Ask Harriete

Uploading Images to Social Networking Sites: What size is recommended?

Consuming Identity Chair
Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

When it comes to uploading images to Social Networking sites for online viewing, you want to keep a couple of important factors in mind.

• Image size for optimal online viewing is usually about 1Mb.
  
• Some sites impose a size limit.  
  
• Check to make sure your  digital images show up properly.
  
• Take full advantage of tags and descriptions for each image.

I've found that a file size in the range of one megabyte (1Mb) or less is a practical size for nearly all social networking sites. When you upload an image,  most online 2.0 sites will automatically downsize the  digital image file to fit their template for thumbnail images.  These sites typically retain the larger file so that if anyone clicks on the thumbnail, a larger pop up image will open.   Use these built-in features of 2.0 sites to your advantage.

Not too small!  Small images (for example 100 x 150 pixels) may look fine for quick review as a "thumbnail" for your website, or as the thumbnail on a social networking "page" or "portfolio."  But if a potential buyer clicks on the image for a larger, closer inspection, and the image does not increase in size, it is very disappointing.  Click on the image above to see the difference.

I've also heard of people intentionally uploading small images out of fear that their work may be copied.  Frankly my advice is to "get over it."  Move on.  Keep developing your portfolio with skill and artistic vision amplified by hard work.  A copycat, if one ever occurs, will be found out soon enough.  The recurring benefits of larger, high resolution images far outweigh the small chance of abuse.   

Not too big!  Don't upload an image file that is too large either.  Many people have high speed connections, but very large image files (e.g. 3MB and larger) may take such a long time to render on the viewer's monitor that they stop and go elsewhere. 

Always try a test viewing of your online images as if you were a potential curator or buyer visiting the site.  If it doesn't show up the way you expected, find out why, delete it and re-upload a corrected image file.    

Check here soon for upcoming blogs on tags and descriptions to get the most out of uploaded images. Read the previous blog about image labels.

Harriete
www.harriete-estel-berman.info

Image labels generate Internet visibility.

Stimulus Plan Pins
Recycled tin cans, ss rivets
Available at Sienna Gallery

Your photographic images can be working for you across the Internet at the speed of light, 24 hours a day.  So as you "sign up" and upload your images with various social networking and portfolio sites, take the time to label your images for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to maximize potential traffic.  Proper titles, labels and descriptions help search engines find your work. 

BASIC INFORMATION:  Every image that you post on the Internet, whether on Facebook, Crafthaus, Flickr, or other social networking/portfolio sites, needs to be labeled with the following information:

• Artist's name
• Title of the work
• Copyright symbol
• Date of work
• Media or materials
• Dimensions (height, width, depth)
• Helpful other tags (if possible)

Some sites make it easier than others to incorporate this information.  Each site might need to be labeled in a slightly different way, but a little effort can attract a lot more traffic.

Sunshine Pin
Recycled tin cans, ss rivets
Available through Sienna Gallery

Help people find your work.  Although most people are familiar with searching, there may be enormous variations in how they initiate a search; whether by artist name, the title, a rough description, the materials, date, etc.  Let this influence your approach to labeling when uploading images. 

Create a variety of ways for search engines to "hit" your work.   For example, in the "Title" box for labeling photos, I first type in the title of the work, and then add my name and date of work within the "title" box.  That way if people are searching the "titles" category for my name, they will find my work.

Same goes for the "Description" box.  Type in all the relevant information about your work in the "description" including your name (again) and other relevant search terms for your work.   

One more suggestion is to spell your name in the tags in a variety of ways if your name is often misspelled.  For example, my first name is "Harriete."  There are several common variations such as "Harriet" (no E at the end) and "Harriette" (with 2 t's.)  My middle name is "Estel," but it is often written as "Estelle."  Don't think I'm crazy. Even if someone misspells my name, I want them to find my work.  Isn't that your goal?  Think about how people regularly misspell your name and use it in your tags.

Time for visibility.  I know that labeling is a bit tedious, especially if you are uploading multiple images.  One time-saver is to compose much of the information in a Word document and then "copy" and "paste" to alleviate some repetition. I use my image descriptions document for just this purpose and a special Word document of "tags" to speed up the process.

