Reducing file size for faster upload...but...

ElizaJane

when my client wants to order an 8x10 or larger, they can't! There's a warning saying the file is too small. Which probably makes me look bad in the eyes of the client.

So my question is, do most pros upload the full file and just put up with the lengthy uploading? Or, perhaps I'm reducing the size too much - what would be a good "reduced" size to upload, that still allows my clients a choice to order larger prints. Obviously, I'd replace ordered prints with the original file, but if they can't order in the first place....

rsquared

http://www.smugmug.com/help/print-quality

For an 8x10, you need a minimum of 750x935 pixels, which is still under 1 Megapixel, and shouldn't be much more than a couple hundred KB, depending on compression levels.

Art Scott

I upload full sized files...might as well use SM as one of your back up options for all finished jpegs.............then liimit view size from the gallery.

Andy

Some suggestions: http://wiki.smugmug.net/display/SmugMug/File+Preparation

mercphoto

ElizaJane wrote: »

So my question is, do most pros upload the full file and just put up with the lengthy uploading?

Yes. Your other option is to have a proof delay on your gallery, which gives you time to upload the hi-res images of only those shots that are actually ordered.

jfriend

mercphoto wrote: »

Yes. Your other option is to have a proof delay on your gallery, which gives you time to upload the hi-res images of only those shots that are actually ordered.

You missed the point of the first post in this thread. He was uploading low res photos, but then Smugmug wasn't offering the larger print sizes. So, you can upload lower quality photos (if you so choose), but you have to upload a high enough resolution that Smugmug will still offer for sale the print sizes you want to sell, even if you are using proof delay.

mercphoto

jfriend wrote: »

You missed the point of the first post in this thread. He was uploading low res photos, but then Smugmug wasn't offering the larger print sizes. So, you can upload lower quality photos (if you so choose), but you have to upload a high enough resolution that Smugmug will still offer for sale the print sizes you want to sell, even if you are using proof delay.

Really??? I didn't realize how that proof delay worked at Smugmug. Hmm... me thinks not good.

jfriend

mercphoto wrote: »

Really??? I didn't realize how that proof delay worked at Smugmug. Hmm... me thinks not good.

The issue is that Smugmug doesn't want to offer for sale a print size that won't look good. And, they have no way of knowing what resolution of the photo you actually have that could be replaced with proof delay or if you will actually even do that when an enlargement is ordered. So, they only offer for sale prints that could be made from what you uploaded. Using proof delay, you can upload a better original from which the print will be made, but if you don't originally upload something big enough to make an 11x14 from, Smugmug won't allow it be offered for sale until you do. Yes, perhaps not ideal for the conscientious pro who looks after every single order. But, when you offer a 100% guarantee on print quality (like Smugmug does), it's a good idea for those who do not.

Regardless, it's usually not a big deal as you can just get in the habit of uploading something a little larger (just let large uploads run overnight like I do) and it all works out fine.

Diane S

I upload 3000px on the long side, so it will show all the larger print sizes in the buy section... so I just start my upload before I go to bed, and then it is usually finished by the next morning.. unless I'm doing a huge wedding upload.

lizziejane

Thanks for the replies guys. I was just trying to figure out what the magic number was that allows you to go smaller for fast uploads, but still allow a print of, say, 16x20.

cabbey

Diane S wrote: »

I upload 3000px on the long side, so it will show all the larger print sizes in the buy section... so I just start my upload before I go to bed, and then it is usually finished by the next morning.. unless I'm doing a huge wedding upload.

Depending on the aspect ratio of your image, and of the print, that may not be big enough. 2200 on the *short side* will allow everything. I just ran afoul of this last night, by picking the long side my image wasn't big enough for any of the 30+" prints, switch that to short side and everything was available.

And don't for get to smash the proof previews if you're dealing with long uploads: http://wiki.smugmug.net/display/SmugMug/Proof+Delay (be sure to go look at the examples: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/1972139#101125951_7yiAb to really see how little it matters for display copies.)