PREPARING PHOTOGRAPHS FOR DISPLAY ON THE WEB
In order to ensure that photographic images used on a typical Website fit within the parameters of physical and file size, please refer to the following specifications. Also, below are a few tips to help you get the most from your online images.

Image Size: To fit the format of most websites and ensure fast site loading, you should keep images around 200 to 250 pixels wide at the most and only in exceptional cases should they exceed 300 pixels (200 pixels for vertical format images). If your image looks good using smaller dimensions, then by all means reduce the size from the above recommendations whenever possible. Your image resolution should be set no greater than 96 dpi (PCs resolve at 96dpi, Macs at 72dpi).

For an un-cropped 35MM slide or negative this would mean the following image settings:

Pixel Dimensions (Horizontal Format)

•  Width: 250 pixels maximum
  Length: 175 pixels (approximately)

Pixel Dimensions (Vertical Format)

•  Width: 200 pixels maximum
  Length: 300 pixels (approximately)

• Print Size

  • Resolution 96 (or 72) dpi

In PhotoShop, these settings are available under the Image / Image Size menu option. Ensure that Constrain Proportions is checked and then enter the width in pixels as discussed above along with the resolution.

File Type: Save your images as JPG (jpeg) files. Use the highest compression possible to minimize file size. PhotoShop users should use the File / Save for Web option, then select jpeg as the file type and low compression (quality setting - 10) or if needed medium compression (quality setting - 30). Remember smaller files load faster, are not useful to someone wanting to illegally print your image and take up less room on the Web Server.

Tips for making your online images look their best:
After scanning your slide / print or capturing a digital image from your camera, the following steps should be followed in the order shown for best results. The steps indicated are available using PhotoShop and most other image editing software programs.

1. Crop your image if desired using the cropping tool from the Tool Box. This is a "printing" process after all and you can use cropping to your advantage. 

2. Use the Image/Adjust/Auto Levels (or Auto Contrast if you encounter unwanted color shift) feature in PhotoShop to ensure the best dynamic range and contrast available.

3. Size your image; Image/Image Size for inclusion on the website - keep in mind that 200 - 250 dpi for horizontal and 200 dpi for vertical images (based on 72 or 96 dpi resolution) are maximum dimensions. If you can possibly make your image smaller without compromising legibility or artistic intent then please do so, especially if you plan to add a drop shadow (see below).

4. When you are satisfied with your finished image's size then use the Filters/Sharpen feature to restore the tack sharp image you had prior to the scanning and editing process.

5. To really set off your image before saving, as an option you might want to add a drop shadow. To do this you will first need to create a new empty image that is slightly larger than your photo (keep this under the maximum dimensions) using File/New and then paste your photo into this new image as a new layer. Move your photo to the top left corner of the new image leaving white space along the bottom and right side of your photo and then using the Layers/Effects/Drop Shadow feature of PhotoShop add a drop shadow as desired.

6. Save the completed image using the File/Save for Web option. Select jpeg as the file type and set the compression value (quality) between low (10) and medium (30) as needed.