Frequently Asked Questions

► What if I don't love it? 

My Promise: Love It or Send It Back

Choosing art online takes trust, so I make it easy. If your print doesn't feel right in your space, let me know within 30 days of delivery and return it in its original packaging for a full refund of the print price. Return shipping is on you; everything else is on me.

Arrived damaged? I'll replace it or refund you in full, at no cost. Just email a photo of the print and the packaging to dave@davidcotephotography.com within 7 days of delivery, and I'll take care of it quickly.

Custom orders (custom sizes or special requests) are made just for you and can't be returned unless they arrive damaged or defective.

Questions before you order? Email me. I'm happy to help you choose a size, finish, or image for your space.

► Who makes your prints?

Bay Photo Lab in California makes every print to order; it's one of the most respected professional photo labs in the country, trusted by fine-art and gallery photographers for decades. I chose Bay Photo after testing their prints against my own standards for color, detail, and materials.

I prepare and color-correct each file myself, and I've proofed every image in my collection in print before offering it. Bay Photo then prints, packages, and ships your order directly to you, so your print reaches you fresh from the lab with no extra handling.

If anything isn't right, contact me, not the lab. My guarantee covers every order.

► Which material should I choose?

Both paper options are archival: printed with archival pigment inks on museum-quality Epson papers, made to last for generations without fading when displayed away from direct sunlight.

Watercolor Fine Art Paper (Epson Cold Press Bright White, 100% cotton)
A heavy, textured cotton paper with a soft matte finish and the subtle surface of a traditional watercolor sheet. With no glare, it feels like a work of art rather than a photograph. Beautiful for desert landscapes, monochrome work, and quieter, atmospheric images.

Luster Fine Art Paper (Epson Premium Luster)
A classic professional photo paper with a gentle sheen that brings out deep blacks, rich color, and fine detail. Its wide color range makes it ideal for vibrant sunsets and high-contrast scenes.

MetalPrints (Satin or High Gloss)
The image is infused with dyes directly into a specially coated aluminum sheet, not printed on top of it, giving colors a luminous, almost glowing depth and exceptional detail. The surface is ultra-hard, scratch-resistant, and waterproof, so it needs no glass and cleans with a soft cloth. A striking, modern choice for night skies, bold sunsets, and contemporary spaces. As with any art, display it away from direct sunlight.

Satin softens reflections for a refined, subtle glow. High Gloss delivers the most vivid, saturated look, with mirror-like depth.

Not sure which is right for an image? Email me, and I'll tell you which finish I'd choose for it.

► Do prints arrive ready to hang?

Yes, unless you choose a print only. Every framed photograph and mounted metal print arrives display-ready, with hanging hardware already attached.

Paper prints

• Framed: your print is matted with a 2" white mat and finished in your choice of black, white, natural, walnut, or cherry wood, behind protective acrylic. Non-glare acrylic is lighter and safer to ship than glass.
• Print Only: printed with a 1" white border, perfect if you have your own frame or prefer to work with a local framer.

MetalPrints need no glass or acrylic. Choose from:

• Float Mount: a hanger on the back holds the print ½" off the wall, so it appears to float. Clean, modern, and ready to hang straight from the box.
• Metal Frame: a slim black or silver frame, 1¼" deep, for a more substantial, finished look.
• Wood Float Frame: a quality wood frame with a ¼" gap around the print, so it floats within the frame. Available in several finishes.

The lab inspects every frame before your print ships.

Want to see it in your space first? Use Wall Preview or Live Preview AR on any print page.

► Which size is right for your space?

Sizes listed are the size of the photograph itself. Framed paper prints, with a 2" mat and frame, are about 3–5" larger in each direction.

• Living room (above sofa): 48x32 for visual balance
• Bedroom (above headboard): 36x24 or 48x32
• Dining room: 36x24 or 48x32, depending on wall size
• Home office or den: 30x20 or 36x24
• Large foyer or entryway: 48x32—go bold where first impressions matter
• Hallway, bathroom, or gallery wall: 18x12 or 24x16

When in doubt, go bigger than you think—undersized art is the most common mistake. The art, including any frame, should fill about ⅔ the width of the furniture beneath it.

Panoramic images come in different proportions. See the size options on each print page.

► How can I see how it will look on my wall?

Every print page has two ways to preview your print before you order:

• Wall Preview: upload a photo of your room, and see the print placed on your wall in your chosen size and frame.
• Live Preview AR: on your phone or tablet, point your camera at your wall and see the print there in real time, at actual size.

Still deciding? Email me a photo of your wall, and I'll suggest a size and finish.

► Are your prints signed?

Prints ordered online are made to order and shipped directly to you, so they arrive unsigned. This keeps the print untouched from the lab to your wall.

If you'd like a record of your print, I'm happy to provide a signed Certificate of Authenticity at no extra charge. Just email me at dave@davidcotephotography.com with your order number, and I'll mail you the certificate, signed by me, that includes the image title, print size and material, and order date.

Prefer a signed print? Visit me at an upcoming art fair to buy signed prints in person.

► How much is shipping, and how long does it take?

Most orders are produced and shipped within 7 business days, and shipping takes 2-7 days, depending on the order size. You will receive a tracking number as soon as yours is on its way. Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Large metal prints (products over 30" on the short side, or over 40" in length)  are crated for safe delivery. Crating is included in the price you see.

► Shipping outside the continental US, or need it faster?

I'm happy to ship to Alaska, Hawaii, APO addresses, and international destinations, and expedited shipping is available. These are charged at actual shipping cost, so email me at dave@davidcotephotography.com with the print(s) you'd like and your shipping address, and I'll send you a quote within 2-3 business days. International buyers are responsible for any duties and taxes.

► Will the print match what I see on the screen?

Every image is carefully color-corrected on a calibrated monitor and printed by a professional lab using a wide color range, so your print shows the full depth of color I captured in the field. Because every phone and computer screen displays color a little differently, your print may look slightly different from what you see when ordering, and is often richer.

If the color isn't what you expected, my 30-day guarantee has you covered. Questions about a specific image? Email me, and I'll describe how it looks in print.

► How can I keep up with your new work?

If you want to keep up with new photographs, please sign up for my Studio Access email to receive monthly updates on new work, stories from the field, and the latest additions to the gallery.