First try at photos, please advise

[clownchic]

I am using a Canon PowerShot SD400 in digital macro mode. To post them I had to reduce the image quality to below 200 (jpg). I get confused about this stuff. How do I post them so the image quality is higher? They get grainy when I reduce.

 

[Juggler]

looks like you're off to a good start!

 

[clownchic]

Thanks for the encouragement

Thanks for the encouragement

Any tips on how to better the quality of pictures when you post?

 

[gregr]

This article has step by step instructions for resizing and compressing image files-- using Photoshop or the free program Irfanview. Holler if you have any questions.
As far as the pictures you posted- they look good. Do you use a tripod? If you're shooting handheld pay attention to the shutter speeds- slow shutter speeds are probably the most common reason for unsharp pictures. Try to always shoot squarely into the tank- shooting at an angle will cause softness too.

 

[clownchic]

Using photoshop for this picture

Using photoshop for this picture

I read and followed the suggestions from the article in this forum and used Photoshop to compress the image while maintaining and sharpening the image. I think it worked - here it is (using Photoshop and article settings):

Here is my first attempt (not using photoshop to compress):

Now I just have to remember all of the steps!!!

 

[gregr]

I see a definite improvement- file size is bigger but there's always a trade-off.

 

[oh monti !!!!!]

big difference

big difference

that pic looked alot better nice job! :eek1:

 

[clownchic]

Thanks for the encouragement

Thanks for the encouragement

I compressed three more and they also look better:

Thanks for the help - Clownchic

 

[edwing206]

They looks A LOT better, Great job!!!