Information and Frequently Asked Questions

What is a collage?
A collage is a collection of pictures assembled to create one unique picture.

Why would I want a custom collage?
There are virtually a million different reasons why you might want a custom collage, whether it be for yourself - or for someone else. Here are just a few examples: Anniversaries, vacation memories, weddings, buck and doe's, baby photos, team sponsor gifts, awards, thank-you's, birthdays, graduations, school memories, retirement, classic cars, hobbies, pets, family reunions. Contact Tangent IT today to see what we can do for you!

What else can I do with my collage?
Well, did you know that you can have your collage, and eat it too?! Tangent IT can make you a smaller version of your collage for presenting to a grocer or bakery that offers custom cake printing. Many grocery stores now offer the ability to duplicate your printed collage via coloured icing, directly onto a cake top for a truly unique and one-of-a-kind celebration. (Additional grocer charges will apply).

What is Plaque Mounting?
Plaque-mounting is the process of laminating the printed collage onto sturdy 1/2 " pressboard. Plaquing eliminates the need for expensive custom picture frames, and the laminate provides a durable, wipable, fade-resistant, non-glare surface.

What kinds of pictures can be used in a collage?
Any combination of regular photographs, digital pictures and other flat items that can be scanned by a computer scanner can be used in a Tangent IT collage. If you send original photographs for Tangent IT to scan on your behalf, the maximum picture size we can accept is 8.5" x 11".

Can I send pictures that I scanned myself?
Yes. If you choose to send your own photos, ensure that they have been scanned at 300-600 dpi resolution or better, and that they are saved in JPEG (.jpg) format. A resolution less than 300 dpi may appear fine for viewing on your computer, but probably will not print well. If you have any questions about resolution or quality, feel free to contact Tangent IT.

Can I send pictures taken from my digital camera?
Yes. Please have pictures taken at 2 Megapixel resolution or higher. We can always reduce pictures without loss of quality, but we are unable to enlarge pictures and ensure their quality.

Can you repair or improve a photo?
Yes. In fact, we would prefer that all photo-editing be done by Tangent IT. This would include red-eye removal, colour corrections, as well as brightness and contrast improvements. Sometimes we can even remove someone from a photo! Generally, these types of corrections are already included in your collage price, so unless there is a difficult or time consuming fix to make, there will not be any additional charge. Tangent IT reserves the right to refuse to use a photo based on its quality or condition, and will notify you if this is the case. If there is a specific correction you would like to have done to a picture, please state it in the Comments section of your Tangent IT order form.

Can I put text in my collage?
Certainly! Just send us exactly what words you wish to appear on your collage and we will incorporate them into the collage. Each group of text counts as one picture towards your total number of pictures in a collage.

What happens if there is a mistake in my collage?
At Tangent IT, we are very thorough and although we try our best, we understand that errors can happen. At your request, Tangent IT can send you a proof of your finished collage prior to being plaqued, and you will have the final say and we will proceed with the plaquing once you have approved it. If the error is ours, we will redo your collage for free.

How can I send you my pictures?
(1) By standard mail or courier. Place your photos and/or CD of photos in a mail-safe package and ship it to Tangent IT, 575 9th Street West, Owen Sound, ON, N4K 3P3.

Be sure to include your: 1. Name 2. Address 3. Email address 4. Telephone Number 5. Tangent IT Order Number with your package.

Please consider insuring your package if you are concerned about potential damages or loss that may occur en route to Tangent IT. Tangent IT will return your pictures with your finished project. NOTE: please do not send us any pictures or files until you have filled out an order form and received a confirmation email with your Tangent IT order number.

(2) by Email - info@TangentIT.ca, send an email to us and attach your JPEG files to your email. Please do not send more than 5 pictures per email, and include your name, address, phone number and order number as well as the total number of pictures you plan to send in the body of your email, so that we can be sure we received all of your files. NOTE: please do not send us any pictures or files until you have filled out an order form and received a confirmation email with your Tangent IT order number.

Do you have gift certificates?
Yes. Tangent IT offers gift certificates in any amount. Please check it off on the order form and enter the appropriate amount. Be sure to include taxes and shipping charges in the total.

How much does a custom collage cost?
Generally there are three ranges of sizes of collages from Tangent IT. Please refer to the following chart in order to determine your cost:

NOTE: All prices are quoted in Canadian funds and exclude applicable taxes and shipping charges.
Prices subject to change without notice.
Shipping charges will be determined at the time of your order.
A minimum of one collage must be plaque-mounted with each order.
If you have a size in mind that is not listed in the chart, contact us and we can determine a price for you.

How do I order a stock collage?
Simply check it off on the order form and indicate the name and quantity of the stock collage as seen in the Stock Collage Gallery.

Can I customize a stock collage?
What a great idea to quickly personalize a gift! If you would like to add a name or other relevant text to a stock collage, please contact Tangent IT and we will determine whether it is possible, and any additional costs.

How do I pay for my collage?
Currently Tangent IT will accept cash, certified cheque, or money order in Canadian Funds, upon completion of your order.

Will you ship to the U.S.? Yes. Tangent IT does ship to the US. Shipping is via Canada Post, Express Post, or Courier. Please contact us for details and pricing.

How long does it take?
Once we have received and examined your photos, we will start your collage. Generally you can expect a 2-4 week turnaround time, plus the time it takes to ship the finished project to you. Please allow more time during busy holiday seasons such as Christmas. Rush orders may be possible.