Process the Images
Lets take a minute to consider the resolution of the collected pictures. A general rule of thumb is that
for each square inch of printed picture you need at least 100 pixels in each dimension although it
is better
to have 200 pixels in each dimension. Another way of stating this is to say that for each inch of
printed height you need 200 pixels of image height and for each inch of printed width you need 200
pixels in that dimension. For example: a photo that prints 3 inch by 4 inch in your book will need
at least an image that is 600 pixels high by 800 pixels wide.
To make the process easier you can initially assume that all pictures will
occupy a whole page and then size accordingly.
If you are planning on a book with pages that are 8 inches by 10 inches then your photos should be at least
1600 pixels by 2000 pixels (to make the 200 pixels per inch requirement).
This is only 3.2 megapixels (approximately a 9.6 megabyte uncompressed image) so most
point and shoot cameras can easily produce pictures of a greater size.
Why so much emphasis on image size? If your photos are too small (pixel wise) then the pictures in the
finished book will not look good and you will be dissappointed with the results. So why not just use large
image files and not worry? Because some of the book making programs become sluggish and difficult to
use as more and more large image files are added. I tend to use images that are 3,000 pixels in the
longest direction, larger than necessary but still small enough not to overload the software.
Before you down size the images make sure you are happy with the composition, colors, and general look of
each photo. The best time to make adjustments is now (if you have software that can work with
images) although many of the book making packages allow
you to make some adjustments on each photo at any time.
OK then, now is the time to resize the pictures to the size that you will use to create the book. Be
sure to keep the original files and label the resized files so you will recognize them when you add
the photos to your book and not confuse the resized files with the original files
(don't ask how I know this could be a problem).
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