Low-Res or High-Res… Which do you need?

So you attended a race and found photos of yourself or friends/family on a photographers website that you really like. You don’t want to just screen shot and steal the photos because you know that’s lame and not cool. You want to help support the photographers work, but you’re not sure if you need the high resolution version or not.
The answer to that question depends on a question for yourself… How will I use the files?

Scenario #1

This is the most basic and common use for event photos. You just want to download and share the photos to your social media and other online uses. For this scenario the low resolution file is the best choice for you. Many people mistake “low-resolution” as something bad that they should avoid. The term “high-resolution” is usually associated with high quality, but for social networks (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), there is no noticeable difference between low-resolution and high-resolution.

The bonus of low-resolution:
1. The smaller file size results in faster uploads & loading speed.
2. The files take up less space on your hard drive and cloud.
3. Cost less

Scenario #2

You want to use the files to make prints. This is really the only scenario that you need to have high-resolution files. You could print something like a 4×5″ with a low res file and it would prob look just fine, but anything like 8×10″ and up the quality will be poor. So if you want to have print made you want to have the larger “high-resolution” files.

Notes on High Res Files:
1. Unless noted otherwise a “high-resolution” file is for your personal use only. Giving these files to your sponsors, magazines or any other business to use without the photographer’s permission is a big no-no and could cause them serious problems.

2. High-resolution doesn’t guarantee high-quality print. It depends on where you print them and how large you print them as well. Using a quality print company will be able to help ensure your print will look their best.

3. You should never upload “high-resolution” images to your social networks. I recommend dropping the longest width to 1400px before sharing online. This protects you and the photog.

So… high-res or low-res?

Larger doesn’t mean better. Smaller doesn’t equal inferior. It depends on what you use them for.

• If you use your photos online or electronic devices, low-res is a better choice.
• If you print any decent size, high-res is the one you want.
• If you don’t know what you are going to do with your photos, get high-res photos in case you want to print them in the future.