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Q: How do I upload an Image?
A: You need to log in with your email address and password, you'll then see the button to go to your profile, that where you upload an image
Q: How do I delete or remove an image?
A: In your profile, you can turn images off. You need to click Edit -> Uncheck Box -> Save
Q: How do I see the comments for my image?
A: The comments show up right away. If there are no comments, then, well, there are no comments.
Q: Why can't I see the comment I just left?
A: So people don't hit the save comment button a million times, it deactivates when you save the comment. The next time you come back to that image, it'll be there.
Unless of course it was removed for the obvious reasons
Q: How to I get my Rating up?
A: The more active you are the higher the rating... Add more images, make more comments.
Q: Is this all free?
A: Yes, except the professional services, which isn't available yet.
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Resize an Image
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Q:
What software should I use to manipulate my images?
A: You should use an image editing software such as Adobe Photo Elements. ($79)
Q:
What does dpi mean?
A:
Dots Per Inch – standard monitor resolution. Anything over 72dpi will NOT enhance the image on screen. Higher resolutions are for printing purposes only.
Q:
It seems to take a while to upload an image?
A:
The upload speed depends on your connection to the internet. Please be patient if you have a slow connection or use dial-up. Also, the larger the size in MB, the longer it takes to transfer.
Tips for photgraphing your own work:
*These notes were taken from a seminar given at the Southern California Artists Association.
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Use a tripod to mount the camera. Check that it is plumb (straight up and down) with a small level or plumb bob, to make sure the lens is perpendicular to the wall that your artwork is on. The camera should be centerline vertical and horizontal to the work being shot. Your work should be on a wall that is plumb as well. Make sure your work is mounted flush to the wall, unframed.
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Try and do a lot of work at the same time. That way you only setup once.
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Natural light is the best lighting. Full spectrum light on a bright overcast day is best.
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If you are using studio lights, the lights should be on both sides of the artwork. Light it equally, about 45 degrees from each side. It is preferable to use 5000 Kelvin light bulbs or a color balanced light. Look for “color balanced” on the box. Use a flood, not a spot light. If possible, use a polarized filter in front of each light.
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After the camera and lighting are set up, and you have made sure that everything is plumb, level and perpendicular, use the self-timer to actually shoot the camera.
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The camera will often save the image as a RAW or a TIFF. Photograph your work in this format, then save it as a JPEG at the very end.
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Be sure to check the resolution of your camera to make sure it is set to the highest resolution and the largest image setting. Be sure your camera is at least 3 MegaPixels (all newer cameras are).
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Even if your work is vertical, shoot it horizontally. You can always rotate it in the computer.
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Always use a tripod. If possible, use an SLR (Single Lens Reflex), it’s better than a small “point and shoot”. Use a macro lens to avoid "pincushion" effects.
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If using a "point and shoot" camera, do not use the macro setting. Set the zoom to a "mid zoom." Telephoto zoom looses too much light and the image will be too distorted.
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As a last resort, you can lay the piece on the ground then point the camera straight down.
Preparing your image for uploading using software:
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Adobe Photoshop Elements, NOT Adobe PHOTOSHOP, is recommended. They are very similar and are in fact made by the same company, just be sure it says “Elements” in the title. The cost is approximately $79.
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After you purchase Photoshop Elements, you may want to purchase a book or similar tutorial material to learn the software.
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Open the image in Adobe Photoshop Elements. Click on Image, then Image Size.
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Change the larger side to 800 pixels. Change the dpi to 72. Then click OK.
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Save your image as a JPEG (.jpg). When you save it set the image quality to 12 or Very High.
*Note about color correction: Your monitor does not show accurate color. DO NOT color correct the image. You might want to gamma
correct your image... that's the brightness level. If your image seems a bit washed out or too dark. That's OK.
The outcome should look like this:
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