Using Photoshop For Web Ready Graphics!





  
  
      Submitted by support on Wed, 24/03/2010 - 9:30am 
  
  
I have recently had a number of people ask me how I created the graphic in our  last newsletter.  To read our last newsletter, please go to  http://www.onwebsystems.net/we-thank-our-network-4-great-years-business.
 
Photoshop (PS) is an advanced image editing software application which ONWEB uses on a daily basis to create client graphics for websites and online newsletters.  PS can be used to enhance existing images or create what is called composite graphics.
 
 
Step 1 - Prepare the source graphics to be used
The below image was taken in Howe Sound off the back of my sailboat.  It  is a nice picture but a bit under exposed due to the cloudy day I was experiencing in the Sound.  The mid-tones are dark and need a levels adjustment for better flesh tones.  In order to insert a more interesting background, I carefully removed the existing distracting pixels.  
 
Gio  source image from on my Sailboat
Source image size = 2,300 KB
GiO with background removed
Web Ready Size = 12 KB or 0.5% of original
 
 
 
Step 2 - Add a different background
The below image is one that I took of some exciting cloud formations.  The  image already has nice contrast, but I wanted to further enhance what was  there by adjusting the blue tones in the darker part of the sky.  In PS,  with the right sized source files, we can use just a portion of the image  in the final composite.  You will also notice that I squished the graphic vertically for a better look as part of the background.
Source cloud picture
Source image size = 1,800 KB
GiO half way there to a great composite
Web Ready Size = 25 KB or 0.6% of originals
 
 
 
 
 
Step 3 - Insert company branding and compress for a fast download
Giovanni Cojocari from ONWEB Systems
Final composite image size = 27.3 KB
Image DOWNLOAD < 1 second via highspeed connection!
 
 
 
Call if you have any questions on how to better leverage PS for your business!
GiO Cojocari
President, ONWEB Systems
604.805.4748
 
PS
To those in our network that already decided to take us up on our FREE 30 minute Website Checkup, GREAT!  Some of our existing customers wondered if the offer was available to them.  The answer is YES, so please CONTACT US NOW to schedule a session before all of our time is spoken for!