Collectors FAQ

Collector Frequently Asked Questions

EDITIONS AND SIZING

What is a limited edition?

• Each photograph has a limited number of editions available in each size. You can find the edition sizes listed in the description of each photograph. If you have questions about the number of editions remaining, feel free to contact the gallery. We are happy to help.

• The prices for the photographs vary depending on the photograph size and the number of editions remaining. As the editions sell and fewer remain, the price increases incrementally. Hopefully, this will explain pricing differences you may notice as you peruse the website. You may also note that, with some of the photographs, a smaller size may be at a higher price point than a larger size of the same photograph. This is because the smaller size is currently selling faster than the larger. Again, if you’d like clarification, reach out and we will be happy to explain further.

Are some photographs open editions?

• In an effort to make some photographs continuously available at an accessible price point, Frank has released some of the photographs as numbered photographs without a set limit on the edition size. As with the limited editions, these photographs are hand numbered and signed by Frank.

What are the sizes?

• You can find the dimensions for each of the sizes listed in the dropdown menu under the pricing information on the photograph’s page in the online shop. Keep in mind that the dimensions listed are just the image size and don’t include the white border where Frank names, signs, and dates the photograph. By clicking the “Details” tab under the dropdown menu, you will find the total paper size that you would receive.

• Most of the Nightshade and Until the Water photographs are available in the following four image sizes: 12”x18”, 17”x26”, 25”x38”, and 38”x56”. However there are a few photographs that have a more square orientation, so be sure to check.

• Most of the Nightscapes photographs are made in the following three sizes: 12”x18”, 16”x24”, and 20”x30”.

• The vertically oriented photographs are not standard sizes, so be sure to check before measuring your wall space.

FRAMING

Are the photographs framed?

• While we would love to offer framed photographs, because of the current pandemic, we do not have staffing to support framing. However, we are happy to find a framer in your area that is best suited to handling the photograph if you don’t have a framer that you normally work with. We are happy to arrange shipping directly to the framer to save you time. Each of the photographs is shipped with framing instructions for how we have it displayed in the gallery, so the framer would know exactly what to do. Should the framer have questions, have them contact us and we will happily clarify.

PRINTING

What kind of paper are the photographs printed on?

• The photographs are printed on an archival fine art hot-press paper. The longevity of the photographs is rated for fade resistance by The Wilhelm Imaging Research Center at 200 years. Once printed, the photographs are fade-resistant for 200 years, assuming they are not exposed to direct sunlight or due to any physical damage.

Border or No Border?

• When Frank prints the photographs, he prints with the white border around the edges so that when it is professionally unpacked, framers have the edge to handle and don't risk smudging or scratching the image.

• The border is 3” from the top, left, and right edges, and 3 ½” from the bottom edge to accommodate Frank’s signature, date, and name of the photograph.

• If you would like to display the photograph without the white border, simply have the framer trim it off.

SHIPPING AND DELIVERY

What is the typical turn-around time?

• In an effort to allow Frank plenty of shooting time, we have scheduled printing and shipping days each month. Feel free to contact the Gallery at gallery@frankrelle.com or 504-453-6109 for the upcoming shipping date. Should you need your photograph by a specific date, we will work to arrange rush delivery for your order.

Are there special delivery requirements?

• We ship all photographs via UPS. We can deliver to P.O. boxes.

How are the photographs shipped? What does the photograph look like when I get it?

• We ship all of our photographs in double-walled cardboard packing tubes. The photograph will be rolled in a plastic sleeve for protection. The inner tube is wrapped in foam, preventing movement within the outer tube. We have found this is the safest and most economical method of transport.

• Each photograph is personally hand signed, dated, and titled by Frank in ink. The back of the photograph is detailed with photograph information, size, and edition number in pencil (this information is duplicated on the included certificate of authenticity).

• With the photograph, you will receive an envelope containing a purchase packing slip, a signed certificate of authenticity (including edition information) for your photograph, and our framing details. We also included is a pair of gloves for handling the photograph. To minimize the possibility of accidentally damaging the photograph, we strongly suggest waiting to open the tube and handling the photograph until you are at the framer.

SALES/TAX/REFUNDS

Are there any discounts or can I get a discount if I buy multiple photographs?

• To protect the value and integrity of the editions, Frank does not offer discounts on the photographs.

Is sales tax collected?

• Sales tax is charged for photographs shipped, delivered, or picked up within Louisiana. For Louisiana residents, please contact the gallery directly for a discounted Louisiana Arts Sales Tax.

• Interstate sales have no tax if shipping outside of Louisiana.

Can I return the photograph for a refund?

• Once the photograph has arrived, there is a 30-day window for returns. Should you change your mind about the photograph you purchased, we are also happy to exchange it for another photograph of your liking.

PAYMENTS
We accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and personal check. For photographs that are more expensive because they are closer to selling out, monthly installments can be arranged.

Gift Certificates
We are happy to offer gift certificates in any denomination. Simply contact the gallery, or Click here for additional information and purchase options.

LIGHTING & LOCATIONS

How does Frank light the photographs?

• Frank uses a mixture of industrial lights, including high-pressure sodium, mercury vapor, and daylight-balanced hot lights.

• Shooting long exposures and using these multiple lighting sources creates the distinct color combinations and a sense of stillness with moving elements.

• Frank’s typical photo shoot lasts from 9:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. Photographs in the Nightscapes and Nightshade series usually involved police detail to block streets and assist with after-midnight inquiries from the neighbors.

Where are the photographs taken?

• The photographs in the Nightscapes series of architecture are taken in New Orleans.

• The Nightshade series depicts public parks in the New Orleans area.

• The Until the Water series photographs were taken in swamps, bayous, and bodies of water primarily in Louisiana.

LISCENSING & EXHIBITIONS
Frank's images are available for limited licensing opportunities. We maintain an inventory of ready to exhibit framed photographs. To discuss licensing or exhibitions please contact the studio by phone or email with details of your interest.