Photo File Size - How will you use your photographs? 

New Braunfels - Bulverde - Boerne - Blanco – Professional Photography Advice 

 

Small - Medium – Large 

Bigger may not be better, or maybe it is.... 

 

File size matters, but why? 

Knowing how you intended to use your photographs is key.  When you know the final purpose of your images, it will help determine what file type and size you need to start with.  If your purpose is to create a billboard with your image, I’ll need to know that before photo day to capture files large enough to handle such a large output.  Conversely, if you need images for web display only, I will capture your images accordingly.  To determine the best way for me to photograph your session I will ask some simple questions during our consultation to get an idea of how I can serve you best.  

 

Are you going to be using your images for web viewing only (blog posts, social accounts, website)?   

Will you be printing your photos for brochures, or business cards? 

Will this image be on a billboard or sign? 

Are you planning to decorate your storefront with beautiful imagery to attract customers? 

Will you be creating products with your images (mugs, announcements, calendar, poster, etc.)? 

 

Whether you are printing your images for a frame, photo wall collage, or gift it is important to know what file size you will need.  I have had experience with clients who had opted for a small file size and then create a product that is less than pleasing to the eye and they were super bummed.  So, I’m here to help avoid that mistake!!  I have laid out the basic jpg file sizes and their best use so you’ll be well on your way to creating kick-ass products with your portraits. 

 

 

 

 

Low - Medium - High Resolution Explained 

Low Resolution Files (Small)  

• This file size is good for creating (what I like to call) gift size prints: 4x6 and 5x7 

• Good for web display (social media, website, blog post) 

 

Medium Resolution Files (Medium) 

• This files size is good for creating display size images: 8x10 and 11x14 prints 

• Okay for web display but can make loading a tad slower. 

 

High Resolution Files (Large) 

• Good for printing wall size photos for display: 16x20 and larger. 

• This file size is not good for web display because of the long load time each image would need. 

• This is the largest file size I give to clients (however, it wouldn’t create a billboard...that’s something extra-large and extra-special) 

 

 

Capture Resolution versus Print Size Capability 

Capture Resolution	4x6	5x7	8x10	11x14	16x20	20x30 +
640x480	ok	crap	----	----	----	----
800x600	good	ok	crap	----	----	----
1024x768	very good	good	ok	crap	----	----
1280x960 1MP	great	very good	ok	crap	----	----
1536x1180	great	very good	good	ok	crap	----
1600x1200 2MP	great  Photo quality	very good  Photo quality	good	ok	ok	crap
2048x1536 3MP	great	great  Photo quality	very good photo quality	good	ok	crap/ok
2240x1680 4MP	great	great	great  Photo quality	very good   Photo quality	good	ok

2560x1920 5MP	great	great	great   photo quality	very good  Photo quality	good	ok
3032x2008 6MP	great	great	great	great   photo quality	very good photo quality	very good
3072x2304 7MP	great	great	great	great   photo quality	very good photo quality	very good
3264x2448 8MP	great	great	great	great	great	great  Photo quality

 

 

Crap = horribly pixelated, blocky mess, think early 1980s pic 

Ok = meh, not frame worthy but gets the point across 

Good = fair bit of detail, pretty good all around 

Very Good = fine for most uses, but don’t get too close 

Great = good for most uses 

Photo Quality = Woohoo!! Full of detail and color, you want to show it off