Finalizing and Sharing Your Photos
Understand the export process, including file types and settings for different uses.
Once you've edited your images to perfection, the final step in your workflow is exporting them for your intended use. The export process is crucial because different platforms and purposes require specific settings to ensure that your images retain their quality and look their best. Let’s break down the key elements of exporting, including file types, dimensions, and settings for various use cases.
Understanding Export Settings
Export settings determine how your image will be saved and shared. Choosing the right export settings is essential for ensuring your photos are displayed in the best quality for their purpose, whether it's for online viewing or professional printing.
Here are the key things to consider:
1. File Types
The file type you choose when exporting plays a significant role in how your image will be used and viewed. The most common file types include:
- JPEG: Ideal for social media, websites, and general sharing. JPEG files compress images, which reduces file size but maintains quality for online use.
- TIFF: Best for print and archiving. TIFF files are uncompressed, preserving every detail of your image.
- PNG: Often used for web graphics or images requiring transparency. PNG files are larger but retain high-quality details.
2. Export Settings for Social Media
When exporting for social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook, size and file quality are critical. Social platforms often compress large images, leading to a loss in quality. To prevent this:
- Image Size: Export images with a resolution around 1080px on the long edge for most social media platforms.
- Resolution: Use 72 pixels per inch (PPI), which is standard for web viewing.
- File Type: JPEG is typically the best option for social media.
Keeping your file size manageable ensures that platforms won't excessively compress your image, helping it maintain sharpness and detail.
3. Export Settings for Client Delivery
For client deliveries, quality is everything. You’ll want to provide your clients with the highest resolution images for flexibility, whether they’re sharing online or printing their photos.
- Image Size: Export at original dimensions to give clients the highest possible quality.
- Resolution: Use 300 PPI for print, which ensures fine details and crisp prints.
- File Type: JPEG is usually sufficient for online use, but offering TIFFs as well can be a nice bonus for clients who want the highest quality print files.
DPI and PPI: What Do They Mean?
Pixels per inch (PPI) refers to the number of pixels in each inch of the image file, while dots per inch (DPI) is a print setting that determines how many dots a printer will use to print each inch of an image. When exporting for web use, 72 PPI is the standard resolution because it optimizes file size for quick loading. For print, however, 300 PPI is the industry standard to ensure that every detail looks sharp.
Adobe Lightroom’s New Export Features
One of the most exciting recent updates in Adobe Lightroom is the ability to link your cloud metadata, including social media links, in the export process. This feature allows you to seamlessly integrate your social media and website links into the metadata of your image, making it easy for viewers to find your online profiles or contact you. This is especially useful for professional photographers looking to expand their reach and connect with clients through their images.
Other Factors to Consider:
- Watermarking: If you want to protect your images, you can apply a watermark during export. This is especially important for social media uploads or online portfolios.
- Sharpening for Output: Lightroom also offers options to sharpen images specifically for screen or print during the export process. This can enhance the final appearance of your images based on their intended medium.
Conclusion
Mastering the export process ensures your images are presented in the best possible way, whether for social media, client delivery, or print. By understanding the right settings for each platform, you’ll save time and maintain image quality, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
If you’re ready to take your photography career to the next level, check out my next course, Photography Business Fundamentals, where you'll learn business and marketing practices to help create your photography brand!