Top 3 Digital File Sizes for Photos (2025 Edition)

by Erica J Mitchell | Jul 7, 2025 | Blog, FAQ, Photography Tips

In this post:

What is the difference between the three categories of headshots (Large Web, Web-sized, and Print)?

The Large Web can be used for places that once uploaded to their site they resize it like Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram etc.
The Website Sized file is used for websites or sending by email where you need a fixed size. This size is the smallest in file size and easy for website loading and not taking up storage on emails.
The Print file is used for business cards, banners, posters, booklets, brochures etc.

Learn more in our post below!

File formats for your headshot delivery.

In our final delivery of your headshot image you’ll receive Large Web, Website Sized and Print file formats.

Choosing the right file size of your digital photos can make all the difference when it comes to for example printing business cards or something as paramount as your website SEO.

Learn why it is important to know your digital file format sizes.

Welcome to the world of digital photo files.
Read about our three file formats we send in our clients final delivery.

Digital files sizes

A lot has changed since we went from traditional film photography using sensitive light paper to make our photographic prints which could take hours to days depending on the way the photograph was developed.

We are lucky enough to have the speed and convenience of digital photography. We can make photographs, see them instantly and print them faster than ever before. The technology of computers allowed us to create images now using digital artifacts called pixels.

These pixels determine the files sizes and uses.

What are the digital file sizes I need and how do I use them?

Let’s explore the most commonly used files sizes and the ones we send to our clients. These file sizes allow for the right file to be used in the right place.

The three file sizes we send are Large Web, Print and Website Sized.

For easy use in social media, print and website use, the three file formats for headshots.
Large Web, Website Sized and Print.

1. Large Web

What is a Large Web file size?
Large Web files are the second smallest file formats of the three most commonly used by professionals. It is too big to use in emails and too small to use for printing.

When would I need to use Large Web file sizes?
Large Web files sizes are great for uploading to your social media platforms that once uploaded resize them such as Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram etc. For sending my email or your wesbite use the Website Size file format. Too large of file sizes can bog down your visitors load time and steer Google away from reading your website redusing your SEO.

Why do I need a Large Web file size?
Having specific file sizes for quick and easy use will help you successfully upload your content with confidence. Large Web will be one of the most used file sizes you will work with and rely on for your visibility in media channels.

2. Website Size

What is a Website Size file size?
Website Size files are the smallest file size of the three file formats in terms of how much space they need. They take a the least amount of energy and space on web website platforms and create virtually no lag time as an email attachment. This file size is great for websites for SEO.

When would I need to use Website Size file sizes?
Having multiple file formats can be really helpful especially if you are hiring a social media promotional agency, graphic designers or website designers to manage your presentation. Website sized photo files are best used on your website to create a fast website upload for your viewers on all devices. Using appropriate sized photo files will also improve your SEO. The Website Sized file format is also great for sending by email as it is a fixed size that doesn’t take up a lot of storage.

Why do I need a Website Size file size?
The Website Size file allows you or your digital media team to easily use the image file for social media, website updates, blog posts, newletters and more.

3. Print

What is a Print file size?
Print files are considered larger file sizes due to how many pixels per inch it contains. Pixels per inch, known commonly as PPI or dots per inch (DPI), measures the resolution of digital display and Print file sizes rely on as many pixels per inch to have the best printing quality. Do not use Large Web or Website Sized for printing, they will result in low quality printing and will look fuzzy or looked pixelated. Printing a Large Web file for example can have that blurred look because it does not have the amount of pixels needed for a high quality print image.

When would I need to use Print file sizes?
The best time to use Print file sizes is when you are making printed materials such as business cards, posters, brochures, booklets, books or postcards.

Why do I need a Print file size?
You may never need to print your headshot or branding material but in case you do, having the Print file size is great. You can easily upload the correct formatted file and know that your printed material will be high quality.

Do you offer other file formats?

Yes! We can create a custom file size to provide to your graphic designer or website size designer. Or for example, if you are a medical student, we include an ERAS application specific file size in your delivery with the Large Web, Print and Website Sized file formats.

Learn more about ERAS application file formats here.

Contact us if you have any questions about file formats or sizing of your photographs. We’d be happy to provide more information about how to use your digital photos! For other questions visit our FAQ.

Interested in Working Together?

BOOK NOW

A Guide for Headshot Sessions in the Fall 2022

by Erica J Mitchell | Oct 1, 2022 | Blog, Photography Tips

Indoor Headshots in Fall Weather

So what do you do when it’s raining or, even worse, snowing the day of your headshot photography session? It might be obvious, but fall weather is not always conducive to an enjoyable or quality photo shoot. This presents challenges in booking an outdoor on location headshot.

Our solution is the light and bright Natural Light Studio located in NW Portland. With a few light modifiers and a couple of poses you are all set with a new headshot.

