Digital Photo Tips by Duane Brovan

 

View/Browse your photos

This is a more in-depth look at the View/Browser feature that comes with most Digital Photo Editing Software. You use this feature to view/browse your digital photos after you have downloaded them onto your computer or are reading from a CD. Most digital cameras come with their own software program that will read their cameras’ photo file format and Jpeg files. Jpeg (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a universal format created by photographers so they could open other photographer’s photos. Jpeg is a good format to send your photos to others for viewing, but it is not good to use if you plan on readjusting a photo. Jpeg is called a “Loss” format because every time you save in Jpeg format some of your photo information is lost. A better way to save your photos is in a “Loss-less” format such as Tiff, PSD (Photoshop), or EPS. Some “Loss-less” formats allow you to compress your files (reduce its saved file size) without any information loss (i.e. 8 meg file could compressed to 2.5 megs). When just viewing Jpeg photo files no loss occurs, as long as, no adjustments or changes are made to the photo file.

A person might also notice that the file size listed in your directory might be much smaller then the actual photo file (my 10D produces a 18 meg photo file, but the directory shows its size to be 8 megs.). To know the true file size the file must be opened in a browser.

Your photos might display differently when viewed through different browser programs and/or different monitors. What you see on a monitor might not be the same as what you print out. It is best to use the same monitor, software program, printer, ink and paper each time you print a photo, that way you know what to expect. If unsure how the monitor and prints will compare perform test prints on small pieces of paper. This will save you time and money!

Browser programs also allow you to create file folders and change file names. It is useful to name your file folders in such a way that you can easily find your photos at a later date. An example for a file name might be Lassen Park 1-24-2005 you would know the photos you took of Lassen Park on 1-24-05 are in that folder. When naming photo files I usually leave the camera generated file number on the end of the file (i.e. LassenPeak1010.Tif) that prevents you from coping a prior Lassen Peak photo. Most cameras can be set to create continuous file numbers, check your owner’s manual to see how to set your camera.

Remember to always write a CD of your recent downloaded photos prior to any viewing and/or adjustments to these photos. That way if you forget to save an adjusted file in “Loss-less” format and wish to readjust it, you can get the original from your CD and start your adjustments again, remembering to save in a “Loss-less” format (i.e. Tiff, PSD, PNG, etc.).

One of the great things about digital photos is that you can view the photos almost right away, or at least within a short amount of time. Be careful eliminating your photos in the field. It is easy to erase the wrong photo or even accidentally erase all the photos you just took. It also might be difficult to tell the good photos from the bad photos in the field, best to make that decision when you can see the photos on a large monitor. Then you can create a new file folder that includes all of your “good” photos and leaves out the ones you don’t like.

For more information on the digital photo process go to web link: www.duanebrovan.com/digitaltips or go to www.GoShingletown.com and click on the Free Digital Tips Icon. Duane Brovan is available for digital photo consultations and tutoring: