How to Make a Photo Backdrop

Any photograph can be turned into a backdrop for a web site page or page header. But for 'magic' to happen the photograph composition and how the photo is prepared must be considered.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your digital camera or a source of digital photographs
• Image processing software (such as Photoshop)
• Your creativity

1. 
    
   The image I began with is 300 X 225, file size 18.4kb

   To make a backdrop for a web page or page header from a photograph requires very little effort, assuming that you have the right software. This is how you do this task very simply using Photoshop (I use Ver. 6).
   Select the photo that you wish for the backdrop.

2. Then open that photo in Photoshop. I chose the cloud image for this project. The next step is to select 'Image ' - 'Image Size' and change the pixel dimensions of the photo from 300 x 225 to 1200 X 900 (use the Constrain option to keep the aspect ration proper).
   
   Note: The size of the backdrop image file is important for a couple of reasons. The main reason is how long it would take a web page visitor's computer to download it for viewing. Broadband, DSL or cable, users don't have as much of an issue with this as do 'dial up' users (dial up users may never stick around long enough to see a large file backdrop image.

3. 
    
   Save Options information

   Now to save this image to use for as backdrop simple select 'File' - 'Save For Web'. Then make appropriate save selections, jpg or gif or png extensions (in this scenario I prefer jpg - where you will use the backdrop may require specific type); quality (I generally use around 60%) and file name.

4. 
    
   Sample web page with the new backdrop

   Now upload the image to the appropriate host in that profile or options setup and you are good to go

5. Of course, there are infinite variations of creating your new backdrop image from your own photography. Keep backdrop images in mind next time you are out having fun with your digital camera in nature.

Tips & Warnings

• When taking your photographs for possible use as backdrops keep a couple of things in mind: 1. how you compose your shot 2. the exposure 3. the clarity of the image for backdrop use (be creative)
• Experiment with the initial image size, you may want to take the same shot but with different image sizes
• Your Photoshop work can be simple or as creative as you can imagine
• Always have fun!
• A photograph that you might initially think would be wonderful as a backdrop may turn out to create the wrong effect once put into action, leave yourself options, always!