Keep in mind that search engines can't "see" an image and can only search on the words that you type in to these tags and boxes.  The payoff, thereafter, is that the labels will be working for you tirelessly across the Internet for a very long time.     

Harriete Estel Berman
www.harriete-estel-berman.info

 
P.S.   All of these recommendations depend on having great photographic images and understanding digital images. The Professional Guidelines has a new document titled Working with Digital Images Effectively. Use this document as a checklist or guide. If you don't know how to work with digital images, take a class at your local high school or college offering adult education classes. Also Lynda.com  offers a really amazing web site with tutorials as either a yearly subscription or purchasing a CD. Knowing how to work with digital images effectively is a skill that every artist and crafts person needs to learn and master. It is as important a tool as your paint brush, potter's wheel, glaze or drill press.

Use social networking sites for visibiliy

I enjoy surfing around the Internet looking at work by other artists and craftspeople.  However, sometimes when I discover an attractive image or piece of work, if there is no supporting information, I am left disappointed.  It is like the artist didn't care to put any effort in explaining the work.  Lacking some kind of description, or at least a list of materials, forces me to guess or speculate or make up my own assumptions.

Online viewing is different than viewing work in a museum, gallery or craft show. When online, I do not have the option of looking at the real work, walking all the way around, standing far away and then looking close.  An online image is limited by the size and quality of my computer monitor (the 72 dpi of all Internet images) and by the quality of the photographic image posted by the individual artist.  People may even be looking at your work on their mobile phones or PDA's (Personal Digital Assistant). A description included with the work will help them decipher this postage stamp size image. 

Measuring Compliance
Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

Detailed information will help the viewer to interpret your images. The title, media, and materials give the viewer a better insight about the work. The dimensions give the viewer a clear idea about the size of the work. Some work looks smaller or larger, than in reality. For example, in this sculpture titled Measuring Compliance (left) people often assume it is a "miniature."  In fact it is a life size 3rd grade desk and 3rd grade chair. Without the dimensions, would you assume it's height is 7 inches - or 7 feet?.   Big difference!

It is also a good idea to group your work on these sites by categories that are appropriate to your work. Most sites offer some method to organize your photos. Take time to make these categories interesting.  This way if a person is looking at your albums or sets, you are offering a rich resource of information.

The Internet is your marketing and sales department.  What do people see in your work?  What do you want people to know about your work?  The Internet will speak for you if you simply provide the information along with your images.  Compose at least a brief description and statement.  You can always edit it later.     

Harriete Estel Berman
www.harriete-estel-berman.info

 

P.S.  In an earlier post, the following was itemized for your artwork descriptions:

Basic Label Information. 

• Artist's name
• Title of the work
• Copyright symbol
• Date of work
• Media or materials
• Dimensions (height, width, depth)
• Helpful other tags (if possible)

Stay tuned for information about using SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for maximum visibility.

Superhero images - now animated

Great pun  but this is no cartoon movie.  On the Web an animated image is actually one image file that has two or more rotating images.  It can all be incorporated into one image file with a .gif  ending.  

Boston Chinese Tea
Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

To the right is an example. This digital image file is titled   CaD-a.gif on my computer. The small "-a"  is my way to remember it as an animated image file. 

GIF files are the only file extension (.gif) that supports an animated image. The downside is that the images are limited to 256 colors.  But for smaller images, I rarely feel that this compromises the impact more than the benefit of eye-catching animation.  

I love animated images, it's a great way to show multiple views of one object, painting, sculpture, etc. You can actually adjust the timing on the rotating image rather easily. The rotating images can even be set to turn off after a few cycles and show only one image thereafter.

If you own PhotoShop most likely you own ImageReady (the software that creates animated images).  All you need are two or more images that are all the same size to combine together into one file. I learned how to do this in about an hour.

Multiple close-ups plus the full view of the same artwork are an ideal application for animation.  This is one of those special features you can easily add to your web site with fantastic impact. However, don't put more than one animated image on the same page of your web site. It looks very confusing when several animated images are moving at the same time.

WARNING!  Do not send animated images in a portfolio of your work or in emails. These animated .gifs are compressed files. Because the image keeps moving it is not suitable for close inspection. The limited color selection and compression means that these images are not suitable for print. GIFs are a fantastic option for an animated image on your web site, just keep in mind the limitations.

