Frequently Asked Questions

• Photography questions?
  • Do you retouch your photos?
    A very small amount of retouching is automatically done, for instance the removal of small, obvious, non-permanent skin blemishes. We do not automatically remove permanent character marks such as wrinkles, moles or scars. Images are straightened and centered if necessary. No editing or retouching takes place until images are ordered.
  • Why are my photos blurred on the web site?
    Images are blurred deliberately to deter illegal copying. This is also the reason for the watermark which lays over the images. Your final photographs will be crisp and sharp.
  • I wish to use photographs in a publication, am I able to do this?
    All our photographs are covered by copyright and cannot be copied or used in any form without our permission. You will need to contact us directly and explain the use you are intending to make of the photographs. In some instances copyright can be either purchased or waived.
  • How long will the photos stay on-line?
    Photographs normally stay on our website for six to eight weeks but sometimes very large events will be left up longer. Contact us if you want more specific details about your event. Events cannot be left up indefinitely as, even though our site is one of the biggest in Australia, space on the server is continuously needed for new events. If an event is taken down you will need to come in to our studio to view and order your photos-it will not be possible to put them up again.
  • I am unable to tell if my eyes are open due to the copyright symbol-what should I do?
    The copyright symbol is unfortunately necessary to deter illegal downloading and printing. Therefore, If you order a photo and we think there is a better one of you, or if your eyes are closed, we will contact you by phone or email to let you know. Make sure we have your contact details. If you prefer, you can view your photos at the studio which is handling your event-contact us to find out which studio you should visit. Colour photocopies can also be posted to you for a $10.00 fee if you provide your details by email or phone.
  • How long will it be before I receive my photos?
    Photograph packages normally have a 10-14 day turn around, however at peak graduation times in March, April and October this may extend to 21 days due to the number of orders we are handling. Allow 2-3 extra days for mailing in Australia and 1-2 weeks outside Australia depending on your country. If you have elected to collect from us please ring before collecting. We do not normally ring you to say work is ready due to the size of our customer base.
  • I am graduating soon and I would like to get an idea of the prices for photography.
    Email us the date of your graduation, the university you attend and your student number and we will provide you with a sample passcode to use in the website. You will be able to view the current prices and packages available. Keep in mind that both packages and prices may change before you graduate. A $25.00 service fee is charged in addition to all photo packages. Contact us directly if you need to know specific details about your university. .
  • I love my photographs- do you photograph events other than balls and graduations?
    Thankyou for the applause- there isn't enough of it. Yes, we can photograph just about anything. We have a large contingent of photographers to call on so large events are our speciality but we do weddings, corporate functions, school photo days, parties and much more.
  • Can I view hard copy proofs of my photos at your studios?
    No. If photos are on line it is unlikely that we would automatically print off proofs as well. If you are having problems viewing your photos on line, we can show them to you on our customer computer or prepare hard copy proofs for a small fee.
  • There seems to be a lot of space/too little space around me in my photos- can you crop the image?
    Of course, space is left to allow for different image ratios. With our digital ordering system it is easy to position you in the photograph to allow for perfect proportions. However everyone's taste is different-if you have a particular request , email us to check on the possibilities. It is not possible to edit images until they are ordered.
  • Can I get the photograph of me having my degree presented on stage?
    We provide every university graduate with a 10cm x 15cm copy of this photograph free of charge. If you buy studio photographs from us, your stage photo will be included with your package when you collect it ( or when we post it to you). If you do not purchase studio photos you can still order your complimentary stage photo through this website for a small postage and packaging charge.
  • What does my photographic service fee entitle me to?
    On paying your service fee you and your family will be able to have studio photographs taken at one of our graduation studios, either at your ceremony or at one of our on campus studios. At a ceremony up to 3 poses will be taken which can include single graduate pose, entire family pose, graduate and partner pose or other combinations as required. You will be given a secure personal passcode with which to access your images - no one else will be able to see your images unless you choose to give out your passcode. Your images can be viewed and ordered on this site 5 working days following your ceremony. No photographs are included with the service fee.
• Passcode questions?
  • I had a passcode, but I have misplaced it. What can I do to recover it?
    If you have misplaced your passcode send us a message clearly stating your name, the event you attended, the venue and the event's date. With some events the time is also important-for instance university graduations where there is more than one ceremony in a day.
  • Do I need a code to browse the web site?
    For security reasons a code is always necessary for viewing photographs. If you do not have your code (issued to you at the time of your photo session), you will need to contact us directly, either by phone or email and giving us the name and date of your event. We will not give out passcodes by phone when the photographs are of minor children-for school photographs you will need to regain your passcode directly from your school. You will not need a code to view our purchasing pages for degree frames and plaques, just click on the appropriate icon on the main page of our website.
  • I had photographs taken at an event recently and my passcode isn't working. Am I doing something wrong?
    You might be too early. Events are usually placed on-line approximately 5 working days after shooting-very large events may take a few days longer. Check the paperwork supplied to you for correct information.
  • Why do I need to quote a passcode or reference number when calling you, isn't my name good enough?
