Hello, .
Questions about the importance of image quality and file size frequently arise during the Introduction to Photography class.
However, a photography discussion group posted this specific, more detailed question.
" Why should we take
high-quality photos for a website (RAW or SuperFine 10-15MB) when, in the end, we have to compress them to 500KB? Why not use standard quality and small size on the camera settings right from the get-go? "
To be brief, image quality refers
to the type of image file format, such as RAW, TIFF, JPEG, etc.
Jpeg (.jpg) files are compressed.
Compression loses visual information, leading to unsharpness and pixelation.
And when we work on and save that file,
the file deteriorates further.
This deterioration happens repeatedly; you can see it when you resave the file.
On the other hand, image size has to do with the dimensions of the digital file in pixels.
Specifically, pixel length X pixel height.
More importantly, image size dictates how large we can make a picture.
We should make the largest and highest-quality photographs possible, even if the picture is intended for the web, because we may find that the picture has uses beyond the web.
This means that we'll require higher quality and bigger size.
When we create an image of the
highest quality and largest size, we can be sure that we can get the most use out of it.
Remember, we can always decrease the resolution (file size ) from larger to smaller (downsizing) to suit the picture's use and maintain an excellent
quality file to work with.
However, we lose image quality when we increase the resolution (file size) from smaller to bigger (uprezzing).
The bottom line is that we always want to make the best pictures possible, including in terms of image quality and file size.
Remember, bigger is always better when it comes to the image characteristics of image quality and file size.
I hope you've been studying and practicing your photography.
I've got
some classes scheduled.
The ways to study and practice photography with me are below.
Call me if you need help determining the best course of study and practice.
I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me.
Currently scheduled classes are below.
Smaller classes mean better learning, so class sizes are limited to 5 participants plus me.
But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon.
And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group
classes? Private in-person or online lessons suited to your schedule are always an option.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.
That's all for now; thanks for reading!
Sam