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Andy B
Joined:
13-02-2001
Messages: 7001
from Surrey, UK
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|  New Message Posted!2011-08-19 20:37
For people on Linux who might be struggling with Gimp, there is another Linux photo program which is a bit easier, install Kolorpaint from the 'add software' menu
(or it might already be installed?).
I tend to use this for resizing and basic editing
http://en.opensuse.org/Kolorpaint
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Andy B
Joined:
13-02-2001
Messages: 7001
from Surrey, UK
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| New Message Posted!2011-08-17 12:28
Thanks Peter, I've given it a good tidy up, moved the details down and added - See the section "Digital Camera and Photo Resizing Tips" below for more help on resizing photos
I think we'll stick with 750 x 500 as the standard value as larger isn't really necessary for run of the mill photos. Bigger is fine for really nice images or wider panoramas of course (see what I've updated the advice to)
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=FAQ&file=index&myfaq=yes&id_cat=2&categories=Contributing+photos+and+information
The number setting in JPG saving isn't a percentage, it's just a 'quality setting'
ESgt I use GIMP on Linux so I'm not suprised it's free program of choice on Macs too, thanks for that. If you're more used to using Photoshop than GIMP then the tweaked version called GimpShop is also worth trying.
The FAQ documentation always needs an update so all comments, corrections and rewrites are welcome.
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ESgt
Joined:
19-10-2010
Messages: 42
from SK 483342
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| New Message Posted!2011-08-14 21:17
Quote:
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On 2011-08-09 00:29, Andy B wrote:
:
It's really quite simple:
If you are on Windows, download Paint.net http://www.getpaint.net which is excellent and free. I'm sure there are equivalents for the Mac. There are even online photo tools these days.
:
[ This message was edited by: Andy B on 2011-08-09 00:37 ]
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It's the GNU Image Management Program, but here packaged with numerous superfluous options. Far better to get it without the hassle from SourceForge via http://www.gimp.org/windows/
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PAB
Joined:
30-04-2006
Messages: 104
from Menevia
OFF-Line
| New Message Posted!2011-08-13 21:45
Andy, just noticed a couple of inconsistencies in the latest version of the FAQs, or things which may benefit from clarification..
Firstly, I know (as I know you do too) that there isn't a great difference between an 800 x 600 image as opposed to a 750 x 500 one, but it may confuse people who are struggling with what the limits are - as we use both sets in the FAQ. If it is now ok to think in terms of 800, you could probably do with finding/replacing any lurking 750s?
I remember finding the description of 'the longest side not being more than....' as a useful one - especially helpful for people who don't immediately think in terms of portrait/landscape, or who don't translate these English words quite how you intend them?
Secondly, the terms crop/resize mean such different things, but they way they are used in the FAQ might confuse anyone who didn't already understand the distinction?.
Rather than just flag up the inconsistencies (for which I have to thank my dear departed dad for passing on his proof-reading genes!), I guess I should offer some alternative text for you to consider....so here is a starter, and I wonder if anyone knows a useful website covering such issues we could signpost or hyperlink the various term to?:
"The first stage is probably to 'crop' your image to leave just the part you want to submit. This might still leave the photo too big to submit within our 320kb limit, so the second stage will be to 'resize' the image. The aim here will be to make sure that the longer (? longest) side is no more than 800 pixels.
If the original image was not a very high resolution, doing these 2 things might bring the total file size down to our 320kn limit. If not, you will need to reduce the images overall quality. Depending on the software you use for this, it may describe such a reduction in quality in percentage terms (eg, down to 80% of original), or by terms such as 'medium' quality etc."
I wonder too if it might be confusing to cover this topic both in the first part of the FAQ (· How do I send photographs?), as well as later on (in · Digital Camera and Photo Resizing Tips)?
All intended to be helpful Andy - and just trying to read it as if looking at it for first time!
terms
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sem
Joined:
12-11-2003
Messages: 1709
from Bridgend,S.Wales
OFF-Line
| New Message Posted!2011-08-09 23:38
Sorry Andy, should have replied earlier.
