. Our goal is to help all photographers tell their story better, and to make their vision a reality.

Can I come in for a tour of West Coast Imaging?
We'd be happy to show you our studio during our regular business hours (9 to 5, Monday through Friday). Since we work on deadline almost every day, please schedule an appointment for your visit by sending us an email.