Assignment 8 - Cert III Media

Detailed Image - File size is 4.59 MB

Simple Image - File size is 3.93 MB

Why is file size different? File size is greater in the more detailed image than the simpler image because while the camera used has captured the same number of pixels for both images, there are a greater number of bytes used to encode each pixel in the detailed image. A greater number of bytes are needed in the more detailed image as there is more detail, greater colour and tonal range and greater transitions. File size is determined by the total number of pixels x total number of bytes used to encode each pixel.

How does this influence the way you take photos if your brief requires relatively small file size? What sort of backgrounds should you consider if your client needs small files?

For small file size you would aim to use background of one solid colour with no features (i.e. detailed patterns or markings) or colour gradients (especially multiple colour gradients), tones or blurred edges. Neighbouring pixels need to be as uniform as possible.

City Car - A suitable background for a shot of a modern " city car " that had to go into a web advertisement may be a plain white background which is colour-matched to the white of the car (minimise tonal range further). This would be aesthetically pleasing given the black in the car body would contrast nicely. A solid red or green or blue background would also be suitable. Note large, featureless background compress better (i.e. less bytes needed to encode each pixel)

Unsuitable backgrounds may include backgrounds made up of lots of different types of colours, colour hues and tones and having lots of detail such as background made up of of paisley patterns or a tree with lots of leaves of different colours. Finally, for a retro car advertisement, a minimalist background would be more suited to the product.