Frankly, I am not sure if Web 2.0 social networking sites will support animated images. The sites often say that they will accept GIF images files, but when I tried to upload an animated GIF, the animation did not work.  I have a feeling that animated images are best on your own web site. CLICK HERE to see how I used this animated image on my web site as an example. 

One more issue related to animated images is that they do accept ALT=tags in the HTML code for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) on your web site. This is an excellent option because FLASH (a type of web site software) is not as SEO friendly.

Harriete
www.harriete-estel-berman.info

Create an "image description" for every artwork.

When you have selected which images will represent your work, you need to immediately compose an "image description."  The image description is a permanent supplement to your photographic image. Once created your image description can be used over and over in a wide spectrum of opportunities. Copy and paste the description into jury applications and exhibition opportunities and when posting your images on line with Web 2.0 social networking like Facebook, Crafthaus and more! In addition, include it in your own  Inventory Record, Artist Statement, press releases and art/craft newsletters.

Reality Studded with Thorns...
Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

Your image description should include the following.

• Artist's name
• Title of the work
• Copyright symbol
• Date of work
• Media or materials
• Dimensions (height, width, depth)

Here is what my image description looks like if it were printed on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper. CLICK ON THE BOX below to see this example clearly.


Sometimes I will include a very brief description of a unique aspect of a particular piece such as opening,closing or functional aspect not apparent in the photo. CLICK ON THE BOX below to see this nice a clear.

 

Your image descriptions become part of your "Recipe for Success" for developing  professional opportunities. Give your superhero images the captions that they need.  Use every opportunity no matter how small or large to give the viewer the information they need to understand and interpret the photos of your work.  

 

Jurors, editors, and curators  always want to select the best  work, but in reality all work submitted is evaluated on the quality and interpretation of the photographic images.  Give the jurors as much insight as you can with an appropriate image description.  

For more information, use the two new documents in the Professional Guidelines to help evaluate your photos. The Guide to Professional Quality Images offers concrete issues to consider in your photos.  Working with Digital Images Effectively will assist you in practical aspects of digital images.

How to "name" your digital image files for distribution.

Ruffle Bracelet
Collection Museum of Art and Design

Every time you send your digital images to a fellow artist, writer, editor, customer, store, gallery, or museum, the "name" of your digital image files can help the recipient organize your images for easy use and more likely exposure for you.

Effectively "named" digital images will assure that your files stay together on someone else's computer and not get lost or mixed up with another artist's images.

A new document in the Professional Guidelines titled Working with Digital Images Effectively offers solid information for the arts community. I suggest that you take time to review this document for more comprehensive information about digital images.

Names for digital image files should include (in this order):

• your last name 
• abbreviated title (of object, artwork, etc.)
• image suffix such as .jpg or .tif (Read the previous blog for information about types of digital file extensions.)

Obverse Obsession
Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

If your last name is long, use the first three or four letters, or just your initials.   Decide carefully how you will write your name at the beginning of your image file names and adopt this as a consistent method when you send your images.

Here is an example for my images.  I added my first initial because my last name is common.

• bermanhaolearring.tif  (all lowercase example)
• BermanHidentitychair.tif.  (lower and uppercase)

Sometimes it is easier to read with extra periods like this:

• bermanh.aol.earring.tif 
• BermanH.identity.chair.tif.

If you are sending a large group of images that you want to stay in a particular order (not alphabetical), add a number immediately after your name.

• bermanh1badearring.jpg
• bermanh2PenquinDrop72.jpg
• bermanh3aolearring.jpg
• bermanh4candyearring.jpg

 Do not add spaces or characters other than a period (.) or an underscore (_) in the file name.

• bermanh_greenbr.doc

Try to make sure that your image names actually identify the photo and relate to your image description.  Generic names like "Earring1"  or "earring2" make it difficult to remember which item is in each file.  Instead use a descriptive name such as:

• bermanh.blueearring.jpg
• bermanh.heartsearring.jpg
• bermanh.EyeEarring.jpg

I am sure you noticed that sometimes capital letters can make the name easier to read.  However, capital letters are discouraged in web images.  If your images are for a web site, use lower case letters only. 

