- What's the difference between a headshot and a zed or composite?
A headshot (the "standard" for actors, but sometimes used for models who have not compiled
a composite or zed yet) is typically either an 8x10 or 8½ x 11 photo, usually in black & white,
with the actor's or model's name printed on the bottom, agent or agency's name (if represented),
and sometimes with a current resumé attached. We don't recommend having your resumé
actually printed on the back, as you don't want to throw them away every time you get a new credit
to add to your resumé. Headshots can either be printed from lithographs and reproduced on a
printing press or they can be actual B&W glossy photographs printed in quality. The latter is
significantly more expensive, such as $3-4 each in large quantities, whereas a printed headshot from
a litho can be as little as 24¢ each. We use litho/printing press process which yields
500 B&W 8x10s on lightweight card stock for 24¢ each.
A composite or a zed card can be an 8½ x 11 or (most commonly) 5½ x 8½,
and can be either Black & White or color. They can be printed on a 4-color printing press
(highest quality but most expensive) or a B&W printing press, or
a laser or inkjet printer (very economical color). The most popular
layout is a headshot on the front and 3 or 4 images on the back (assortment
of poses, outfits, styles, etc.). <TOP>
- I don't have my negatives - can I just send photos to make my zed cards?
Yes, prints are the preferred way to submit orders for headshots.
<TOP>
- How big do my images have to be?
For 8x10 headshots, we recommend an 8x10 print. For composites
(multiple photos), it is best to submit prints that
are as close as possible to the final size at which
they will be reproduced. Zed cards typically use 5x7s
or 8x10s for the front, and any size larger than 3x5
for the back. <TOP>
- Do
my photos have to be glossy?
We can use non-glossy prints, but the image quality is usually
not as sharp as a glossy print. <TOP>
- Can I scan my photos and email them in?
Yes, we can accept digital submissions via Email
to files@ZedCardPrinters.com.
However, since the B&W printing process is done
from a litho, digital files may not reproduce as well
as those shot from a good clean print. Zed cards reproduce
well as long as the size is at least the same size
that it will be on the card, and the resolution is
at least 300dpi. We print such files "AS IS," with
no color correcting. Since we do not know what color
the images are supposed to be, we have to assume that
the file is accurate. We have a document on our Forms
page with all the specifications, the most important
of which is keep
the JPG compression at a minimum so the you will have
the highest possible quality setting.
You may even consider sending individual TIFs, which
are uncompressed - although those may be too large
to get through some mail servers. Please review the Digital
Submissions document
for more details. <TOP>
- Can I send my pictures on a CD?
Absolutely - and this will speed up your order, as
it eliminates the need for us to devote time to scanning.
Any images submitted digitally will be printed "AS IS." We
cannot be responsible for the color accuracy of your
digital files. Please review the Digital
Submissions document
for more details. <TOP>
- How are your cards printed?
On B&W orders, we first shoot a litho of your prints
and then your headshots are printed from
the litho on a printing press. Color zed cards are
printed on a Pantone™-calibrated Xerox solid-ink
color printer. This printer reproduces color much
more accurately than a standard color laser printer,
and avoids the "grid" pattern you see on many laser
prints. The solid ink does sit on top of the card
stock, so it gives the card more of an "embossed"
feel. If you are not familiar with the process, we
recommend that you request samples from the
Card Styles page. <TOP>
- Can I just bring my order in?
We do not currently operate a retail storefront,
we are strictly a mail-order operation at this time.
Our address is at the top of all of our paperwork. <TOP>
- How long will it take to get my cards back?
B&W Litho Headshots take 2-3 weeks, depending on the
day of the week the order is received. I normally recommend
planning on 3 weeks. Zed cards typically take 3-5 days
in-house.
<TOP>
- Can I get my order
done in a rush? I need them tomorrow!
No rush service is available for B&W Litho Headshots.
Next-day service is available on Zeds with a 100% surcharge. <TOP>
- Can I just pay for the cards when I get them?
We do not ship C.O.D., nor do we Invoice for orders.
Since materials must be continually stocked
in advance, and we operate with a minimal markup
in order to keep our cards affordable, we must
have payment prior to commencing production. We
appreciate your assistance in keeping our costs
down. <TOP>
- Can I just send in a check with my order?
Yes, you can submit a Check with your order. If
the check is not drawn on a local bank we reserve the
right to hold the order until the Check clears. A money
order is a better option - it will not be held, and would
allow us to ship as soon as the order is completed
(and still provides you with a receipt). <TOP>
- Do you accept credit cards?
We accept PayPal, which accepts all major credit cards.
At this time we do not accept credit cards any other
way, as it adds to our expenses. <TOP>
- Can I get a proof to approve?
Proofs are NOT available for B&W Litho Headshots, as it is not possible
to set up the printing press for running a single copy
(unless you pay for 2 orders).
We strongly recommend a proof for zed card orders. Although this will
add an additional 3-5 days to your production time (to
allow for mailing and receiving your approval), we do
not accept any returns or exchanges for orders that are
accepted without proofing. <TOP>
- How can I get my files to you if I don't have FTP software, and the files are too large to Email?
Many clients use a web-based service called YouSendIt. It works with your web browser. A free trial is available at https://www.yousendit.com/signup.php?action=promo_display.
- If sending multiple files, please ZIP them into a single zip file using your name or company name as the filename. (i.e. "SmithProductions.zip").
- Fax a completed Order Form to us at 858-964-4668, or else scan it and add it to your zip file.
 Go to http://www.yousendit.com and enter the following information when requested:
- Email: info@ZedCardPrinters.com
- Subject: the name that will appear on the zeds/headshots
- Message: Include your name, contact info, etc.
- Browse to your file(s)
- Click
<TOP> If you have any other questions that are not answered above, feel free to email us.
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