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Preparing Images to Show Online

by Ryan Lewis

Preparing your images for display online is the easy part, getting a good digital image can be difficult. The important thing to remember is that a good online posting site should allow any size (bytes) of image on their site. They may scale the picture down when you post it, but there should be no reason that the artist needs special applications to adjust their images. One thing to keep in mind is that if you do not have a fast connection to the internet, you may still want to reduce the size to allow for easier uploading.

Scanner
If you only have quality hard-copy photographs of your artwork you will need to use a scanner to transfer them into digital prints. The standard web dots-per-inch (DPI) is around 100, so if you use 200 or 300 DPI when scanning you will have more than enough clarity. Most scanning programs will set a default image type but if they do not, save your images in a JPEG (.JPEG or .jpg) format. This is the most common type of image on the web and is the most widely accepted format.

One important thing to remember with scanners is that they will scan anything that is put down on them. Make sure the glass is clean and there are no finger prints or other things that could make a mark on the image. More importantly, make sure there is nothing that can transfer to your artwork and leave a 'lasting impression'.

Digital Camera
Taking pictures for your online and offline portfolio is not an easy task. You may need to take many pictures in order to get the correct lighting, angle and colour. At least with a digital camera, you can take as many pictures as you want without additional cost of film!

This first thing to do is GET A TRIPOD. Rather than spend your day trying to stay perfectly still, use something that is completely stable to take your pictures. If you have a hands-free option use it, if not you probably have a timer on the camera. Set it to 2 seconds and let it take the picture. The images will be much clearer.

When taking pictures with a digital camera, make sure to use the highest resolution setting. This will result in each photo having the largest pixel count your camera can provide. This will enable you to make larger prints for a hard-copy portfolio but always be able to reduce them for an online posting.

Cropping
When presenting or posting your images try to have as little background, framing, lining or matting showing. You may find it easier to take the picture with the frame included then cut it out digitally. This is a great idea, if you have the ability. In the end, make sure you have a clear picture of your artwork only. You don't want to stop a sale just because the buyer doesn't like your frame.

There are a couple programs available for cropping and making minor colour adjustments to your images. They come in a wide range: from MS Paint which is included with Windows and is a simple (yet limited) tool all the way up to Adobe Photoshop (an expensive but professional tool). Speaking with other artists, I have been suggested Adobe Photoshop Elements which is much cheaper but has all the basics you should need.

If you are only posting your pictures to show family and friends then go ahead and take some quick pictures. However, when posting images on a professional website, following the above advice will result in a much more professional look.

About The Author: Ryan Lewis, Artist and BComm graduate, is a member of ArtistLane and currently shows his artwork at the Gust Gallery in Waterton Lakes National Park. Ryan Lewis writes articles for ArtistLane pertaining to the business aspect of being an artist. You can view his work on this site or at his personal website RyanLewis.ca.
To contact Ryan Lewis, send a message via e-mail to Lewis@ArtistLane.com.