We often see friends sharing very small images with the fear of image theft by folks on net. We see in this in this forum as well as in other forums. Here are my thoughts on why posting a very small version (~550 pixels or less) is not at all a good idea (not only for CNP, for any web forum or for your own website) -
1. Small sized images very often lack visual impact. Web is the only media using which you can reach large population of people.
People want to see the best, so share your best. Not sharing larger versions does more harm than the good for yourself.
- antlion_gd1.jpg (83.24 KiB) Viewed 6468 times
- antlion_gd1.jpg (238.71 KiB) Viewed 6467 times
Isn't it evident that smaller version hides subtle nuances of an image ? Don't our image needs be seen at its best ? One thing to keep in mind is smaller versions of our images don't appeal not only to image thieves but also to genuine viewers and even potential buyers of our images . Personally I believe world is made up largely of good people.
2. Web images can't be used for making large fine prints.
The larger version of the web image above is 756pixel in its longest side. Resolution needed for web is typically far lesser compared to resolution needed for making a fine print. Images need to be typically printed at 300dpi to make fine prints. The biggest size of the nice print I can make out of the above posted larger version is this below -
- antlion_gd1_print.jpg (59.42 KiB) Viewed 6467 times
Do you now worry your web images will be used to make nice prints ? I wouldn't.
3. Large signatures, water marks spoil the image.
Again my personal view - image is more important than our signature on it. If we are inserting a large water mark on our image it spoils
the viewing pleasure. My belief being larger water marks adversely impact only genuine viewers and not image thieves .
Normally I keep my image size around 700 to 800pixels depending on where all I want to share them beyond my own website. Typically photo forums have size restrictions around 700-800pixels on its longest side. This restriction is mainly governed by storage space at hosting site. In CNP we keep it at 800 pixels to help people share their best work. Another well known photo forum which I am member of has recently made a provision to share even larger versions (upto 1200 pixels). So the trend is towards seeing larger images on the display.
Bottomline, we spend lots of time in nature and field and try very hard to make some striking images. They deserve to be seen at its best by folks on the net. The number of people you can reach via print exhibitions is negligible compared to the audience you can reach through the web. Personally I believe sharing larger version does more good than harm. Atleast that is what my experience says sharing larger versions of all of my images on my website so far.
And your thoughts ?......
