BEN HIDER

View Original

File size vs Image resolution FAQ

"I've downloaded the photos, but the images are only 600KB each. Can I get them bigger?" It's understandable that people think the size of the file must correlate with the quality of the photo, and while this could be a soft rule to follow, often it's not necessarily true. Most of my files are resized to 3000 on the longest side, sometimes 4000 on the longest side, and then compressed to large jpegs. This one time compression doesn't lose any quality in the actual image, but makes it easier to download, upload and generally handle online. The resolution of a jpeg is really in the pixel count eg. 2000x3000 pixels.

"I need the files at 300dpi"

Dots per inch, or dpi, is a way of measuring how many pixels are in each inch of an image. This count is important if you're making prints and there is a specified print size and resolution. For example you wouldn't want to print with a resolution much below 150dpi (most printers can't handle much more than that anyway). If the resolution of an image is looked at as pixel count, then the print size and dpi are irrelevant. 3000x2000 can be seen as many different dpi and print sizes. It could be 72 dpi at 42.6" x 27.7" or 300 dpi at 10" x 6.6". None of these dpi and print sizes matter as the file remains at 3000x2000. Most professional print shops or graphic designers should make those adjustments for the final image use.

Can you provide me with the untouched Raw files?

Normally I do not provide clients with the untouched CR2 Raw files that come straight out of the camera. This would be like handing someone unfinished work. If untouched files are required a "full buyout" can be requested at an additional rate.