My nomenclature was a bit out when I used the term "browser" as most people seem to accept this as internet-based. I was using it to refer to any program for viewing pictures.
I'm not sure how this works with other photo editing programs but when you save a file in Photoshop approx 20kb is added to the file size. I also use an old program FotoStation (marvellous prog) to view my pics and this adds another 10kb to the file. Presumably both are for for excif information.
The point of the post was to be aware that what seemed to be a 300kb file may exceed he 320kb limit. I've done it and the "Your file is too large" notice is a bit of a bummer when you've spent 30mins getting your pic ready for MP.
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Andy B
Joined:
13-02-2001
Messages: 7001
from Surrey, UK
OFF-Line
| New Message Posted!2011-08-09 20:20
I've updated the FAQ on this
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=FAQ&file=index&myfaq=yes&id_cat=2&categories=Contributing+information
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Andy B
Joined:
13-02-2001
Messages: 7001
from Surrey, UK
OFF-Line
| New Message Posted!2011-08-09 00:29
That 200kb is out of date, the max image size is now 320kb which is loads and allows for larger panoramas and so on. Sorry Sem but I don't know what you're on about in this case.
It's really quite simple:
If you are on Windows, download Paint.net http://www.getpaint.net which is excellent and free. I'm sure there are equivalents for the Mac. There are even online photo tools these days.
Load in your original image, you may want to adjust the contrast / brightness / gamma at minimum to get it to look right. Lots of more complex tweaks you can do of course but those are the basics. Then resize and/or crop it down to around 750 x 500 or 800 x 600 pixels.
Make sure you are looking at it at 1:1 zoom, then once you're happy with the size on the screen, save as .JPG with quality set to about 85 (or medium / high) and you'll be OK for file size. Give it a sensible name as well.
In the unlikely event the image comes out bigger than 320k then save it again with a lower number (more compression) of about 75 to 80. Check this while you still have it open in the paint program so you don't have to reopen it or lose quality. You'll only need to do this for very complex images like an image full of pine needles or suchlike.
That's all there is to it. We don't do automatic resizing as it always reduces quality and tempts people to just dump in 'raw' camera images. Cropping and resizing is an important part of the process to create a good photo for display on the web and needs some 'artistic' input just like any other part of the process.
Keep a copy of the original image as well of course.
[ This message was edited by: Andy B on 2011-08-09 00:37 ]
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sem
Joined:
12-11-2003
Messages: 1709
from Bridgend,S.Wales
OFF-Line
| New Message Posted!2011-08-08 23:52
Rune, there are other problems on file size and everyone will have to deal with them in there own way.
Basically, every time you view a picture in a "new browser" it adds extra information to the picture file and increases the file size.
Sorry if this is short but tomorrow I'll give an example.
Sem
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Runemage
Joined:
15-07-2005
Messages: 2412
from UK
OFF-Line
| New Message Posted!2011-08-08 23:28
I've just found that bit Sem,
"your pictures must be converted to .JPG files of not more than 200Kb per image. Using your preferred software, resize each photo to around 750x500 pixels. You will need to name each photo as a .JPG file, with no punctuation marks in the file name."
There's a load of instructions here, but it opens as a popup. I guess anyone who has popups blocked will miss it. I clicked the link and it opened in a new tab for me.
http://www.megalithic.co.uk/modules.php?op=modload&name=FAQ&file=index&myfaq=yes&id_cat=2&categories=Contributing+information
Rune
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sem
Joined:
12-11-2003
Messages: 1709
from Bridgend,S.Wales
OFF-Line
| New Message Posted!2011-08-08 22:54
Hello Picstones
As Rune says "Don't worry."
I still find submitting pictues difficult as I can never remember what is the maximum file size allowed (currently 320kb I think) and can never be sure how much information my computer will add to the file after I have reduced the picture.
Best wishes
Sem
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