    Each passcode or reference number that we use contains a unique set of information about you and your attended event. Without needing to consult our database we can tell which event/university you attended, the date of the event or ceremony and usually the names of the photographer and his/her assistant and the approximate time you had photographs taken.
• Framing questions?
  • I would like to have my degree framed and made into a plaque-do you offer these services?
    Yes, these sevices are available at all university graduations that we attend. Any of our studios can also organise this for you at any time throughout the year. For Nedlands ring 64888507, for Bentley ring 92664333and for Joondalup ring 63045151. These services are now also available on this website. Use our website to view and select for purchase at your graduation or order and pay on line and we can send them to you. You can also elect to pick up at one of our studios
  • I bought a degree frame from you some years ago and wanted to match it-but it doesn't appear on your website. Can I still get it.?
    We try to keep a stock of all framing materials that we use over the years. However, sometimes companies go out of business and it is not possible to replicate their product. Contact us directly, if possible, with an emailed photo of the product you are trying to obtain, and we will do our best for you.
  • Do you frame other certificates and artworks?
    While we specialise in certificates and corporate award frames we have been custom framers for more than 25 years and can frame almost anything. It is not possible to give detailed quotes online or by phone, but please visit one of our studios to talk to us about your requirements. Our custom framing prices are very competitive.
• Academic regalia questions?
  • What should I wear under my academic regalia?
    It is a formal occasion so dress appropriately. However, our advice is to keep it simple! Academic regalia is heavy and can be hot. Light weight clothing in colours that will not clash with your faculty hood/sash is best. Shoes that have closed in toes are preferable as stage photos are full length and sandals don't always look the best. Remember to keep long hair back behind the ears for stage photos, it can obscure your face as you are walking.
  • Can I order academic regalia online?
    At present you can only order academic regalia online if you are registered to attend a Curtin University ceremony. If you would like to purchase regalia and have it posted to you please contact us by phone or email.
  • Do you hire/sell academic regalia?
    Our Curtin University studio hires and sells Curtin academic regalia. Regalia of other Western Australian universities is available for use during photography sessions.
• Site operation questions?
  • The site does not seem to load properly for me. What is wrong?
    As this web site takes advantage of new web technologies, it may not render properly on older web browsers, such as Internet Explorer version 5.5 or lower, or old versions of Netscape. This web site has been tested and found to work on Internet Explorer 6, Firefox 1.5, and Netscape 7. If you have proceeded to checkout and are having problems with the final payment, it is often because the CCV number has been entered incorrectly, your card has expired or there are no funds available.
  • I wish to give you some feedback about the web site. How can I do this?
    As this site is currently in a beta testing phase, we are open to suggestions for improvement. Please send us a message with your ideas or comments.
• Merchandise questions?
  • I would like a dvd of my graduation ceremony-do you know if there was one taken?
    If your ceremony does not appear in our DVD section on this website contact us and tell us which University and which ceremony date and we will check for you. If a dvd is available, copies are not posted for approximately 30 days after the ceremony due to detailed editing.
  • I would like to purchase a Teddy bear/koala in university regalia. Do you know where I can get one?
    We sell a variety of styles of bears and koalas for many of the universities in Australia. They are hanging out in our studios waiting for you to purchase them and will also be attending your graduation ceremony, they can also be ordered on the giftware section of this website. Most degrees are catered for or can be ordered for you.
• Graduation questions?
  • I will have to leave my graduation ceremony early, will I be able to have photos taken or have my degree framed while the ceremony is still going on?
    The simple answer is NO. All our photographers are engaged in taking photographs of graduates as they are presented with their degrees and will not be available for studio photographs until the ceremony is over. It is also disturbing for other graduates and presenters if large numbers of people are continually coming and going from the auditorium. We suggest you arrive early to have photos taken before the ceremony, or alternatively book a photo appointment at one of our studios where most Western Australian university regalia is available, check when booking that we have your regalia to prevent disappointment. We remind you also that we stop taking photographs approx 30-45 mins prior to the ceremony so that we can set up inside and so that graduates and guests can be seated. Frames and plaques can be ordered on line or purchased at one of our studios if you cannot wait until the end of the evening.
  • Do I need to book to have photos taken after my graduation ceremony?
    No bookings are necessary after the ceremony. Bookings should be made for photos taken at our studios and also for daytime photography during the University of Western Australia graduation season and the Edith Cowan University ticket and regalia collection days.
• Edith Cowan University graduation questions?
  • I attended an Edith Cowan University graduation in 2008 and have lost my stage presentation passcode?
    ECU stage passcodes for 2008 are as follows 2nd March 1pm = ECU2A and 6pm = ECU2B 16th March 1pm = ECU16A and 6pm = ECU16B Bunbury Entertainment Centre Ceremony = ECUBUNBURY
  • I will be attending my ECU graduation in 2009-do I need to book my photo sessions early?
    Service fees can be prepaid and bookings for photo taking are possible for the Saturday of ticket/regalia collection if desired - there is no need to do anything else until the day of your graduation. We will be taking photographs in the foyer of the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre on graduation day from 11am onwards. No bookings are required for graduation day.
• Murdoch University graduation questions?