Here are six reasons that you would opt for a natural light studio session versus braving the elements during a season when rain can be the norm:

1. Weather

Inclement weather doesn’t prevent you from having your photos taken outdoors, but it does often lead to the need to schedule according to the forecast — and the weather doesn’t always live up to expectations.

It can sometimes require pushing a shoot out to a less desirable time or demand a spontaneous reschedule when the weather happens to be accommodating.

A studio session is predictable and can be easily scheduled.

No need to worry about rescheduling due to inclement weather when you book a headshot session at the Natural Light Studio.

2. Comfort

You comfort is paramount for a photo shoot, especially if you are taking a headshot.

Working around cold weather or rain can distract from a relaxed image.

A temperature-controlled environment allows you to bring your best to the shoot.

Get comfortable with your own private headshot session at the Natural Light Studio.

3. Change Outfits

One benefit of working indoors is that it’s easy to change outfits and try different looks.

When you want to try this, be sure to check with the photographer and make sure your scheduled time can accommodate outfit changes.

Our natural light photo studio has an area to hang up your clothes, dress, and do touch ups, so it’s very easy to try a different shirt or check your makeup.

You can easily change at the studio into different looks.

4. Environment

If you’re worried that a photo will look too plain in a studio environment, think again. The job of a headshot or portrait is to capture your energy and personality with a high quality professional image.

The focus of the viewer will be entirely on you and how you come across in the photo. Background elements can contribute to the feeling of an image, but often aren’t required to get the desired effect.

However, if you want some environmental elements, our natural light studio has both an office and living room setup that can be added to your image to give it a bit more ambience.

Examples of background elements used at the Natural Light Studio.

5. Light Quality

While the weather and ease of working are great reasons to schedule time in a natural light studio, the light itself is a boon, as well. Some studios specialize in strobe light photography, which can be wonderful when done well. However, much strobe photography can make a headshot look staged or cookie-cutter, something you don’t want in a headshot.

We work only in natural light where the soft and even lighting from our studio windows accentuates your personality and allows you to simply show up and be yourself.

Corporate team headshots for Gridstor at the Natural Light Studio.

6. Privacy

Outside photos are very often taken in environments where there are other people around. Even in controlled, quiet locations there is the need to work around the elements and the environment to get a great shot.

In the studio, the focus is entirely on you and getting a great photo.

In Conclusion

When planning for your next headshot, consider using the Natural Light Studio. You’ll find the ease and flexiblitiy of the space perfect for the setting of your headshot session. For personal brand or single headshot sessions, visit our Individual Pricing. For corporate or group headshot sessions visit our Group Pricing.

Want to know more about the studio? Take a Tour of the building and how to get to the studio.

Interested in Working Together?

BOOK NOW

Top 3 Digital File Sizes for Photos (Updated! 2024 Edition)

by Erica J Mitchell | Dec 17, 2021 | Blog, FAQ, Photography Tips

Say hello to large web, print, and Website sized file formats.

Choosing the right file size of your digital photos can make all the difference when it comes to for example printing business cards or something as paramount as your website SEO.

Learn why it is important to know your digital file format sizes.

Welcome to the world of digital photo files.

A lot has changed since we went from traditional film photography using sensitive light paper to make our photographic prints to digital pixels.

As business owners in the digital age we are lucky enough to have the speed and convenience of digital photography. We can make photographs, see them instantly and print them faster than ever before.

But do we know what digital file sizes we need and how to use them?

Let’s explore the most commonly used digital files sizes for platforms:

Large Web
Print
Website Sized

1. Large Web

What is a Large Web file size?
Large Web files are the smallest file formats of the three most commonly used by professionals.

When would I need to use Large Web file sizes?
The most used file format file size is Large Web for its versatility. It can be uploaded to most social media platforms, email profile icons and websites. The Large Web file size is also great for improving your search engine optimization, also known as SEO. Too large of file sizes can bog down your visitors load time and steer Google away from reading your website.

Why do I need a Large Web file size?
Having specific file sizes for quick and easy use will help you successfully upload your content with confidence. Large Web will be one of the most used file sizes you will work with and rely on for your visibility.

2. Print

What is a Print file size?
Print files are considered larger file sizes due to how many pixels per inch it contains. Pixels per inch, known commonly as PPI, measures the resolution of digital display and Print file sizes rely on as many pixels per inch to have the best printing quality. Low quality printing will look fuzzy or hazing. Printing a Large Web file for example can have that blurred look because it does not have the amount of pixels needed for a high quality print image.

When would I need to use Print file sizes?
The best time to use Print file sizes is when you are making printed materials such as business cards, posters, brochures, booklets, books or postcards.

