Uploading your images to PhotoPlace Gallery is simple. The guidelines below will help ensure your files upload successfully and display properly during the jury process. Don't worry if you're not familiar with image resizing—most computers include tools that can handle this in just a few steps.
Quick Checklist
Before uploading, make sure your images meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| File Format | JPG / JPEG |
| Maximum File Size | 5 MB |
| Pixel Dimensions | Approximately 2100 pixels on the longest side |
| Resolution | 300 ppi recommended |
| Color Space | sRGB recommended |
| Watermarks | Please avoid them |
| Diptychs/Triptychs | Combine into a single image before uploading |
If your image meets these specifications, you're ready to submit.
Start with Your Original File
Always work from your highest-resolution original image. Most cameras capture images at resolutions far larger than needed for online submissions, which gives you plenty of flexibility when preparing files.
Important: Never overwrite your original image. Make a copy and resize the copy for submission.
If your work is selected for exhibition, we may request a higher-resolution file for printing and publication. Keeping your original file ensures you'll have the best possible version available.
How to Resize Your Images
The simplest approach is to resize your image so that the longest side measures approximately 2100 pixels. If your software asks for a resolution setting, use 300 ppi.
Adobe Photoshop
- Open your image.
- Select Image > Image Size.
- Make sure Resample and Constrain Proportions are checked.
- Enter 2100 pixels for the longest side.
- Set the resolution to 300 ppi.
- Click OK.
- Save the file as a JPG using a quality setting of 8 (75–80%).
Helpful guide:
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/resizing-image.html
Adobe Lightroom Classic
- Select the image and click Export.
- Under Image Sizing, check Resize to Fit.
- Choose Long Edge and enter 2100 pixels.
- Set the resolution to 300 ppi.
- Under File Settings, choose JPEG and a quality setting around 75–80.
- Export the file.
Helpful guide:
https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/help/exporting-photos-basic-workflow.html
Preview (Mac)
- Open the image in Preview.
- Select Tools > Adjust Size.
- Make sure Scale proportionally is checked.
- Change the longest side to approximately 2100 pixels.
- Save or export the image as a JPG.
Helpful guide:
https://support.apple.com/guide/preview/crop-resize-or-rotate-an-image-prvw2015/mac
Photos or Paint (Windows)
Most versions of Windows include simple tools for resizing images.
- Open the image.
- Choose the resize option.
- Maintain the aspect ratio.
- Set the longest side to approximately 2100 pixels.
- Save the image as a JPG.
Helpful guide:
https://support.microsoft.com/windows
File Size and Compression
After resizing, your image must be saved as a JPG file under 5 MB. This refers to the file size saved to your computer, not the size of the image when opened in editing software.
Compression Tips
- Flatten layers before saving, if applicable.
- Save JPG files using a quality setting of approximately 75–80% (or 8 in Photoshop).
- Most images resized to 2100 pixels will easily fall below the 5 MB limit.
- If your file is still too large, slightly increase compression or reduce the pixel dimensions a small amount.
The goal is to maintain image quality while meeting the upload requirements.
Want to Learn More?
PPI vs. DPI
PPI (Pixels Per Inch) refers to the resolution of a digital image and is the setting used by image-editing software.
DPI (Dots Per Inch) refers to the number of ink droplets a printer places on paper. Most printers handle this automatically, so you generally don't need to worry about DPI when preparing images for submission.
What Is Resampling?
Resampling changes an image's pixel dimensions.
- Downsampling reduces the number of pixels and decreases file size.
- Upsampling increases the number of pixels by estimating new information, which can reduce image quality.
Whenever possible, resize from your original high-resolution file rather than enlarging smaller images.
Still Need Help?
If you're having trouble resizing or uploading your images, please contact us at [email protected]. We'd much rather answer a question than have you miss a submission deadline.
We're happy to help.