Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering & Shipping

Why does it take so long to get my order?

Magic Turtle Studios is based in a small apartment in an area that gets very hot and very humid during the summer months: storing a selection of prints is not feasible. Instead, I have prints made to order, using a trusted printing service based in Minnesota. And, rather than having them drop-shipped directly to customers, I have prints sent here for one final QA inspection to ensure that they meet my standards before I ship your fine art photograph to you.

How are prints packaged to prevent damage?

Every print is packed flat between rigid backing boards or, when necessary, rolled in a sturdy archival tube, sealed to protect from moisture, and shipped in reinforced packaging. The goal is that your print arrives in gallery-ready condition.

Do you ship internationally?

Shipping is available worldwide. International orders may be subject to customs duties or import taxes depending on your country. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility and are outside of my control.

What if my print arrives damaged?

Please photograph the damaged packaging and print immediately and contact me within 3 days of delivery. I’ll work with you to make it right, including a replacement print at no additional charge.

Do you accept returns or exchanges?

Because each print is made to order, I’m unable to accept returns for change of mind. However, if something arrives wrong or not as described, please reach out and I’ll always find a solution. Bear in mind that computer monitors and screens are not all color-calibrated the same, and the final print may look slightly different than it looks on your screen.

The Prints

What type of paper are your prints made on?

All prints are produced on premium archival fine art paper using professional-grade pigment inks. These materials are chosen specifically for their longevity, allowing properly displayed and framed prints to last for decades without fading.

Are your prints suitable for display in bright rooms?

For best results and longest life, we recommend displaying prints away from direct sunlight. Framing behind UV-protective glass is the single best thing you can do to preserve your print’s colors and contrast over time.

Sizing & Framing

Do your prints come framed?

Prints are sold unframed and unmatted, so you can choose framing that suits your space and style. Standard print sizes are chosen to fit readily available frames, to help keep framing affordable.

Why is there a white border around my print?

Prints may include a small white border. This gives framers a clean edge to work with and protects the image under a mat. If you’d prefer borderless, just message me before ordering.

How do I choose the right size for my space?

A good rule of thumb: measure your wall space, then choose a print that fills roughly two-thirds of the width. For a dramatic focal point, go larger than feels comfortable — oversized art almost always looks better on a wall than it does in your head. When in doubt, feel free to message me and I’m happy to help.

Can I order a print in a size that isn’t listed?

Quite possibly! Message me with the dimensions you have in mind and I’ll let you know what’s feasible. Custom sizing may affect price and processing time.

The Work

What kind of camera do you shoot with?

I shoot on both film and digital — 35mm and medium format film alongside digital depending on the subject and mood I’m after. Film brings a texture, grain, and tonal quality that’s hard to replicate, and many of the prints in this shop were captured on film before being carefully scanned and prepared for printing.

Is your work staged or found?

Almost entirely found. I don’t arrange scenes or bring props — I explore, wander, and pay attention. The doll on the trail was already there. The buddha was already lit. The mannequins were already wearing their sunglasses. I just showed up with a camera.

Can I commission a custom photograph?

I don’t currently offer commissioned shoots, but if you’re looking for a specific subject, color palette, or mood from my existing catalog, I love helping people find the right piece. Just send me a message.