On some occasions, I will crop and highlight certain portions of my photos to remove clutter or to clarify the color. However, for the most part, my prints are not retouched or edited in any way. Although some photographers may succeed, I will make no claim to improve on Nature. Therefore, with selected exceptions, my prints reflect the images on which my eye focused and the camera captured.

About the Images

Unless you have a high-definition or well-calibrated monitor, the colors and tones of the photographs you purchase will be better than those seen on your computer screen. One reason for this is that the images you see on your computer screen are slightly compressed, to enable them to load faster. A second reason is that the images are displayed using only "web safe colors". This means that they will appear the same way on your browser as they did when my web site was created. Therefore, the images you purchase will be more detailed and more vibrant than what you see on my web site.

How do you create the prints?

My earlier work was captured on film. Each photo was developed by a professional photo lab. However, my recent work is produced by a Canon Xti EOS Digital Camera. None of my work is mass produced; thus yielding a higher quality product for your enjoyment. I personally prepare each print to yield the best possible prints. All of my photographs are printed, one at a time, using a state-of-the-art Epson large format, inkjet printer using archival inks and the highest quality papers which are industry-rated to resist fading for generations with the proper care.

Inscriptions

By default, matted prints will be shipped un-signed. However, I will gladly sign any matted photo. Signatures will be made by hand using an archival pen which will not damage the matte board. Personal inscriptions, in addition to my signature, are also available.

How do I place an order?

You may order prints online from our photo galleries. Simply click on the image and select the product, format and size you wish to order. When you are finished shopping, click on the "checkout/place your order" button or the "view cart" link to provide your billing information and complete your purchase.

We use PayPal to securely process all orders. You do not need a PayPal account to purchase from our website. Payment is accepted in US Dollars (USD) via MasterCard, VISA, Discover or American Express or a PayPal account.

Florida Residents will have sales tax (7.0 %) added during checkout. We do not accept orders via fax or telephone.

What is PayPal?

PayPal is the world's largest online payment service, providing businesses and individuals with the ability to securely, easily and quickly send and receive payments online. To learn more about PayPal, please visit their website.

When will my prints arrive?

We process all orders when received. You will receive your prints within three (3) weeks of ordering for locations within the continental United States. International orders should be received within four (4) weeks.

We ship domestic orders by US Post Office Priority Mail, and international orders by Global Priority Mail or by Airmail Parcel Post. All matted prints and un-matted prints up to 8x10 inches are shipped flat. Larger un-matted prints are shipped rolled in a heavy-duty mailing tube.

For inquiries or special instructions, please contact info@sunsetimagery.com

What happens if my prints are damaged during shipment?

We assemble and pack your order for shipment to ensure safety in transit. In the event your prints arrive damaged, we will replace them free of charge if they are returned within thirty (30) days of receipt. We will refund the shipping cost you incur in returning any damaged prints to us for replacement. There are no refunds for damaged prints, only exchanges.

Are your prints available for commercial use?

We welcome the purchase of our prints for display on business premises, including public areas (lobbies, visitors centers, etc.) and personal offices. However, your purchase of our prints does not grant any rights to copy or resell the work without our expressed, written consent. Please contact us if you have a special request.

Where do you find the subjects for your photographs?

The majority of my photographs are taken in Florida. However, I love "road trips" and from time to time, I will venture outside the Sunshine State and will include photographs of the places I've visited in Galleries that are suitably identified.

I've tried to provide hints in naming my landscape and macro photographs according to the locales for each shot. However, my bird photos were taken throughout Florida. The best guide I can give you for finding lots and lots of birds is the web site for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservatory's Great Birding Trails. These trails (445 of them, stretching over 2000 miles) constitute an excellent resource for conserving and enhancing Florida's bird habitat, while providing us with an opportunity to see Florida's birds and their seasonal guests in their natural glory.

