For the best and most efficient service, please visit our Help Desk and submit a support ticket. To control SPAM, you must be logged in to view this area. Registration is very quick and we never share your information with other parties.

For urgent matters only, please call Customer Support at 1-800-906-6447, extension 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

General:

Tutorial Videos
Question:
Where can I watch tutorial videos on the products?
Answer:
To view our video tutorials please visit: http://www.learn.garyfongestore.com/blog
*The instructional DVD that was provided to customers at no charge with their order is no longer available. The content on the DVD is outdated. Please refer to the link above for our latest videos and tutorials.

Rush Shipping or When can I expect my order
Question:
I ordered an item yesterday afternoon, why haven’t I received a tracking number or confirmation it shipped? I need it tomorrow!
Answer:
At Gary Fong Inc., we strive to process orders as quickly as possible. However, we cannot guarantee a delivery or shipment time. If an order is received before 12 noon EST, we make every effort to ship that order the same day. If an order is received after 12 noon EST, it will most likely not be shipped until the next business day. Delivery times are subject to each carriers policies. Please keep in mind that most carriers do not consider the pick-up day as part of the timeframe in their service. In addition, delivery services typically do not consider Saturday as a standard delivery day and may not distribute your package until a normal business day (defined as Monday-Friday).
For international shipments, Customs Inspections vary from country to country. For this reason, we cannot guarantee how long a shipment may take from the United States. For security purposes, a package can be held for several days before it is cleared for delivery. If an order has not been received within 30 days, please contact us for further investigation and tracking verifications.

Shipping Cost
Question:
How much will it cost to ship my purchase?
Answer:
Once you add your items to the shopping cart, you will be redirected to a summary of your order. On the lower left hand corner of the web page, there is an area where you can input your Country, State and Postal Code to receive an estimate on shipping and tax charges.

Sales and Use Tax
Question:
Does Gary Fong Inc. collect sales tax?
Answer:
We collect applicable sales and use taxes for sales within the tax nexus where we maintain operations. Currently we maintain operations in the state of Washington and Wisconsin. Please consult a tax professional for information specific to your location.

Dealer Inquiry
Question:
How do I apply for the Authorized Dealer Program?
Answer:
Thank you for your interest in the Gary Fong product line. We offer an attractive discount program to qualifying retailers.

 Alison Hickman is the Sales Manager, she will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You may contact her directly at 800-906-6447 x 7.

Lightsphere:

Where is the Lightsphere® II?
Question:
I would like to purchase the Lightsphere®-II but I cannot locate it on the website.
How do I order one?
Answer:
The Lightsphere®-II has been discontinued. Since the release of the Lightsphere®- II we have developed other versions of the Lightsphere® that boast great features such as adjustable mounts (no sizes needed!) and collapsible support structures. We’ve refined the Lightsphere so as to retain its original quality of light while improving the daily functionality for professional photographers. Please note, however, we’ve made a point to enable each new version to be fully compatible with our ChromeDome* and AmberDome accessory pieces.
*An adapter ring is required and included with the Lightsphere Collapsible for use with the ChromeDome.

Does the Lightsphere® fit my flash?
Question:
I don't see my flash listed, will it fit?
Answer:
The Lightsphere® diffusers are designed for use with normal hot-shoe mounted TTL flash systems. With that in mind, our diffusers are compatible with hundreds of flash units and are designed to give a custom fit. It is easy to size-down to a flash, but the maximum flash dimension is approximately 3 1/4” X 2 1/4”. For this reason, many older, handle mounted flash units, like a Metz CT-45, are not compatible.
If you still are uncertain of your flash, please contact our customer support line at 800-906-6447.

What's the difference between the Lightsphere® Universal-Cloud and 1/2 (Half) Cloud?
Question:
What's the difference between these two diffusers?
Answer:
The Lightsphere® Universal offers two opacity variations. The Lightsphere® Universal-Cloud is the more opaque of the two, and transmits a "warmer" color tone. Many photographers like the rich tones that this diffuser offers for portraits and small studio environments..
The Lightsphere® Universal- 1/2(Half) Cloud still produces the same beautiful soft light, but is more translucent. This results in a greater efficiency with regards to battery power. In addition, the color tone of the 1/2 Cloud is a more neutral which is ideal for portraits and events.
Both diffusers include a white inverted dome and the accessory straps for a secure mount to your flash. Both of these diffuser are also fully compatible with the AmberDome™ and ChromeDome™.

