Simplified Resolution Math

I’m obsessing a little bit about this resolution thing for non-photographers. Sorry about that. Just this one more thing. I promise. Humor me.

In an effort to keep resolution simple, may I suggest this approach the next time you want to determine if an image file is large enough to print: take the image size in pixel dimensions (say 900×1500 pixels) and divide each number by 300. This will give you the physical size at which the image can safely be printed. (There’s wiggle room, but this is a great rule of thumb. In that 900×1500-pixel example, the image could be printed 3×5 inches.)

If you’re interested in the “why” part, it’s because 300dpi is the standard print resolution. So dividing the number of pixels available by 300 provides a physical size in inches at which an image can be printed.

2400×3000 pixels? You can print an 8×10.

300×900 pixels? You can print a 1×3.

3600×6000 pixels? You can print a 12×20.

Got it? Good.

###

High-Res = Fast Car

As part of my continuing effort to help keep clients from confusing themselves, and confusing me in the process, this just occurred to me: As an alternative to the phrase “high-res” file, imagine yourself asking for a “fast” car.

The next time you’re requesting an image file from a photo shoot, before you say “Is this a high-res file” pretend that you’re buying a new car and asking the dealer “Is this a fast car?” It’s a pretty vague question.

Yes, certainly, a Kia that can go 110 miles an hour is certainly a fast car, I’d say. Is that what you mean? Or do you need a Ferrari? We need specs for photo files, just like the car dealer does, to outfit you with the appropriate product. And if you don’t have specs, really it’s fine: we’ll use our expertise to put you in the appropriate automobile or image file.

“I need a car that can go 200mph on straightaways.” Aha! Then you need the Ferrari Enzo with the 660hp engine and a top speed of 217mph and the $670,000 pricetag.

For most purposes, you don’t actually need the Ferrari Enzo with the 660hp engine and a top speed of 217mph and the $670,000 pricetag. What you probably need is a nice Kia or Chevy or Honda that’s got great acceleration and a comfortable ride and is one-twentieth the price. I’m probably not going to suggest the Ferrari for your commute any more than I’m going to give you a 100mb TIFF file for your web site.

I’m increasingly hearing from clients that the 1000-pixel image file I provided for a small web use isn’t as “high-res” as the 100mb image file I provided for the cover of the annual report. They, rightly so, wonder if I’ve provided the correct file since in both instances they asked for “high-res.” It’s really okay. I promise. The file is not supposed to be as large. I’m looking out for you. I’m not selling you a Ferrari for your morning commute. Although if you insist, and if you’ve got the budget for it, I’ll be happy to.

###

Long time no post.

Hey there, stranger. Sorry for the absence. It’s been a busy late winter/early spring. I can’t complain. Let me get you up to speed: work, wedding, Jamaica, work, flu, work. Now here we are.

The work has been fairly constant lately, knock wood, so that’s a nice way to rebound from what many photographers are calling “the worst year ever.”

My latest still-top-secret assignment saw me photographing tasty treats in the studio. In the process I discovered just how cool high-resolution digital capture can really be, especially when combined with a powerful macro lens.

This is salt. Who knew it was cube shaped? I suppose lots of people. But not me.

More to come. Please stay tuned…

###