FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How did you come up with the idea for your changing portraits?

While working on a film project in the early 1990's, I did some research and development on a special effect that called for a portrait to change on camera. At the time advertising flip cards featured a similar effect but I soon discovered that the special lens needed to create the effect was only available in smaller, postcard sizes. Rather than giving up on the idea, I tried tiling several of the small lenses together to create a larger lens. The idea worked in principle but had a sort of Frankenstein patchwork look. I decided to put the idea on hold until someone started making larger lenses.

A year or so later, while creating a haunted house attraction for The Downtown Long Beach Business Association, I decided to revisit the changing portrait idea to see how things had progressed in the world of lens arrays. To my surprise, larger format lenses were now available. Using what I had learned from my earlier experiments, I quickly created two changing portraits (size 16"x20") to use in the haunted house. The public's reaction was extremely positive and many people wanted to know if they were for sale. From that public demand, my business was born! The rest, as they say, is history.

Do you come up with all the character ideas yourself?

The ideas for our changing portraits come from a variety of sources. Since my background is in monster making, about 80% of our character designs wind up being my idea. However, I do get a lot of great suggestions from friends, family and even customers.

One of our portraits is actually the result of a collaboration between myself and a 17-year-old fan. We had talked for a while by phone and knowing he was studying computer graphic design at school, I invited him to do some detail work on it. The finished artwork was really pretty good and while the portrait isn't monstrous, the character does have an insane look about her that makes her one of our most popular characters ever.

Do your changing portraits require batteries or anything like that?

All of these changing portraits are made with a "lenticular" lens and are entirely self-contained.  All you need to do is put in a frame, add a light source to view the portrait, and you're good to go!

What size are your portraits?

Portraits offered at The Haunter's Depot come unframed and are available in two sizes:

16"x20" -- This particular size is great for larger homes or haunted houses and has the best intimidation factor.

11"x14" -- This size is ideal for those with smaller home or apartments with limited wall space.

Both are standard frame sizes that allow for off-the-shelf frame purchases.

18"x24" -- One of our two suppliers now offers limited edition Super Size changing portraits. See our Ghostly Gallery for portrait selection.

How often do you add new portraits?

Both of our suppliers have new changing portraits on the drawing board and they go into our Ghostly Gallery just as soon as they are finished.

Do you have a guarantee?

All changing portraits are carefully assembled and examined prior to shipping out to the customer. If you find that your order is damaged through fault of the carrier, please contact The Haunter's Depot at Info@HauntersDepot.com no later than two (2) days of receipt. After receiving a Return Authorization Number (required) sent to you by way of e-mail, you may then send it back. Merchandise sent back without a RA Number will be refused and returned at the sender's expense. Be aware, however, that changing portraits must be returned in their original packaging. The manufacturer must have the original packaging returned so they may examine it and the contents so that a damage claim can be made with the carrier. If the original packaging was thrown out, the portrait(s) may not be returned and a refund or exchange will not be authorized. If all the proper procedures for a return have been followed, the manufacturer will promptly replace it, exchange it, or issue a refund (less original shipping charges) after the merchandise has been received.

What type of payments do you accept?

A PayPal shopping cart system has been set up for your convenience. Just click on the appropriate shopping cart "buttons" and place your order. Payment may be made using a PayPal account or you may also place your order through PayPal using a major credit card.

What about shipping?

Your changing portrait will be safely packed in a bend-resistant, protective cardboard mailer and will be insured and mailed Priority Mail via United States Postal Service with delivery confirmation. Through an exclusive arrangement with our suppliers, we were able to reduce the shipping costs to a flat rate of only $10.00 per portrait. (Shipping to addresses in Alaska or Hawaii will incur an extra charge.) Standard ground delivery will take between 1-2 weeks if ordered within the continental United States once your order has been "confirmed" to you by way of e-mail.

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