Another favorite "haunt" of mine is the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center located at MM 93.6 in Tavernier. This unique and very picturesque aviary was established by Laura Quinn, a quiet, un-assuming patron saint of birds, to provide emergency and recuperative care for injured birds. However, along with providing excellent care, the WBC provides a splendid opportunity to educate visitors about our environment. Although no admission is charged for visiting, donations are encouraged to maintain the operation of the WBC. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at "feeding time" (3:30 PM) daily to fully appreciate the number of pelicans and other native species of birds who make this a regular appointment in their daily schedules. Those who are unable to visit the WBC in person may take a "virtural visit" on their website: www.fkwbc.org.

Stock Photography Pricing & Licensing

What is stock photography or stock photo licensing?

"Stock photography" describes photographs or images that are made available for use by others (i.e. book publishers, websites, magazines, newspapers, or advertisers). To use a stock photograph, a licensing fee is usually negotiated with the owner of the image (usually the photographer or a "stock photo agency" that represents many photographers). When you pay a licensing fee, you are basically leasing certain rights to use the image. The license allows use of the image for an agreed upon length of time and in an agreed upon manner (such as on a single website for a period of one year). Once the license (lease) expires, all rights you had to the photo or image expire. The terms of the license are agreed upon prior to purchase and are usually set out in writing.

How to License from us

If you wish to license a single image, the easiest way is to click on your selected image, and then click on the button to the left of the image entitled "License Image" which will take you to a form for requesting a quote.

What types of photos do you have available for licensing?

Our photo galleries serve as a basic guide for designers, editors and photo researchers for seeking unique stock photographs for editorial, publishing or advertising use. Please contact us with a detailed explanation of your stock photography needs if you are interested.

Can I use one of your images for free/ in exchange for a link to your website?

We do not grant free commercial or professional use solely in exchange for credits or links. If your project has a definite budget, you are welcome to let us know in the comments section. We sell limited rights to use or reproduce our work in various media. The exchange of a fee for the right to use an image is known as "stock photography licensing" and it is how photographers are compensated for their time, talent and investment in taking a photograph. None of our images are royalty-free or in the public domain. We do offer discounted rates to verifiable non-profit organizations.

Please contact us with your specific image request to receive a licensing rate quote. Quotes are based on factors such as how the image will be used (website, kiosk, magazine, brochure, etc.), size of the published image (such as full page or 50 % of screen) and expected circulation/print run distribution.

What are your standard licensing requirements?

Specific licensing requirements are documented and agreed upon during license negotiation with our clients, but will generally include:

Sunset Imagery, LLC will retain ownership and all rights associated with the licensed images, unless otherwise agreed and specified in writing. Licenses will clearly establish what rights are being conveyed. For example: "non-exclusive, one-time publication rights for the duration of one year."
A copyright notice and/or byline crediting the photographer (Jim Bowen) and Sunset Imagery, LLC must appear on or near the images in all media used. For example, "Copyright © 2006 Jim Bowen, Sunset Imagery, LLC. All Rights Reserved."
A copy or sample of all media in which our images are used must be provided within 30 days of original publication.
Unless explicitly stated in writing, licenses are non-transferable. The client is expected to retain any invoices or receipts associated with the license, to serve as proof of licensed use.

Do you have a price list for stock photography or photo licensing?

You will find our pricing extremely fair and competitive. For reference, we use "Negotiating Stock Photo Prices," by Jim Piekerell and Cheryl Pickerell DiFrank, fifth edition, adjusted for cost of living and cost of production increases. Our licensing fees are negotiable. However, no transaction will be conducted below our minimal fee of $150.

Payment:

Licensing contracts may be paid by major credit cards using PayPal. Checks are also accepted. For payment other than PayPal, full payment must be received within 45 days prior to publication. Rights are not transferred before payment is received.

Please contact us for your stock photo needs. If you are a photo editor or graphic designer looking for strong landscape, travel, nature, or macro images please contact us via e-mail with your stock photography request.