PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDELINES

Whether you are submitting only photos, or including a self-shot photo with your post, image quality is key. Please follow these guidelines for shooting optimal visual photos:

FILE SIZE AND FORMAT

• The photo size needs to be large enough to capture enough digital information for the photo editors to color correct, crop and prepare correctly.
• Aim for a minimum file size of 8-10 MB. Or minimum width of 2000px; DPI: 150 - 300
• Camera settings differ, but typically a setting of jpeg “fine” will give you the correct size file. Please consult your camera’s manual to determine which exact setting you need to use.
• JPEG file format is preferred. TIFF if no other format is available.
• We tend to use horizontal images more often than vertical shots.
• Credit format: Name of photographer as you want it to appear. If an agency is involved: Name of Photographer, Agency.

CAMERA SETTINGS

• Shoot all images in color, specifically RGB color.
• Turn off any in-camera sharpening settings that may be on your camera.
• Be sure to turn off the date/time feature that burns that information into the image.

CROPPING AND COLOR CORRECTIONS

Please do NOTcrop or do any color correction on your images. All cropping and color corrections will be handled by AOL’s photo editors. AOL has specific sizes and all toning is done to web specifications. The more information in the file, the better job the editors can do. If you color correct or filter your photos too much, it will remove vital digital information.


For more helpful photography tips, read our Creating Compelling Photos article.