One of the things I get asked the most is simply, “How do you DO that?” A lot of people think it’s an etching process, or a heated transfer. In all reality, my process is neither. Developed over years of trial and error, my process is entirely unique to my work. Everything about my work is handcrafted in my studio and local. Those two things are so important to me, being part of my community and sharing its resources makes my heart beat faster. So, while I can’t give away ALL my trade secrets, I wanted to give you a little glimpse into what it’s like for me to take a piece from start to finish. First, I choose a photograph I’ve taken (or upload yours if we’re doing a custom piece together) and edit it minimally in LightRoom, then print it in reverse on 100% recycled paper. Transferring it to the steel plate is all done by hand, with an all natural binding agent, with no heat or etching involved. This process is very precise and it’s important that I am fully focused on the task at hand when I’m transferring the image. One of my favorite things about this part of the process is how instinctual it is for me. I know the feel of the paper on the steel with the binding agent, I know the importance of getting it smooth and flat, and I can feel all that with my hands. It’s the kind of process a machine could never replicate, and I absolutely love that. Then, 3 days later, when the binding agent has done its magic and married with the toner to transfer the image (the lack of control here is really exhilarating for me and is a big part of the reason no two pieces will ever be the same), I get to work with my wonderful craftsman of a husband to create the wood mount for the piece. This involves sanding (so much fun!), staining, sanding again (still fun!), washing the steel to remove the paper and reveal the image. Washing, revealing the image, is my perfect reminder that this is art and I am an artist. Then I finish it up with a few final steps and the piece is ready for sale or delivery. To stay up to date on my process follow me on Instagram and by searching #byjenniferupton

Absolutely, I will reopen my custom orders in the fall. It’s so fun bringing other people’s stories to life in a new way. Please read my Custom Art FAQ's.

No, not at all! I’ve taken iPhone photos from clients and that works wonderfully. It works just as well to take a photo from your friend, family member, or clients’ social media and send it over to me to create a unique, affordable, memorable gift. They won't mind you "borrowing" their image to re-gift it back to them. Please see my Custom Art FAQ's to help you choose the best photo. But please don't over-stress this part. I will guide you along the way to create something wonderful!

I will crop your image to best fit the size of piece you request, but I cannot remove people, objects, faces, pets, buildings....etc from your image. If this is something you need done please have someone WAY more qualified than myself do that for you. You can then upload your image in my custom request form. Professional editing just isn't in my bag of tricks.

Upload the best image that you have. If it isn't a good fit for my process I will reach out to you for a different image. Please keep in mind the size that you are requesting. I cannot crop a square image into a rectangle without cutting out important parts of your image.

Unedited, uncropped, unfiltered, images work best for my process. Please make sure that you own the image you are sending. I cannot create pieces from commercial images that have been downloaded from the internet due to copyright and trademark laws. Please keep in mind the size and orientation of your image. I will email you if something isn't right for your request.

I will crop your image to best fit the size of piece you request, but I cannot remove people, objects, faces, pets, buildings....etc from your image. If this is something you need done please have someone WAY more qualified than myself do that for you. You can then upload your image in my custom request form. Professional editing just isn't in my bag of tricks.

I offer flat rates for shipping in the United States. I use standard USPS mail but will always choose Priority shipping if available in your cost range. up to $40 is $6.00 $40 to $65 is $12.00 $65 to $99 is $18.00 Orders over $99 ship for free

Currently this isn't a service that I offer.

I only allow one shipping address per order.

Due to the hand processed nature of my work, your piece has its own lines, markings, textures and contrast. It is a one of a kind piece of art. I do not "print" directly onto the steel plate for a "perfect" machine production. I do my best to be extremely transparent about the "distressed" marks in my work which makes it what it is designed to be- one of a kind. For this reason I cannot accept exchanges or offer refunds. If you run your hands across your piece and you feel an actual indention or "cut" into the finish please email me.

Due to the hand processed nature of my art, your piece will take on its own personality when your image marries to the steel plate I am working with. Due to this, I cannot offer an exchange or refund.

Please email me at jenniferuptonphotography@yahoo within 7 days of receiving your order. Please send me a photo of the damaged piece plus box it arrived in. I will file a claim and ship you a new piece as soon as possible. I must have a photo of both the damaged piece and the shipping box it arrived in to file the insurance claim and process your new order.

You will be provided with tracking information once your order ships. Please keep track of your package and if you do not receive after 15 days send me an email. Until that point I won't have any further information since we will both have the same info. After 15 days I can file a claim and work on a solution. If your tracking says "delivered" I cannot do anything from my end. You will need to work with your mail carrier to file a claim. Porch Pirates are real and sadly packages do get delivered and stolen. If this is a concern please have it delivered to a trusted location.

Unless specified in the listing, your piece will be created FOR YOU by HAND which takes time and love. I typically require up to 10 days for production, up to 4 days for shipping, which totals up to 14 days in total. Please keep in mind that these are business days which don't include weekends or holidays. If you purchase an art piece out of my shop and I have specified that its in my inventory waiting for its forever home, it will be shipped the next business day. If we are working together on a custom order we will discuss times before the order is placed. Some customs take longer than others. I will be very transparent about production times.