  • I attended a Murdoch University graduation in 2008 and have lost my stage presentation passcode?
    6th March=08M1 11th March=08M2 17th March=08M3
  • Can I access any more information about my ceremony?
    Information regarding our services at your ceremony can be accessed at our information page www.phillipsandfather.com/murdoch
• Curtin University graduation questions?
  • I attended a Curtin University graduation in 2008 and have lost my stage presentation passcode.
    6th February= 08c01 9th February=08c02 12th February=08c03 14th February=08c04 19th February=08c05 21st February=08c06 23rd February =08c07
  • What do I do about photography and framing at my upcoming Curtin graduation?
    If you go to our information pages at www.phillipsandfather.com/curtin many of your questions will be answered.
  • Can I access any more information about my ceremony?
    Information regarding our services at your ceremony can be accessed at our information page www.phillipsandfather.com/curtin
• The University of Notre Dame graduation questions?
  • I am graduating from the University of Notre Dame, what are my photography options?
    We will be present in Foley Hall on the days of ticket collection and you will be able to have family and individual photographs taken during those days. Photographers will also be available both before and after your ceremony. We need to stop taking photos 1 hour before your ceremony starts in order to prepare for the taking of stage presentation photographs.
  • Will there be a dvd taken of my Notre Dame ceremony?
    This option will be available for you. DVDs will be available for order online and will be posted to you approximately 30 days after your ceremony.
  • Do I need to book to have family and individual photographs taken?
    There is no need to make a booking for photo taking on the day of the ceremony.
  • Will I be able to have my Notre Dame degree framed after my ceremony?
    Degree frames can be ordered at ticket collection( early ordering will earn you a $10.00 discount) and/or can be purchased after your ceremony. Degrees are framed on the spot in Foley Hall and are removable for ease of photocopying at a later date. Replica plaques can also be ordered after your ceremony. Samples will be available for viewing both at ticket collection and post ceremony.
  • Will I be able to pay by credit card?
    Both credit card and EFTPOS facilities are available.
  • Can I access any more information about my ceremony?
    Go to www.phillipsandfather.com/notredame to access the most up to date information or speak to our company representative when you collect your tickets.
• Website Design
  • I love your website where did you go for web design?
    We can design and build a website for you. Contact our UWA studio to talk to our IT manager.
• Miscellaneous questions...
  • Do you have a studio where I can have photos taken?
    We have 2 studios in the Perth metropolitan area-photography bookings can be arranged by ringing 64888507 for the Nedlands studio and 92664333 for the Bentley studio. Graduation regalia for most Western Australian degrees is available for our photo sessions and the cost is included in the $25.00 studio fee. Check when booking that we have your regalia to prevent disappointment. Graduation photographs can be taken in our studios throughout the academic year. Our Joondalup studio will be opening one day a week only for collection and framing, commencing when uni reopens in 2009. Ring our UWA or Curtin studios for bookings and information.
  • I work long hours and can't make a 9-4.30 photo booking. What can you do for me?
    Yes, we work long hours too - hence the 9-4.30 working day so we can make it to evening graduations on time. As long as we don't have graduations or functions to photograph we may be able to arrange after hours photo bookings by mutual agreement. Please contact us to discuss your needs. We have three studios in the metropolitan area so one may be more convenient for you than another.
  • Do you open in the university breaks?
    We open throughout the year but close on all official public holidays, Easter Tuesday and for most of the Xmas academic break. Due to our placement on university grounds we are not able to open at weekends or for late night shopping.
  • How can I pay for my photos and frame?
    Photos and frames ordered on line will need to be paid for by credit card or BPAY. Graduation photos can also be paid for by using the paper order form provided at your ceremony and mailed to us with a cheque or postal order.
  • What do you charge to take photos at a school ball?
    We do not charge an attendance fee for school balls. The students attending pay by buying our photographs. We prefer to talk directly to ball organising committees so please ring us on 64888507 at our UWA studio for more details. We provide 2 or more photographers depending on the numbers of students attending and can offer a variety of backgrounds and props to add to the fun of the evening. Talk to us about theming.
  • Do you put school balls online?
    Yes of course. Photographs appear on our website approximately 4-5 working days after shooting. They can be ordered and paid for online and are posted to you in presentation folders within 14 days of your order being placed. School balls are available online for approximately six weeks-orders should be placed promptly. If you do not have a credit card, record the image numbers required and the sizes of each and post us a cheque or money order. All school events are password protected for your security.
  • Are the prices in your studio the same as at graduations?
    In our studio we spend more time with you than is possible at your graduation ceremony. More photos are taken for you to choose from and we provide you with regalia wherever possible. We also need to make sure we have a photographer available at the time you specify. Therefore we charge a $25.00 studio fee which you need to pay when booking your studio session. In the event that you do not arrive-the $25.00 becomes a booking fee . You will be able to change your booking if you let us know 24 hours before your session but the $25.00 is not refundable.
  • Will I be able to pay by credit card?
    All credit cards and EFTPOS are available in our studios. AMEX and DINERS cards may not be available at some graduations. BPAY is available for online orders.