Spots, circles, and other foggy areas on images
Question:
I'm using the Lightsphere® and am getting weird circular patterns or glowing areas on my images. Is something defective about the product?
Answer:
Your Lightsphere® is not defective.
These abnormalities are commonly referred to as lens flare. The reason for lens flare is that errant light is bouncing around inside the elements of your lens. This can be from direct bounce or from an angle. We strongly suggest using a lens hood/shade when photographing and always been mindful of shiny surfaces or reflective materials.
For further insight on lens flare and the optics lenses, we suggest this Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lens_flare

Underexposure in Vertical / Portrait Mode
Question:
I am getting different result in the vertical position vs. the horizontal position. The horizontal position gives me a good exposure but in the vertical orientation I get under-exposed results. The camera is set the same but my flash seems to be working differently.
Answer:
You concern is not overly common, but we have seen a handful of support tickets referring to similar problems.
We have consulted directly with Canon/Nikon in the past to determine a solution. What is believed to be happening are the pins that line up in the hot-shoe are not making full contact and consequently taking your flash and camera from ETTL/ITTL to regular TTL. There are 5 points of contact that need to be firmly seated, and even if one 1 point slightly off, it changes the exposure on your flash. When shooting horizontally, gravity keeps the flash properly connected, but when you switch to vertical-gravity is working against you.
One way to determine this is to look at the back of your flash on the LED where it indicates the ETTL/ITTL metering. If, when you switch to vertical, it blinks or changes to TTL then you have a faulty connection. We suggest removing the flash and remounting it. Make sure it is firmly tightened to secure that all 5 points are connected.
You may also want to examine the contacts on the camera to see if any dust or grease is blocking the connection. Consult your flash owners manual for recommended cleaning.

Camera Settings
Question:
How do I set my camera? I have an event coming up this weekend.
Answer:
We don't have recommended settings for every camera, but the general idea is the same, across all models. These setting are provided as a starting point, because each photographer has their own style and goals for their images.
Please review our instructional PDFs at the following link for further information: http://learn.garyfongestore.com/blog/

Lightsphere® for Nikon SB-400 flash
Question:
I have Nikon SB-400. I would like to know does there any version of Lightsphere® support my flash?
Answer:
The Lightsphere® is not compatible with your flash. However we have designed a diffuser that is compatible. Please review the Prizm flash diffuser at this link:
http://www.garyfongestore.com/flash-accessories/prizm-flash-diffuser.html

ChromeDome™ Installation
Question:
Does the ChromeDome™ get installed with the kicker plate on the side towards your subject or opposite your subject?
Answer:
You shoot with the ChromeDome™ towards you, opposite of your subject, so the light is reflected toward your subject.
Please review our tutorials for the ChromeDome™ and many other products at: http://www.learn.garyfongestore.com

Puffer

Attaching the Puffer to Your Camera
Question:
How do I attach the Puffer to my camera?
Answer:
A short video showing how to attach the Puffer to your camera.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXvoa9p0-SY

Flip-Cage

Flip-Cage® Fitting
Question:
Will the Flip-Cage® fit my camera?
Answer:
We have two options of Flip-Cage®. The regular Flip-Cage® fits many compact cameras measuring:
4 inches or less in width,
2-1/2 inches or less in height, and
1 inch or less in thickness

The Flip-Cage® Pro is designed with larger compact cameras in mind, similar to the Canon “G” series.
4-1/4 inches or less in width
3 inches or less in height, and
1-3/4 inches or less in thickness

Delta

Getting the perfect size Delta™
Question:
How do I know what size Delta™ I need for my camera?
Answer:
To determine the correct Delta™ diffuser size, measure the physical diameter of your camera’s telescopic lens barrel at the furthest point. This is where the diffuser will be seated to diffuser your flash.  
Delta™ Size Diameter:
Size (1) 3/4-7/8"
Size (2) 7/8-1"
Size (3) 1- 1 1/8"
Size (4) 1 1/8-1 3/8"

Software

Software Download Delivery
Question:
I purchased software when can I expect to receive it/where is my software?
Answer:
So that you always have access to the most recent update, all of our software sales are downloads. You will not receive a physical shipment. All of our software titles are instant downloads, and you should be provided with the necessary links immediately after your purchase. If you have difficulty with your download, let us know and one of our support staff will be happy to assist you.
If you purchased your software after April 1, 2010. You may log into our website at http://www.garyfongestore.com to retrieve a copy of your purchased software under “your account”.