My web images are saved at 72dpi.  So I add "72" to the image file name to easily distinguish which are my web images.

• bermanh.convheart72.jpg

This post is part of a series on improving your digital images and photography. Stay tuned for more practical and proactive tips for professional success in the coming weeks. 

Harriete Estel Berman

Know your digital image file extensions and how to use them?

Understanding the file extensions on digital images is a fundamental skill for managing your digital images. The most commonly used digital image file extensions are:

•   .jpg
•   .tif
•   .gif
•   .raw
•   .psd

Immediately below are definitions for these terms borrowed from the Professional Guidelines document, Working With Digital Images Effectively.

JPEG is usually shown as  .jpg and .jpeg on your digital image file names.
JPEG is a file extension used specifically for images.
JPEGs are compressed images and consequently smaller files.
JPEGs can contain millions of colors.
RECOMMENDED APPLICATION: JPGs are good for emailing images because they are smaller files.  JPG is also ideal to upload to social networking sites such as Facebook or Crafthaus.  The compressed image files are ideal for these applications because they use less file storage space.
CONCERNS: Do not send JPG images for print media such as books or magazines. The compression of the images compromises the quality of the print image.

TIFF is shown as .tif and .tiff on your digital image file names.
TIFF is a file extension used specifically for images.
TIFFs are uncompressed image files and thus are larger.
TIFFs can contain millions of colors.
RECOMMENDED APPLICATION: TIFF is an excellent format for print-quality 300 dpi images. The large file size is usually too large for email.  Instead, burn your TIFFs on a disc and mail them (the old fashioned snail mail way) or use a file uploading service such as YouSendIt.com

California Dream Teapot
Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

GIF is shown as .gif at the end of your digital image names.
GIF is a file extension used specifically for images.
GIFs are compressed image files.
GIFs contain only 256 colors.
RECOMMENDED APPLICATION: GIFs are the only extension that supports animated images which may include multiple or automated imagery. What is an animated image? It is just like the image to the right. If you want to see more animated image examples go to my web site and CLICK ON ALMOST ANY IMAGE.  Most of my website images are animated images.

PSD is shown as .psd at the end of your digital image names.
PSD is a file extension for images used only in Photoshop.
PSDs are uncompressed image files.
PSDs can contain multiple layers and millions of colors.
RECOMMENDED APPLICATION: PSD is a file extension for images that can save all your graphic design work and layers for future editing.
CONCERNS: The problem with sending PSD images to other people is that the images are usually too large to email and the recipient can only open a PSD file if they have Photoshop or a compatible photo editing software on their computer.  Not everyone owns PhotoShop or photo editing software, so check in advance before sending a PSD to anyone (including magazine and book editors).

RAW is shown as .raw at the end of your digital image names.
RAW image files contain the actual data captured by the camera sensor without any in-camera processing; these are the only files containing “pure” data. Working with camera RAW files gives you maximum control; you can set the white balance, tonal range, contrast, color saturation, and sharpening. Think of camera RAW files as your photo negative or original slide. You can reprocess the file at any time in Photoshop or image editing software to achieve the results you want. To create RAW files, you need to set your camera to save files in its own RAW file format.  RAW creates the largest possible image file in your camera.

RECOMMENDED APPLICATION: Book publishers often ask for RAW files to avoid amateur (poor quality) Photoshop modifications.
CONCERNS: The problem with sending RAW images to other people is that the images are usually too large to email and the recipient can only open a RAW file if they have Photoshop or a compatible photo editing software on their computer.  The professional photographer that I use to photograph my work will not send RAW images, but he will send TIFFs.

Hope this information helps you understand digital images better. It takes a little practice to understand digital images but this is the future, so don't resist learning the digital technologies. If I can learn this, anyone can.

Harriete
www.harriete-estel-berman.info

Images, Marketing, and Superheroes

The photographic images of your work can be like superheroes at promoting your work.  They can zoom across the Internet at the speed of light, shrink to the size of a first class postal envelope, expand to super viewing size, keep working 24 hours a day, and show up in galleries, shows, homes, and offices around the world. 

This is a really important concept for artists and craftspeople to embrace.  All of us hope that many people will see our work in person, however, it is a near certainty that many more people can or will see the photographs of your work in print or on the Internet.

