Photos too large

[markjohnson]

Hi, I have just joined this site and tried to post some photos of a fungus but got a message to say they wouldn't upload as they were too big a file size. I'm a complete ignoramus when it comes to anything technical like this, but can anyone tell me if I can now reduce the file size so I can upload them. They were taken on a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 at about 8 megapixels, Thanks in anticipation, Mark

[htcdude]

Hi Mark, welcome to the forum

You can download a program called IrfanView and resize your photos using that. If you use the program and resize each photo to 800 x 600 pixels you should be OK.

IrfanView can be downloaded from here:

Download IrfanView

Nige

[markjohnson]

Hi Nige , thanks for the very quick reply. As I said not very techie, is the program easy to use and does it come with instructions as to how to proceed? Thanks, Mark

[Geoff F]

What do you currently have in the way of editing software, Mark?

In most cases it is simply a case of entering new dimensions into an Image Resize menu. Working in pixels ensures that you have a suitably sized image, but isn't essential.

Substantial downsizing can sometimes cause a little softness but this can be corrected by adding a little extra sharpening.

[Jersali]

Hello Mark,
I am a bit of a technophobe and read a recommendation on another thread for Photoscape (see Kayleigh's thread, "a shot in the dark") - so I downloaded it free.
It's easy to use and does far more than my on-board software ever did, saves all the originals into a designated file too as soon as you start changing things.
Good luck
Al

[Lancashire Lad]

Hi Mark,

As Geoff said, if you currently use any image editing programme, and let us know which one, it's odds on that someone on here will be able to talk you through resizing.

Whichever resizing software you eventually use, you will need to make sure that your images fall within WAB's upload parameters.

If your photos are for identification, or general forum use, then you will need to upload them to the Image Library. (Few restrictions and uploaded shots are available to view straight away).
If you have some good quality reference shots etc. then they might be uploaded to the Gallery. (Very specific conditions of upload, and images are subject to administrative approval).

If you carefully read this (rather lengthy post), you will have all the information you need to make sure that your images don't fall foul of WAB's requirements. - It looks a bit daunting at first, but if you take things step by step, it is simple enough.
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...tml#post657362

Once you have uploaded your shots, you might need to copy them into your forum posts (eg. for identification/discussion etc.).
This post runs through how that's done step by step:-
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...tml#post804316

I know that you say you not very techie, but resizing is a reasonably easy process.
Have a quick look at this which I did for someone who uses Paintshop Pro, and you will see the general sort of method. - Your chosen software might have slightly different terminology, but the process should be much the same.
http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...tml#post534560

Best of luck.

Regards,
Mike.

EDIT - Doh! I've just looked in to the fungi forum and have discovered that you've sorted out your uploading as you've already got some shots in the forum.
If only I'd gone to the fungi forum first, as I usually do.....