file size

[PegPowell]

Can you tell me a step by step process? My original picture is 3.21MB, 3264x2448 dpi. I need to end up with a file size of 1MB and resolution of 300ppi.

[dj_paige]

Your original picture is 3264x2448 pixels.

There's no way really to make it exactly 1MB. You can try saving it at different JPG quality levels and see which ones come closest to 1MB. As far as getting it to be 300 ppi you would probably go to Image->Image Size and change the setting for dpi.

Which brings up a question ... why do you need a file that is 1MB at 300 ppi? I can't really think of a reason.

[PegPowell]

That is the requirement for the contest for our local photography club.

[Juergen D]

That is the requirement for the contest for our local photography club.
That is not quite clear. Are you supposed to submit a printed picture, at what size? Or a file at what pixel dimensions? If it is a file at specific dimensions the PPI would be irrelevant.

Juergen

[dj_paige]

Could you type in (or provide a link to) the contest's actual rules?

[PegPowell]

I have heard from one other person that the requirement is not correctly given, but this is what I have to go on.

All photos must be submitted in digital form on a cd. Images may be either in color or black
& white, except for category 25 – Color Image of B&W Subject. All elements must be in the
original scene. Post production manipulation of images is limited to cropping, exposure, and
minor clean up. If available, additional technical information (i.e., camera, lens, shutter speed,
aperture) will be provided on request.
o All images must be in JPG format (not RAW, TIFF, or PSD).
o Size should not to exceed 1MB with a resolution of 300ppi.
o Each image must be named with “Category Number” and Photographer’s Last
Name. For example, an image of Coit Tower submitted by Sam Smith would be
named “3-smith.” Any images not named correctly will be rejected.

[Juergen D]

Peg,
Since no pixel dimensions or physical sizes are given, I would go with the numbers for a picture as if it were to be printed.

Let's assume a 5 x 7 at 300PPI. That would come to 1500 x 2100 pixels. First crop your photo to a 5:7 aspect ratio, set the PPI to 300 and see what pixel dimensions you have. Probably less than in the original and more than the target size. Turn resampling on and change one of the dimensions to the target size, the other one will default to the correct number. Then try saving at the highest JPEG quality. If the file size it too large try the next lower setting, etc., until you are at or just under the 1MB mark.

Juergen

[dj_paige]

The contest requirements still make no sense.

By insisting photos have 300 ppi, that implies that the contest will be printing the photos. If you are going to print photos, there seems to be no reason to limit file size to 1MB, because this could lower the print quality (or force the print size smaller).

Good luck, Peg.