Basics

__Pixels__ Pixel is composed of the words picture and element. Digital images are made up of small squares, just like the mosaic on your kitchen or bathroom wall. A digital picture is composed of millions of pixels, or square elements. A pixel count is the number of pixels it takes to make up a picture.

__Compression/File Size__ The more information your picture has, the larger the file size will be. You can use simple image editing programs like Microsoft Paint or Apple's iPhoto to resize your images. Wait to resize your photo until all image editing has been completed, as each time you resize your image, any artifacts (imperfections) will be amplified.

__Format__
 * jpeg** - an industry standard. not scalable, but easy to work with. a type of compression that takes out image information your eye is least likely to detect.
 * tiff** - a file format that is scalable, but also results in large file sizes. not easy to email or upload to various web sites because of file sizes
 * raw** - a lossless type of file. retains all picture information. file size not as large as tiff, but still too large for email, etc. Use for editing and then save to jpeg.

__Storage__ Practice safe photo management. Save all your folders in one folder called "pictures" and then create subfolders by topic. There's nothing more annoying than trying to locate that one lost picture on your computer amongst a jillion other files!

__Upload/Download __