2025-09-22 DDM Session #1 (Image Size Class Activity)

Quick recap

In this class session, the instructor Brian discussed image resolution concepts and their importance for both digital displays and printed outputs, covering topics like DPI, megapixels, and various display resolutions. The class engaged in practical exercises involving image selection, scaling, and formatting for presentation boards, with Brian providing guidance on determining optimal print sizes and resolutions based on intended use. The session concluded with a discussion of technical submission procedures and plans for reviewing future Photoshop exercises in the next session.

Next steps

Brian: Fix the Zoom recording settings to address the widescreen/small window issue in class recordings.

Brian: Experiment with different video encoding methods before the next class to improve recording quality.

Summary

Image Resolution and Zoom Issues

The instructor, Brian, discussed the first exercise submission and noted that most students had completed it. He mentioned an issue with the video recordings being displayed in a smaller window due to a Zoom setting problem, which he plans to fix before the next class. Brian then continued with the class activity on computing, focusing on image resolution and clarity. He explained that an image can appear blurry when pixels are too small to be distinguished by the human eye, and introduced a formula to calculate the resolution needed for an image to avoid blurriness when printed or displayed.

Google Image Selection Techniques

Brian demonstrated how to find and select high-resolution images from Google for use in presentations and documents. He explained how to determine the appropriate size of an image for printing by comparing its dimensions to the desired output size, using an example of an 11x17 inch document. Brian also showed how to insert and format images in a digital presentation, including adding text and other elements.

Image Resolution and Scaling Discussion

Brian discussed how to determine if an image would be blurry when printed, focusing on the concept of DPI (dots per inch) and resolution. He explained that for documents, a DPI of 300 is recommended, while posters use 150 and billboards use lower values. Using these principles, Ashauni and Brian calculated the real-world dimensions of an image (2000x1125 pixels) intended for a tabloid-sized sheet, finding it would be approximately 6.67 inches wide and 3.75 inches tall. They concluded that the image was too small for their needs and would need to be scaled up to fill the top half of the page.

Image Resolution and Printing Basics

Brian explained the concept of image resolution and its impact on printed output versus digital display. He demonstrated how stretching images more than twice can lead to blurriness and emphasized that while images appear sharp on computer screens, they may look blurry when printed due to differences in pixel density between screens and printers. Tara asked about locking and unlocking images to prevent distortion, to which Brian clarified that there is no lock mechanism in common editing programs, and the key to avoiding blurriness is understanding the limits of image scaling based on original size.

Image Resolution for Large Prints

Brian explained the importance of image resolution when printing large formats, using a formula to determine the appropriate size for images to avoid blurriness. He emphasized that while smaller prints may not require precise calculations, larger prints like billboards or 24x36 sheets necessitate careful consideration to maintain clarity. Brian also introduced the concept of megapixels and highlighted the limitations of phone cameras for high-quality prints, using Michaela's iPhone 13 as an example.

Understanding Camera Megapixels and Aspect Ratio

Brian explained the concept of megapixels and how it relates to digital camera resolution. He demonstrated that the megapixel count is calculated by multiplying the width and height of an image, and used examples to show how this translates to real-world print sizes. Brian also introduced the concept of aspect ratio and explained that while megapixels tell you the total number of pixels, they don't specify the ratio between width and height, which is important for understanding image dimensions.

Understanding Digital Display Resolutions

Brian explained various digital display resolutions and their associated ratios to the class, using a chart from Wikipedia to illustrate the differences between Full HD, 4K, UHD, and other resolutions. He emphasized the importance of understanding these specifications for professional use, noting that manufacturers sometimes use misleading terminology. Brian also discussed how ratios apply to both digital displays and physical print sizes, and he highlighted the evolution of resolutions from older standards like NTSC to modern 4K and 8K technologies.

CSA Critique Presentation Design

The class discussed a design exercise involving creating a presentation board layout with three frames for a CSA critique, including a rendered image from Lumion, a photograph taken with a Samsung S8, and a floor plan from AutoCAD. Students were tasked with determining the optimal print size for the photo, selecting the best frame position, choosing an appropriate rendering resolution based on output requirements, and deciding the best file format for the AutoCAD floor plan. Brian emphasized the importance of balancing resolution with practical needs, explaining that while higher resolutions might be desirable, they come at the cost of rendering time and resources, and should be tailored to the intended use of the final output.

Photo Resolution and Submission Guidelines

Brian led a class activity on a Miro board, explaining a question about placing a photograph on a presentation sheet and determining its real-world size and resolution. He clarified that students should choose the best frame for the photo and the appropriate rendering resolution, with correct answers to earlier questions increasing the likelihood of answering the final question correctly. Brian also addressed technical issues with the submission link and assured students they could use either the Miro board or class website to submit their answers.

Resolution and DPI Class Activity

Brian explained the class activity, which involves selecting the correct resolution and DPI based on provided charts and guidelines. He clarified that students can submit their answers either on the class website or the Miro board, and emphasized the importance of understanding these concepts for future printing tasks. Brian also addressed technical issues some students faced with submitting the activity and provided instructions on how to resolve them.

Image Resolution and Print Calculations

Brian led a discussion on determining image resolution and print dimensions using a chart that provides DPI values based on viewing distance. He explained how to calculate real-world print height and width from pixel dimensions, and vice versa, using the formula length in pixels divided by DPI. The class was given extra time to submit their answers, with Brian planning to review Exercise 3 and 4 in the next session, where they will work on Photoshop exercises.

AI can make mistakes. Review for accuracy.