BullZEye™ Software Won't Open on My MAC
Question:
When I download and try to open the BullZEye™ software, all I get are a bunch of text and error messages.
Answer:
The BullZEye™ 4 software is compressed in a .SIT folder for download.
To decompress .SIT files, .ZIP, and many others download The Unarchiver. This software is available free at:
http://wakaba.c3.cx/releases/mac/TheUnarchiver1.6.1.zip Once you've installed The Unarchiver and restarted, the compressed BullZEye folder should open and load properly.

Creating a Custom Size Document Using Album Designer
Question:
I'd like to create a different size document than what your actions are set up for. Instead of a perfect square or 4X3 ratio, I'd like to make my own. Is that possible?
Answer:
To create a custom document, simply begin the process as you normally would by following step [1] "Select Image". Next, select [2a] Autodrop [V][V].
First, you will need to change the dimension of you canvas by going to the "Image" drop down menu at top left and selecting "Canvas Size..." This will open a window with your current document dimension. In this case the "Canvas Size:" box indicates the Width: 13.33 inches, Height: 10 inches, and Resolution: 300 pixels/inch.
To change these dimensions, simply enter in your desired custom spread size in the Width and Height boxes. In most circumstances you'll want to keep the units in inches, and you'll also want to keep the Resolution at 300 pixel/inch. Be sure to check with your printer for verification.
Once you click "OK", the document should reshape to your desired document size and you'll be able to continue using all the designing actions. Keep in mind that some clipping may occur and you may need to use the "move" tool and bring some of your images back onto the canvas.
Once your design is complete, use the "Split & Save" action (14a). The action itself will then walk you through the exact steps of saving the master PSD and each side as a JPEG.

Album Designer and Photoshop CS4/CS5
Question:
I recently upgraded Adobe Photoshop. Will Album Designer work with this version or will you be updating the software?
Answer:
An update to Album Designer is not needed, but you will need a plug-in from Adobe. The missing piece is the “Contact Sheet” plug-in. You can find the “Contact Sheet” plug-in inside the Goodies folder of your Photoshop application disc. The Goodies folder also includes a 'readme' file with instructions on how to install plug-ins, as well as where to find additional items for download.
Once you have the “Contact Sheet” installed, you will be able to operate Album Designer normally. Be sure to view Gary's video tutorial regarding the use of Bridge in CS2 and higher located here:
http://www.digitalphotographers.net/gfads/

Output capability of Album Designer
Question:
What are my printing restrictions with a design I’ve created from an Album Designer?
Answer:
The Album Designer is a set of actions that run within Photoshop (versions CS or higher). As such, you have all of Photoshop's functionality. You can print the output at any lab or album bindery.
You can, also, create any size page that meets your needs. We do have default sizes, and you may change those by using the Photoshop crop tool, after you import your images, but before you begin the layout design. You can also edit the actions to create new default sizes. See the Photoshop Help section for instructions on how to edit actions.

Page Resizing in Album Designer
Question:
I love using the actions in Gary's Album Designer action console, but I want to create pages that are a different size than the defaults. Is that possible?
Answer:
Yes! You can resize the page you are designing. How you do that is up to you and depends upon your needs.
You can create your layout using the Album Designer's standard SQ-SQ or V-V layouts, and then resize your final design to the size you need. This would work well if your final dimensions are going to be the same proportions as the Album Designer layouts, and approximately the same size or smaller. This is not the best choice if the final proportions are going to be different or much larger than the standard layouts.

Can Album Designer be used for other than Cornerstone Albums?
Question:
Can Album Designer be used for other than Cornerstone Albums?
Answer:
Album Designer can be used to design albums to be printed elsewhere. While Album Designer and Cornerstone Albums are all optimized to create a simplified workflow, they are independent products. Album Designer will work with any image that you can open in Photoshop.

What is BullZEye?
Question:
What is BullZEye? How is it different from Photoshop?
Answer:
Unlike Photoshop, BullZEye is a stand-alone program that eliminates the frustration of color correction and color editing. BullZEye consists of four separate tool sets identified by four distinct tool tabs. The four tool sets are logically arranged from left to right and offer a wizard-like approach to accurate color. The tool sets are designed in such a way that as you progress from left to right, the tools will not, and in fact cannot affect any of the tools to its left. This alleviates the common frustration of correcting for one thing while throwing off another. With BullZEye 4, one pass through the tools and you are finished.