Seeking image posting help

[HappyCynic]

I haven't posted any pictures before so I thought I'd ask you all for some help.
I've already created a photobucket account to host the images. The DU help shows the very basics of posting/linking to an image, which should be easy enough. So, theoretically, I should be good to go.
What I'd like to know is the following:
- Is it better to post the image or link to an image?
- What's the preferred size to post?
- When I check the properties for images, I've noticed most show them to be appx. 100kb. Is that number correct? If so, what jpg image quality setting is used to achieve this?
- I occasionally see some images that are really small but were supposed to be larger (like Dyedinthewoolliberal's entry to this month's contest). What causes this and how can I avoid it?
- Is there anything else useful to know?

Thanks in advance.

[Tindalos]

1. Here's what little help I can offer:

1. You can post a link to another site if you want, but you can just post a direct link and the picture will show up on your post. DU won't let you cut and past images into a post afaik. If you hold the cursor over your photo in PB, it will come up with a bunch of link options. You want the direct link, so copy and paste that into your post (I think you can just click on it in PB and it will automatically copy).

2. Size is up to you. If someone doesn't like it, they will snark at you until you change it. Kidding! The size for the photo contests seems to work well for most (800px on the longest size). I resize my photos before uploading to PB, but not everyone does. PB lets you select the screen size optimization when you upload. 15" seems to be the default and seems to work well.

3. File sizes are generally kept lower out of respect for people with slower connections. I try to keep pictures under 1MB. Saving to jpg automatically compresses the picture and I don't usually worry about adjusting resolution unless it has to be under 200k (s.a. for contests). Otherwise, it's polite to put "dial-up warning" in your post title.

4. I have no idea what caused the sizing problems. These things happen occasionally and should you encounter a problem, just post a thread like this one and someone will probably be able to help you.

5. Just ask if you need more help. Not everyone posts pictures the way I do, and my way might not be the easiest.

Looking forward to see your pictures.

[ConsAreLiars]

2. A few helps.

Any link that is directly to an image file will automatically appear as an image on DU. Whether this happens on another board or if it appears only as a link or limits the sizes so only smaller ones appear directly is up to those who control the board.

In this Forum we require contest entries to be under 200KB and 800 pixels or less on their longest side. In general there is no absolute limit. A 24MB file was posted to the Computer Help Forum earlier today (with good reason), but even in this forum there are some with slow connections, so for them smaller is better, and in other forums the proportion of dial-up users is probably much higher, and you may want to consider this.

Some hosting sites take large files and resize them down to small and medium versions as a "service," and it its easy to mistakenly link to the wrong one.

Irfanview, a really excellent and versatile and FREE image (plus more) viewer has a resize function that lets you set dimensions and then adjust JPEG compression/quality until you end up where you want. Use that, or something else to get the image and file sizes where you want, post the saved image from your machine to the hosting site, post the link on DU, and your image will appear with nothing changed.

One further bit of information, JPEG compression was designed to take advantage of the fact that photos, unlike text or architectural plans, often have a lot of regions in which changes in color occur very gradually. The consequence is that some images with lot of soft changes can be saved at 100% quality and meet contest requirements and others with lots of hard edges and sudden shifts in color might deteriorate badly before reaching the file limitations, so reducing pixel dimension may be the best option. So there is no "best" quality setting.

One other factor that adds to file size is the EXIF data normally included with photos taken with digital cameras. Removing that will also reduce the file size. You also may want review that data to see if you have included any personal details you may not want made available.

[Celebration]

3. Use the "preview" option to the post

When you think you have it down, punch the "preview" button below the post, to see if you have it right. You'll be able to tell what the post will look like. You can choose not to post it, and figure out what you did wrong. However, we don't mind some screwed up posts. It's just easier if it is not in a contest (for the organizer, that is).

[HappyCynic]

4. Thanks

Thanks to all for the advice. I should have some pics up soon.