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Frequently Asked Questions

The fine art photography and print production process is sacred to me. Each piece requires time and care to create, so please allow us the necessary time to properly produce and ship your order. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have a specific inquiry, please email us at studio@tommylei.com.
Shipping Information
What are your shipping policies? Plus

Please see all of our shipping information.

Returns & Exchanges
What is your returns policy? Plus

All photographic works—both framed original Painted Photographs and archival prints—are final sale. Due to the nature of limited editions and archival production, we are unable to offer refunds or exchanges for change of mind.

  • If your artwork arrives damaged in transit, please notify us within 7 days of delivery by emailing studio@tommylei.com.
  • Include clear photographs of the damage and the packaging.
  • Our team will review your case and arrange a resolution.
Editions and Sizes
How are pricing and editions determined? Plus

Painted Photographs

I truly value transparency when it comes to my work and prices.

My work is offered in limited editions and priced to reflect its scale, process, and longevity. Each photograph is produced using archival materials and signed and numbered by hand.

Editions

Each Painted Photograph is released in an edition of 20, Once an edition is complete, it will not be reprinted at that size or format.

Pricing

Pricing reflects scale, materials, and production, and is structured to support thoughtful collecting rather than impulse buying. Prices are consistent across platforms and may increase as editions sell through.

We do not discount limited editions.

Choosing a Size

Most collectors choose mid-scale works for balance and presence, while larger formats are often selected as statement pieces. I’m always happy to help you decide what fits your space. Please contact me for a complimentary consultation.

A Note to Collectors

You’re welcome to take time with the work. Collecting is a considered process, and each piece is meant to be lived with over time.

Which sizes work best in different spaces? Plus

Choosing the right scale can transform how a piece interacts with a room. As a general guide:

  • Small (up to 16”) — Best for intimate spaces like reading corners, bedside walls, or entryway accents.
  • Medium (20–30”) — Ideal for offices, kitchens, or layered in gallery walls.
  • Large (36–44”) — Works beautifully as a statement above sofas, credenzas, or in dining rooms.
  • Extra Large (48” and above) — Designed for feature walls in living rooms, bedrooms, or spacious hallways where the artwork becomes the focal point.
Photographic Process and Prints
What is a Painted Photograph? Plus

Think of the photograph as the negative—the origin point. My work has always drawn inspiration from painters such as Edward Hopper and Georgia O’Keeffe, whose mastery of composition, color, and spirit continues to shape my vision.

Meticulously giclée printed on archival canvas, these photographs transform into painterly works of their own—delicate yet enduring. While photographs are often seen as fleeting, a Painted Photograph is immortalized as a timeless object. Encased in a natural oak floating frame, it becomes an heirloom designed to last for generations.

Who is the artist and creator of these photographic works? Plus

All works are captured by me, Tommy Lei, using a Leica Q2, Lumix G9, or iPhone ProRAW.

How are your pieces made? Plus

We work with the finest papers sourced from Canson Infinity, which I serve as an Artist Ambassador. All fine art prints are made on matte textured archival paper.

Original Painted Photographs are giclée printed on archival canvas, stretched over natural wood and meticulously framed in oak floater frames at our lab here in Southern California.

Do you use AI in your artwork? Plus

While we are not against using automation to help us live easier and do work efficiently, there is a zero tolerance policy for AI generation and manipulation with regard to all the artworks seen on our print shop.

Tell me more about the natural wood floater frame. Plus

All of original Painted Photographs are framed in a custom 1.50” natural oak floating frame, crafted by local artisans in Southern California.

Each frame is FSC-certified and selected for its warm, organic grain that complements the meditative quality of the artwork. No two are exactly alike—each frame is as unique as the piece it holds.

How will my framed Painted Photograph arrive? Plus

Each framed piece is professionally packaged, fitted with a steel wire, and ready to hang straight out of the box. We typically ship our pieces through trusted carriers, like FedEx, UPS, and DHL depending on your location.

How can I protect and preserve each piece? Plus

Proper care is essential for maintaining the longevity of fine art photographs. We use only acid-free, archival-quality and materials. We've put together a handy primer on how to care and maintain your fine art pieces from our studio.

For Trade and Design Professionals
Do you work with interior designers and trade professionals? Plus

Yes. I collaborate with designers, advisors, and architects on residential and commercial projects. A Designer Trade Program is available, offering preferred rates and tailored services for large-scale sourcing. Please contact studio@tommylei.com to learn more.

Are your works in private collections? Plus

Yes, we work intimately with private and institutional collections. My photographs have been acquired by private collectors and placed in interiors across the U.S., the U.K., France, Italy, and South Korea, as well as featured in museum and gallery exhibitions internationally.