Your images can be in every library and every home in books, magazines, or the web constantly introducing your work to new audiences.

Champagne Bracelet
Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

The photographic images of your work are the most powerful networking tool that you have in your possession. Yet all too often artists and craftspeople are not properly using or adequately developing this "super ability" available to everyone.

It is a false economy to think that you are saving money by taking your own photos with modest consumer level cameras lacking professional quality backgrounds, lighting, and other advanced equipment.  Is there any wonder that such pedestrian images are not performing as well as hoped for?  Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to promote your work.

It is time to create your own personal superheroes!
Take a look at your images with a critical eye. This is not in the negative sense, but with the perspective of careful comparison to truly high quality images. Are the photographic images of your work achieving the high standard and visibility that you aspire for your work?

Use the two new documents in the Professional Guidelines to guide you in this evaluation.

The Guide to Professional Quality Images offers concrete issues to evaluate your images. Here are a few highlights covered in this document in more detail.

Start with the focus, exposure and composition of the images. Every single element needs to be exactly 100% correct and interesting. Avoid over exposure, under exposure and harsh highlights.  Don't settle for "good enough."  Just like your work, everything should be perfect.

Your photographic background should be white, grey or graduated light to dark.  Avoid distracting backgrounds such as leaves, branches, logs , stones,  or grass (as in this photo).

Colored, wrinkly and textured fabric or paper (as in the next photo) are not a good choice either.  These so called "artsy" attempts fail almost every time because they detract from the primary purpose of the image: to have the viewer focus on your work.

Fill the entire photographic image with your work. A common problem that I see is that the object or artwork is too small within the picture plane (as in this image) or shot at an odd angle. Be bold and confident; fill the picture frame with your work.

Photo Credit: Philip Cohen

The close-up image should be memorable also.  The close-up image needs to convey a ton of detail information about materials, texture, and techniques within your work.  It should be like an intimate revelation of key elements that make your work special. 

Take time to evaluate your photos objectively and constructively.  Get in-depth, analytical opinions from friends, colleagues or your Critique Group.  Don't let them give you a polite passing comment.  Really dig deep and evaluate the elements of the image.  Use the criteria established in the Professional Guidelines Guide to Quality Photographic Images as a foundation or checklist. 

Stay tuned for our next episode on "superhero images."    The next several posts will be about making your photographic images work for you more effectively.  Check them out over the coming weeks!

If you have examples of good and bad photo comparisons that you are willing to share, please send them to me for a new Professional Guidelines document with photographic examples.

Harriete 
www.harriete-estel-berman.info 

Do not add text to your photos!

Your photos are your best marketing tool.  Unfortunately some artists have stepped over the line and added their name or their business name into the photo. This distracts from the primary purpose of your photo which is to show your art work or craft at its best.  Anything else is a distraction and lends a commercial appearance that is inappropriate for fine art or fine craft.  All other information can be added elsewhere, just not in the photo. (Information for your photos will be covered in the next post.)

Do not add data to your photos.  Do not add your signature, date, object's title, artist's name, company name, business name, watermark or Etsy shop name to your photos.  Keep your photos absolutely clean so that they can be submitted for all sorts of opportunities like books, magazines, local newspapers, gallery promotions, juried shows, exhibitions and on line social networking sites.

When you take photos of your work, create a set of photos that will be suitable for as many opportunities and applications as possible.  And make your work so memorable and unique that everyone recognizes your work even without looking for the artists name. This is your signature!

Stay tuned for additional posts on photographic images and refer to the Professional Guidelines documents:

GUIDE TO PROFESSIONAL QUALITY IMAGES

And

WORKING WITH DIGITAL IMAGES EFFECTIVELY 

Harriete
www.harriete-estel-berman.info

Your photos are your best marketing tool.

Artists often wonder how they can promote their work more effectively. There are many paths but they all start with having fabulous photographs as your number one marketing tool.  The Professional Guidelines now has two new topics to help you evaluate your photographs and advance your professional development.

The two new Professional Guidelines documents are:

Guide to Professional Quality Images

and

Working with Digital Images Effectively

Use these two documents to evaluate your photos. Over the next few weeks this blog will offer a series of helpful hints for promoting your work with your photographic images.

Harriete
www.harriete-estel-berman.info