300ppi or 72ppi?

[jcg356]

I'm taking some headshots for a friend's networking group. They want to use them in a brochure, on the web and have the option to print them out in any size. My question is what resolution should I be saving them at - 300ppi for printing or 72 for the web? Also, since I don't know what size of prints they want, I assume I should leave more "space" in the picture when taking it so they don't crop off their arms if they print something besides a 4x6. Any help is appreciated!!

 

[ghache]

i always do 300dpi

 

[Goontz]

Yep. 300 for print and 72 for web is fine. You're correct about leaving extra room on the edges to account for different crops and ratios.

 

[islaguy]

It really doesn't matter what the dpi of the image is in most circumstances. It is a reference for printing only as images have to either be upsized or downsized for a certain application. The width and height in pixels is what's important.

 

[jcg356]

Okay. So I gather that if I just saved one image at 300 it will work for both printing and the web. I think that will be easier for my friend as well since he doesn't have to remember which one to use for posting or printing. Thanks!

 

[Goontz]

Yes. Keeping them all at 300 is just fine, the file sizes will just be a little bigger. Usually when people use 72 for display on the web, it's more of a safeguard against someone stealing it and printing it on their own (at least without losing quality) for proofs and such.