frequently asked questions
Q What is Captured52?
A On 5.2.15 we set forth with Captured52 to establish our footing and reputation as the best place to buy large scale, museum quality photographs at a fair price. Our unconventional approach released a single, open edition photograph from each of 52 invited photographers from around the world. After five Seasons our Captured52 portfolio represented 260 original photographs from 217 photographers in 47 countries. As we look to the future, our evolution to include bodies of work, we feel more accurately conveys our commitment to delivering fresh images and ideas around the art of big, museum quality, framed photography.
Q What is a shadowbox?
A A shadowbox simply means that the image sits back from the face of the frame. We use a 1/4″ white spacer that goes around the inside of the frame separating the image from the acrylic—or frame face on our biggest pieces. So even if you’ve selected an image that bleeds (goes all the way to the edge of the paper) the spacer serves to punctuate the piece and is widely used by many of the worlds leading photographers, galleries and museums.
Q What if I want to display my work in a different orientation?
A Sure. The way we present the art is the way we receive the file. Geometric and abstract work however, can certainly be viewed any way you like. Let us know what you’re thinking and we will mount the D-rings on the back of the frame according to the orientation you prefer. Just send us a picture of the image with your preferred orientation to customercare@centralandgrand.
Q Is this art collectable?
A It all depends on where you find beauty and meaning. A collection of nothing more than shells and stones can bring great joy. That’s what art is about and always should be. We don’t buy into the notion of “limited” or “important” or “appreciation potential.” Art is about what it means to you. It’s as simple as that. Buy what you love and keep it forever. Or just pick it up from the ground.
Q How do you select your work?
A My curation is approached with a free mind and I select images on what I feel is the singular power of the piece. Art is entirely subjective, I fully support creative freedom and believe that a photograph is as much about where, when and how the image was captured. I look for images that are unique—ubiquitous can be found anywhere. A still life or portrait is going to have a much different look and feel than an image captured from the top of Everest, deep in a cave or a mile below the oceans surface. Large format cameras produce something entirely different than a cheap Holga camera. Grain, blur, texture, detail (or lack thereof), low light, bright light and all manner of conditions, equipment and creative interpretation make our photographs what they are, powerful and memorable.
Q How do you select frame color?
A We select what we feel best compliments the image. Like the art itself however, this is entirely subjective, and you’re welcome to request a color change. And you may wish to change the border to bleed or vice-versa. No problem, let us know at customercare@centralandgrand.
Q Does No Longer Available really mean No Longer Available?
A Occasionally our artists are picked up by galleries or museums and will request that their image be listed as no longer available. Agreements however may not be entirely restrictive and depending on their current situation, the artist may be amenable. Just ask at customercare@centralandgrand.
Q Why do you sell only open editions?
A The visionary photographer Ansel Adams sold over 1,300 original prints of his iconic image, Moonrise, Hernandez—as an open edition. Why? Because he needed the cash and there was a demand. In the early ’70s you could have picked one up for $500! Now that image ranges from $80,000 to $600,000—if you can find one! Nothing’s changed—great work sold as an open edition can make more money for the photographer and provide many more people the chance to own original work at a fair price. We believe that many people owning the same work, not fewer, is what substantiates the work—true value found in the singular power of the piece. Be wary of the limited edition, appreciation hype. Ninety-nine percent (ok maybe 95%) of those “limited edition” photographs never sell out. So appreciation becomes moot. See above, that’s not how we sell art.
Q Do you sell only original photographs?
A Yes. Every image that we publish is printed directly from the photographer’s master file that they send directly to us. Not only are our photographs original, so too the creative process—from veterans to a new generation of artists experimenting across traditional, sculptural, conceptual and performance art, cross pollinating analog and digital, and exploring the far reaches of the imagination. We consider every interpretation of the “photographic” process as original and a natural evolution of the craft.
Q What’s with all the bluster around the “Letter” or “Certificate” of Authenticity?
A Sales gimmick. Authenticity of a Central & Grand image is directly related to the file size required to print at the quality and size that we do. We can’t do what we do without the master file from the photographer. Period. We emboss seal on the lower right border of the image, or if bleed, on the dated details card on the back. The print date matches the date stamp on the backside of the frame. Authentic to the core, guaranteed.
Q Why do you limit the sizes?
