Working with Digital Images Effectively
Working with Digital Images Effectively highlights key issues regarding digital image submissions to books, magazines, galleries, and any exhibition opportunity. Learn the difference between JPG, GIF, TIFF and RAW images. Get the basics for digital image formats and which file would be most appropriate for different situations.
Use this Professional Guidelines document as a checklist or guide to review and critically evaluate the digital photography of your art or craft. For in depth instruction, there are many fine books, classes, and online tutorials where you can learn more comprehensive information that can assist you in getting amazing quality images.
See the Resources for Legal and Professional Advice for some suggestions.
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Working with Digital Formats Effectively What is a JPEG?
JPEG is a file extension used specifically for images.
JPEG's are compressed images and subsequently (smaller) files.
JPEG's can contain millions of colors.
What is a TIFF?
TIFF will be used to denote .tif and .tiff.
TIFF is a file extension used specifically for images.
TIFFs are uncompressed image files.
TIFFs can contain millions of colors.
What is a GIF?
GIF will be used to denote .gif.
GIF is a file extension used specifically for images.
GIF's are compressed image files.
GIFs contain only 256 colors.
GIFS are the only extension that support animated images which may include multiple
or automated imagery.
What is a PSD?
PSD will be used to denote .psd.
PSD is a file extension for images used only in Photoshop.
PSD's are uncompressed image files.
PSDs can contain multiple layers and millions of colors.
RAW will be used to denote .raw
Camera RAW image files contain the actual data captured by the 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 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 in your camera. Book publishers often ask for RAW files to avoid amateur quality Photoshop modifications.
RGB vs. CMYK define the specific color space of a document. By assigning, or tagging, a document with a profile, the application provides a definition of actual color appearances in the document.
RGB is for web/screen viewing and the camera’s original format. RGB stands for the colors of light: red, green and blue.
CMYK is for print. CMYK stands for the ink colors cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black)
I Some Digital Image Fundamentals
II Digital images (like film) are best when shot professionally
III Owning a digital camera does not make you a photographer
IV Shooting digital images
V Using your scanner to create a “quick” digital image
VI Digital Images Intended for Publication in Print Media
VII Distributing Digital Images for Other Purposes
VIII Submit Digital Images with a CONTACT SHEET
IX Submitting Digital Images for Jury Submission
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Working with Digital Formats Effectively