FAQs
Fine Art Prints
How do I contact GRAYCARD Studios?
For general enquiries, call us at 562.772.9286 or email fineprints@thegraycardstudios.com.
Where is GRAYCARD Studios located?
2633 E 28th Street, Suite 614, Signal Hill, CA 90755, serving Long Beach and the greater LA area.
What file formats can I upload for printing?
We accept .tiff, .jpeg, .psd, and .png. For any other format, please contact us by email or phone.
What file format is best for fine art printing?
The best format for fine art printing is an 8-bit TIFF with an embedded color profile (Adobe RGB or ProPhoto), which preserves the full tonal range and color accuracy. We also accept high-quality JPEGs, and we'll flag any file that won't reproduce well before we print.
What resolution do I need for a fine art print?
For a sharp fine art print, send your file at 300 DPI at the final print size. For example, a 16×20″ print needs roughly 4800×6000 pixels. GRAYCARD reviews every file before printing and will tell you honestly whether it holds up at your chosen size, so you never pay for a soft or pixelated print.
What is the minimum resolution for a print?
150 DPI. We can accept files at a lower resolution than this, but it's important to understand that this is not the ideal situation and can result in a lower quality print.
Can you help improve the file size and print quality of my image?
Yes. If you need help creating a larger file than the one you have, contact us and we'll discuss your options.
What color space should my file be in?
We print in RGB. For best results, please convert your files to RGB (Adobe 1998) before sending them to us. If you need help converting your file's color space, get in touch and we'll walk you through it.
Can I get a test print or proof before the final print?
Yes. GRAYCARD recommends a small proof print for any large or color-critical piece. It's the most cost-effective way to confirm color, density, and paper choice before committing to a full-size archival print.
Will my print match what I see on screen?
Your best bet for getting on the same page with us on color is to view your print files on a calibrated monitor using Adobe 1998 as your working space. The color displayed on an uncalibrated monitor can be quite different from what we see on our studio monitors.
A print will look close to your screen but never identical, because screens emit light while paper reflects it. GRAYCARD soft-proofs your image to your chosen paper and offers a small test print for color-critical work, so there are no surprises on the final piece.
What is a giclée print?
A giclée print is a high-resolution fine art reproduction made with archival pigment inks on museum-grade cotton or alpha-cellulose paper. Unlike standard photo prints made with dye inks, giclée prints resist fading for generations, which is why galleries, artists, and photographers use them for collectible work.
What's the difference between a fine art print and a regular photo print?
A fine art print uses archival pigment inks on acid-free, museum-grade paper rated to last 100+ years, while a regular photo print typically uses dye inks on resin-coated paper that fades far sooner. The difference shows in tonal depth, surface quality, and long-term permanence.
What does OBA-free mean, and why does it matter?
OBA-free means the paper contains no optical brightening agents — chemical additives that make paper look whiter at first but shift and dull over decades under light. OBA-free papers like Arches BFK Rives and Hahnemühle Museum Etching are the archival choice for prints meant to last, which is why collectors and galleries prefer them.
How do I choose the right paper for my print?
Choose your paper by the look you want: OBA-free cotton rag (Arches BFK, Hahnemühle Museum Etching) for warm, painterly, gallery-permanent prints; baryta or luster for punchy contrast and vivid color; and canvas for texture. GRAYCARD offers nine archival papers, along with a free consultation to help you choose the right one for your work.
What is the best paper for black-and-white prints?
The best papers for black-and-white fine art prints are high-Dmax cotton and baryta stocks such as Canson Platine Fibre Rag and Arches BFK Rives, which deliver deep blacks and a full range of grey tones. GRAYCARD can recommend the right surface based on whether your image is high-contrast or soft and tonal.
How much does a fine art print cost?
Fine art print pricing is based on the paper and the final print dimensions, and GRAYCARD's rates run below the Los Angeles lab average for comparable museum-grade stock. Our custom print calculator gives you an instant quote for any size, on any of our nine papers.
What is the largest size you can print?
GRAYCARD prints up to 44 inches wide on the roll, with length allowing pieces up to roughly 40×70 inches depending on the paper. For larger commissions or custom dimensions, contact the studio directly.
How long does fine art printing take?
Fine art prints are typically ready in 2–3 business days after your file is approved, with rush service available on request. GRAYCARD confirms your turnaround when you place the order.
Do you offer limited editions and certificates of authenticity?
Yes. GRAYCARD numbers, embosses, and issues a signed certificate of authenticity (COA) for limited-edition work. This documents the edition size and print details, which supports the value of collectible and gallery pieces.
How are fine art prints shipped?
Flat prints ship in rigid archival mailers and larger pieces ship rolled in protective tubes, each sleeved to prevent damage. Local pickup is available at GRAYCARD's Signal Hill studio near Long Beach, California.
Studio Rental
How much does it cost to rent a photography studio at GRAYCARD?
GRAYCARD Studio in Signal Hill rents for $45 per hour, with a 2-hour minimum, which includes lighting, backdrops, and grip. Half-day and full-day rates are available, and you can check live availability and book instantly online at thegraycardstudios.com.
How do I book the studio?
You can book GRAYCARD Studio online at thegraycardstudios.com with instant confirmation. For recurring bookings, production days, or questions about a specific shoot, contact the studio directly and we'll set it up with you.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to GRAYCARD Studio. Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the rental start time are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made 24 to 48 hours before the rental start time are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the rental start time receive no studio-time credit or refund; no-shows receive no refund or credit.
No refunds will be issued once the rental has started, unless the Producer notifies GRAYCARD Studio and vacates the premises within the first 15 minutes due to the studio being unsuitable for the intended use. Weather and emergencies are handled case by case — talk to us.
Do you offer discounts for repeat renters or long productions?
Yes. Multi-day productions and monthly recurring bookings receive discounted rates. Ask when you book and we'll quote your project.
What is included with the studio rental?
Every rental includes strobes and modifiers, a seamless backdrop system in white and fashion gray, C-stands and sandbags, WiFi, a changing room, and a restroom. Our equipment list is published online, so you know exactly what's waiting before you arrive.
How many people can the studio hold?
The studio comfortably accommodates production teams of up to 15 people.
Can I bring my own equipment or rent gear elsewhere?
Yes. You're welcome to bring your own gear or outside rentals into GRAYCARD Studio.
Is there parking at the studio?
Yes. Free on-site parking is available for 5 vehicles, with alley parking for an additional 5 vehicles on request. Signal Hill is easy to reach from the 405 and 710 freeways, making the studio convenient from Long Beach, the South Bay, Orange County, and central LA.
Can I visit the studio before booking?
Yes. Walkthroughs are available by appointment. Contact us and we'll schedule a time to show you the space, the equipment, and how the studio fits your shoot.