There is one simple secret to creating a good original image with a digital camera, adjust your camera settings to take the largest size, highest quality image it is capable of capturing. Yes, this does mean you will not get as many images on your camera's memory card, but if you read the information below you will understand why following the "largest size, highest quality" rule is important.

Why a high quality original image is important - We use Adobe Photoshop, the premier digital imaging software, to edit images. Photoshop and other digital imaging software work by manipulating existing pixels, but they cannot add pixels. In others words, if sufficient digital data is not present or of low quality in the original image an expert using Photoshop is limited in how much improvement she can make in subsequent editing.

Editing color, contrast, retouching, cropping, etc. reduces the number of pixels which, in turn, can noticeably reduce the sharpness and appeal of a low quality original image.

Why a large size original image is important - digital cameras (and scanners) capture images in pixels with the image resolution expressed in terms of pixels per inch (ppi). A good quality image from a digital camera should be roughly between 240-300 pixel per inch. When you download and view images from your digital camera on your computer screen, even low quality, small size images may look acceptable or even good, because your computer screen has a limited resolution of only about 72 ppi. The same image printed on a typical ink jet printer is normally printed at a higher resolution up to 300 dots per inch (dpi).

So why does this matter? For example, a photo containing 72 ppi contains the same number of pixels whether the photo is printed at 2"x4" or 11"x14." At 2"x4," the ink dots fill a relatively small physical space which makes the smaller printed image appear sharp because there is no noticeable space between the dots. However, the same number of ink dots (72 ppi) printed on a 11"x14" area of physical space makes each dot visibly obvious because there is greater space between them causing the larger printed image to look blurry and undesirable.

Check your digital camera settings and make sure your camera is set to capture images at a minimum of at least 240 pixels per inch if you are going to be printing your images. Remember, you can reduce pixels later with photo editing software, but you cannot add pixels.

Are you confused? - You are not alone. Most people have trouble wrapping their heads around the dual quality/size concepts when they are new to working with digital images. When in doubt, give us a call and we will discuss your image needs with you to make it easier for you to make an informed decision.