Right-sizing competition images

The basic rule, set by the WPCF, is that "(Digitally projected) images must be .jpg files with a maximum size of 1600px wide and 1200 px high."

The rule establishes a 'level playing field' for individuals and clubs throughout the Federation.

Compliance with the rule ensures that -

• no-one can gain a competitive advantage based on pixel-count,

• submissions can be made via e-mail, within typical ISP limits on attachment file-size,

• images can be submitted across club boundaries within, and to, the Federation without re-working,

• any image display degradation due to re-sizing by a club's computer / display application / projector combination is minimised, and will be consistant within any one event.

Note that there are no rules regarding file-size (kilobytes / megabytes) nor resolution (pixels per inch).

Interpretation of the rule -

• 1600 wide x 1200 high corresponds to an aspect ratio of 4:3.

• a 4:3 ratio landscape image must be sized at 1600 x 1200 pixels, i.e. the maximum permissable size.

• higher aspect ratio landscape images must be sized at 1600 x less-than-1200 pixels, i.e. 1600 must not be exceeded.

• images with aspect ratios lower that 4:3, through 1:1 into portrait format, must be sized at less-than-1600 x 1200 pixels, i.e. 1200 must not be exceeded.

Examples -

• 16:9 = 1600w x 900h

• 3:2 = 1600w x 1067h

• 4:3 = 1600w x 1200h

• 5:4 = 1500w x 1200h

• 1:1 = 1200w x 1200h

• 4:5 = 960w x 1200h

• 3:4 = 900w x 1200h

• 2:3 = 800w x 1200h

• 9:16 = 675w x 1200h

To right-size an image -

ALWAYS start with a larger image, and downscale. NEVER upscale a smaller image - sharpness and colour will suffer.

Make sure that when resizing you don’t change the aspect ratio of the image, because that will distort it.

Once an image has been correctly resized it is permissable to expand its canvas to fill the 1600 wide by 1200 high limits. The fill should be black.

The method used for resizing is specific to each application used. Some examples follow. We invite readers to proffer other examples for publication here.

Right-sizing with Canon DPP v. 3 & 4 RAW processor -

Either - After adjusting the image, click 'File' > 'Convert and Save'. In the dialog box tick 'Resize', ensure the metric is 'Pixels', then enter either the required width or height and click in the other dimension box which will auto-fill. Check that both sizes conform to the above rule, then proceed as normal.

Or - Alternatively, you can crop the image to the required final size by entering 'Edit' mode, selecting the Trimming / Angle Adjustment / Crop tool, setting the Aspect Ratio to choice, entering either the required width or height (pixels) and clicking in the other dimension box which will auto-fill. The crop frame will size accordingly, and can then be dragged around the image to define the required crop. This method enables the maximum amount of crop that can be performed without image quality being degraded.

Expanding the canvas cannot be performed in DPP.

Right-sizing with Photoshop CS6 / Photoshop CC -

The easiest and safest way to resize is to click 'File' > 'Automate' >'Fit Image'. This brings up a box for you to enter the dimensions, labelled 'Constrain within'. Put 1600 into 'Width' and 1200 into 'Height'. Tick the box for 'Don’t enlarge', and click 'OK'. That’s it! It is possible to set up an Action to resize a lot of images at once, but make sure you know what you are doing.

The other way to resize is via 'Image' > 'Image Size' >, but this brings up a more complicated box. It would be too fussy to give full instructions here, but please approach one of us or any other member confident with Photoshop (or Elements or whatever app you use) for advice. There are also plenty of videos on the internet that you can find by Googling, eg, “Resize with Photoshop”.

If you are unable to right-size your images for any reason -

• As a courtesy to the recipient, please advise that they will need re-sizing.

• Be aware that an email with large attachments may be rejected by an ISP. If you don't receive an 'aknowledgement of receipt' email from the recipient then assume the worst. Resort to physical delivery on a USB memory stick if necessary.

• If they are too small to start with, they can’t be enlarged without spoiling the sharpness, and possible colour values. The recipient cannot be held responsible for any alteration of sharpness or colour values that may occur during 'third-party' resizing. 

After right-sizing -

When you save your resized image, make sure you don’t overwrite the original. The best way of doing this is always to work on a copy of your image, and always 'Save as'.

Sending right-sized images by e-mail -

There are two ways of doing this. Either -

• embed them in the body (text) of the email, or -

• send them as attachments to a text email.

Sending attachments is the more reliable method, because you usually have more control.

When you attach the image(s), check for any options on sizing and make sure that 'Actual Size' or 'Original Size' is checked. Commonly, e-mail programs reduce the size of images that are embedded or attached. Again, precise instructions vary between programs, but Apple Mail offers 'Small' / 'Medium' / 'Large' / 'Actual Size'. Only 'Actual Size' will do.