Optimize photos for the web

If you upload photos to the web for a blog or website, it is best to optimize the photo first. This reduces the file size so your viewers don't have an annoying delay while large photo files are loaded.

I use Adobe Photoshop for photo optimization. It is part of the Adobe Creative Suite I bought for my web technology classes. There are other photo editing programs so research the web for the best option for you. Your camera's software may have photo editing capabilities.

To optimize in Photoshop:

1. Open the image in PS
2. Duplicate the image (image > duplicate)
3. Crop excess photo around subject
4. Reduce image size (image > size > change dimensions here/select bicubic sharper > ok)
5. File > Save for web > jpeg medium quality

Duplicate your image so, if you're not happy with the results, your original is preserved.

For landscape orientation, I use a 300 pixel width and let the height set proportionately.
For portrait orientation, I use a 250 pixel width.



Most jpeg images, will be fine at a medium quality.
The optimization process reduced a 183K file down to 18K. That will allow websites with your photographs to download much quicker.


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