Technical Articles

Resizing Pictures

There are two aspects to picture size, number of pixels and overall file size. A typical camera may take a picture of 4000 x 3000 pixels with a jpg file size of 10MB. Most web forums and galleries will not accept this and have a maximum permitted size for pictures being uploaded. For example Amateur Photographer forum strictly enforces a 600 pixel, 100MB file size limit and the moderators are unforgiving about any transgression. On this website a maximum dimension of 600 pixels is used with no file size limit.

Larger pictures just are not useable as they upset the size and layout of the webpages or forum and administrators do get bored with having to download, manipulate and resize full size images. Resizing is quite easy and most picture editing programs can do it, usually as part of the 'export' process. For example on Picasa once the pictures are selected just click on 'export'. The following dialogue box appears.

This simple dialogue sets the maximum pixel size, be it height or width, and the quality which determines the final file size. 60-70% (may just be called 'standard' or 'normal' in some programs) is fine. All that is then required is to save to your export folder and upload. It also allows you to add a copyright stamp. Other programs differ in detail but all do the the same job. The main thing to avoid is resizing the original image, you do need to use a program that produces a reduced size copy. For this reason avoid the basic image size tools in Photoshop unless you follow it with a 'save as'.

The Easy Way

There is another, very simple option. This online tool does the job very efficiently and simply. It does have the limitation that it will only accept files up to 6MB

Using the Flickr Group

The Flickr Group is the SPS public showcase. Anyone can see pictures in the group but to upload your own pictures you need to be a member of the group.

Joining

It's a bit involved if you are new to Flickr but works well enough.

Set up a Flickr account. It's free and you can give as little information about yourself as you wish. Make a note of what information you do give (security questions, date of birth, postcode etc) as you will need this if you forget your login details. If you have a Yahoo ID it will serve for Flickr as well.
Upload at least five pictures. Your pictures cannot be seen by people not logged into Flickr until certain conditions have been met. You must upload at least 5 pictures. This should trigger a review by Flickr staff of the content of your pictures. If they are approved as 'safe' the pictures will then be viewable by anyone, whether logged in or not. The review can take up to two weeks.
Go to the SPS Flickr Group from the website and above the pictures you will see a menu bar
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A message will automatically be sent to me on the Flickr email system and once I see it I will accept you as a member of the group. You are then free to add pictures to the group and to comment on other peoples' pictures.
Please also send me an email saying you are joining the group and let me know your screen name. This isn't strictly necessary but I may not notice a message on the Flickr system for some days because I don't use it very often.
A message will automatically be sent to you on the Flickr email system confirming membership of the group. You are then free to add pictures to the group.

Posting to the Group pool

Log onto your Flickr account and from within your photostream click on the picture you want to be seen on the SPS pool
Just above the picture is a menu bar - select 'Send to Group' and select SPS group.
The picture will now be visible in the SPS group pool.
Who can see the pictures? Any logged in Flickr member can see and comment on the pictures. Only posting is restricted. Your pictures cannot be seen by people not logged into Flickr until certain conditions have been met. You must upload at least 5 pictures. This should trigger a review by Flickr staff of the content of your pictures. If they are approved as 'safe' the pictures will then be viewable by anyone, whether logged in or not.

Stamford Photographic Society

Technical hints submitted by society members

Resizing Pictures

Using the Flickr Group

Gallery