A The short answer is simplicity. There are tons of sites that offer five different sizes in five different edition sizes at five different prices. That approach doesn’t add value to any photograph. An iceberg at 16″ x 20″ just doesn’t cut it for us…let alone 8″ x 10!” We offer what we feel is the optimum size for that image. Some images are just meant to be printed at 60″ x 80.” But we have a saying, “Just because you can print big, doesn’t mean you should”—so others are better a bit smaller and with Central & Grand we now have the opportunity to offer works beginning at 30″ x 30.” If however, you’d like a bigger size (not smaller), you can ask about customizing at customercare@centralandgrand.
Q What is the best way to protect and clean my investment?
A First, always protect your work from extreme heat and harmful ultraviolet rays by avoiding direct sunlight whenever possible. Our big and bigger pieces are protected by UV acrylic that can be cleaned with a damp soft cloth. Avoid ammonia based products, like Windex. Our biggest pieces are protected with an archival laminate that can be cleaned with a dry soft cloth. Always apply gently to avoid scratching.
Q Are these too big for my wall?
As hard as it is to imagine, most people err on the side of too small! And some photographs should simply not be resigned to a little space on a wall. Unless you’re creating a gallery wall (many small pieces together—sorry we can’t help you there) then one large piece should take up a minimum of two thirds to three quarters of the wall. Don’t be timid—this work is meant to make a statement! When picking art for any room BIGGER IS BETTER—even if it feels a bit out of your comfort zone. More often than not, you see art that is simply too small for the wall and the room. You’re investing in a museum quality artwork that you will enjoy for a lifetime.
Take a tape measure to the wall and mark each corner of the size you’re considering with painters tape to give you a sense of scale. You may find, if you were considering one of our big or bigger pieces, that you want to go bigger. If so, we’re happy to quote a bigger size (providing the file can support it) at customercare@centralandgrand.
To be sure you’re on the safe side—GO BIG! If you want to talk it through, we’re here for you. (Link)
Q What about glare or reflection?
A Our images up to 40″ x 60″ include acrylic glazing to protect the image—and yes, glare could well be an issue if not lit properly or if it’s hung in a room with a lot of natural light. Please be sure you consider your wall space, the natural sunlight that it receives throughout the day and your lighting to best assess potential for glare. You may wish to test the location with another piece that is protected with acrylic or glass (not non-reflective glass). To eliminate glare altogether, our large pieces are protected using an archival laminate in lieu of acrylic.
Q How do you ship?
A Every Central & Grand image is printed by our master printer to exacting specifications, museum shadowbox framed with solid wood Studio moulding and packed with care in our custom boxes. We ship from Portland, Oregon via UPS or FedEx (flat packed up to 40”x 60”) or ground (crated for 60” x 80”) via one of several art carriers. PLEASE NOTE, THAT OUR 60” X 80” CRATES WEIGH AROUND 200LBS SO PLEASE PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE ACCORDINGLY—you’ll need help getting your work from the truck to your space. Delivery times will vary, depending on our carrier. When your art ships, you will receive a shipment confirmation email including your tracking number so that you can follow your image as it travels home!
Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery and ALL SHIPMENTS MUST BE ACCEPTED AND SIGNED UPON DELIVERY.
Q Do you ship internationally?
A Yes, since domestic shipping is included, we apply that to the total cost and you pick up the difference. We’re happy to accommodate international requests – please shoot us an email at shipping@captured52.com.
Q Can I expect my photograph to be the same as I see it on my computer screen?
A Images will typically appear brighter on your computer screen because they are backlit. Our responsibility is to accurately translate to paper, the vision and intent of our photographers. When you consider our work, keep in mind the conditions under which your image was captured, especially low to no-light situations. What you experience on paper, is the accurate representation of the mood, feeling, and detail of that moment in time.
Q What is your return policy?
A Because we custom print and frame each photograph on a per order basis, all sales are final—we do not accept returns or exchanges.
Q What if my art is damaged during shipping?
In the unfortunate event that your SHIPPING CONTAINER arrives damaged—before all else—HOLD ON TO THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND PACKING MATERIAL, take detailed photos of the damage to your art and/or frame AND the original packaging, interior support frame and wrapping material (including crate) that your piece arrived in. Attach the photos to an email and send to customercare@centralandgrand.