photo smart
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image resolution and size We are told that images for the internet should be around 600 pixels or no bigger than 800 pixels to stop internet image theft (the unauthorised use of an image for commercial purposes). Images straight from the camera are usually very large: the image size (often more than 3000 pixels along the widest side) and resolution (mostly yielding 240 – 300 dpi or dots per inch) usually need to be changed before uploading online. The two reasons for this is the time it takes to upload and image theft. Step one is image resolution. Set the image resolution for images to share online to 72 dpi. This is the web-standard although some save to 96 dpi to accommodate the new higher resolution screens. Either is fine and makes images quick to load and radically reduces the chance of image theft – protecting your image and saving space.
Now for image size. Most people currently make the images they share online a minimum of 1000 pixels or 1200 pixels wide. This makes the finer detail in the image viewable to show off your photography prowess and the true beauty of the image, but doesn’t render the image large enough to print. Then there are images that are too small. This is frustrating for the viewer so aim for good online viewing, but not a good enough quality to print. All image editing software has a command to change the resolution and pixel dimensions. Look for: image size, resize or resample. Locate a dialog box to enter the resolution and pixels you want. Always enter the resolution first. There are some other options that may be in this dialog box such as: Resample (use this when downsizing) to change the pixel dimensions. Constrain proportions or keep aspect ratio (prevents the image being distorted
Dialog box in photoshop
or looking stretched and out of proportion). Enter one value, either height or width, and it adjusts automatically. In the next issue we will cover tips for using mobile devices to upload images and how to protect your privacy and that of others in your photos once you upload your images. Go Ca mpinG austr a li a
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