Let's start with some discussion of SIZE and RESOLUTION. While many digital cameras used lots of megapixels as a selling feature, the truth is you don't need high resolution for photos that will be going on the internet.

Probably the only time a broker or agent may need high resolution is for advertising that is going to be in PRINT - and many times only glossy/slick magazines will need the larger resolution images. The time it takes to upload or view (download) high resolution photos on the internet is not feasible. In the 'sound byte' world of the today, your photos need to appear quickly when someone wants to see them.

So make sure your digital camera is NOT on 'superfine' resolution, and 'medium' resolution will probably still be too large for internet use without sizing them down.

There is a relationship between RESOLUTION, PRINT, SCREEN and FILE SIZE. When we're talking about the SIZE of a ditigal photo, there can be quite a bit to it, but it's a good start to just be aware of what you're looking at. You can open a photo in your photo editor that looks like a reasonable size, and miss the fact that you're not seeing it in actual size. Look at the 'info bar' above the photo and see if it tells you what 'percent view' you're working with:

NOTE that most MLS systems, craigslist, and other sophisticated online programs will automatically size down large photos to fit their own resolution and display size when you upload. This may have something to do with finding one-inch size photos or otherwise degraded looking shots on your listings once in awhile. Keep your photo files handy to reload if that happens (and check your own display & resolution sizes)...

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