Why do I need a Print file size?
You may never need to print your headshot or branding material but in case you do, having the Print file size is great. You can easily upload the correct formatted file and know that your printed material will be high quality.

3. Website Size

What is a Website Size file size?
Website Size files are the smallest file size of the three file formats in terms of how much space they need. They take a the least amount of energy and space on web website platforms and create virtually no lag time as an email attachment.

When would I need to use Website Size file sizes?
Having multiple file formats can be really helpful especially if you are hiring a social media promotional agency, graphic designers or website designers to manage your presentation. Website sized photo files are best used on your website to create a fast website upload for your viewers on all devices. Using appropriate sized photo files will also improve your SEO.

Why do I need a Website Size file size?
The Website Size file allows you or your digital media team to easily use the image file for social media, website updates, blog posts, newletters and more..

Have more questions?

Contact us if you have any questions about file formats or sizing of your photographs. We’d be happy to provide more information about how to use your digital photos! For other questions visit our FAQ.

Interested in Working Together?

BOOK NOW

3 Reasons To Update Your Headshot

by Erica J Mitchell | Nov 22, 2021 | Blog, Headshot, Photography Tips

How Often Should I Update my Headshot?

A headshot is a professional, high quality image that becomes a keystone of your personal brand. It is used to present you and your essence to the world in a wide variety of business applications, such as your website, your Facebook profile image, or your LinkedIn profile.

New headshots allow you to connect with your audience and show yourself as you look in the present moment. For many professionals, staying current is paramount and a new image is a way to promote yourself, market your services, and maintain an up-to-date brand.

How often you update depends on the use of your headshot, but chances are you will want to update it more often than you expect. New photos can keep prospects interested and connected to you, especially on social media and LinkedIn.

The following circumstances may indicate it’s time for an update:

1. New Look

Your look may have changed a great deal since your last headshot. A change in hairstyle is always a good time to update your photos, so people know what to expect when they meet you in person. And if your fashion has been updated — you might be changing your personal brand or adopting a new wardrobe — it’s a good time to update your image.

2. New Career

Your career, work place, or client base may have shifted and a new image can be a great way to mark a shift in circumstances.

3. Shift in lifestyle

You may be experiencing a time where you feel at your personal best; this is the best time to get your newest image! That fresh energy will be conveyed in your updated photo.

Timing for Updating Your HEadshot

Ultimately, any change is a good time to refresh your headshot, but, as a rule of thumb, every 6-12 months is a good amount of time for most situations. After all, we all change a lot in a year and it’s good to get new energy around your image, especially in professional circumstances.

If you are getting headshots for a company or organization you may want to consider updating the images every couple of years to keep a fresh image.

As a note:

Being up-to-date is not enough. You need a high quality headshot to really present yourself in the best light. A professional photographer takes into consideration many technical concerns like the quality of light, the pose, and the use of a high quality camera with a pro lens. Don’t settle when it comes to creating an image that will present you at your best.

Look at the work of the photographer you are interested in and make sure their headshots capture people in a natural, relaxed way. An image that doesn’t detract from the individual and shows the individual in their best light is a good sign that the photographer has the skill required to capture you well.

Below are some headshots I have taken at various locations and for a variety of professionals, from therapists to coaches to corporate employees.

Interested in Working Together?

Like what you see? Contact Erica for Indoor and Outdoor Headshot Sessions starting at $300.00.

Let’s get you an updated image that will keep your personal brand fresh and engaging.

BOOK NOW

Where is the Natural Light Studio?

by Erica J Mitchell | Nov 20, 2021 | Blog, Photography Tips

The Natural Light Headshot Studio

The light and bright natural light studio located in NW Portland.

INSIDE THE Studio

You’ll see large windows to allow the south facing light to illuminate the space. You can choose from a handful of background colors as options for your portrait.

With a few light modifiers, a couple poses and you are all set with a new headshot.

Additional Studio Backdrop Options

In addition to the classic white and cream, “Office and Livingroom” set up, moveable wall colored backdrops are now available in pale pink and gray green.

Background Color Options: Classic White, Tan, Cream, Pale Pink and Gray Green
Background Set Ups: Office Set, Livingroom Set

Why Choose the Natural Light Studio for your Headshot?

You comfort is paramount for a photo shoot, especially if you are taking a headshot. Working around cold weather or rain can distract from a relaxed image. A temperature-controlled environment allows you to bring your best to the shoot.

One benefit of working indoors is that it’s easy to change outfits and try different looks. When you want to try this, be sure to check with the photographer and make sure your scheduled time can accommodate outfit changes.

Our natural light photo studio has an area to hang up your clothes, dress, and do touch ups, so it’s very easy to try a different shirt or check your makeup.

If you’re worried that a photo will look too plain in a studio environment, think again. The job of a headshot or portrait is to capture your energy and personality with a high quality professional image.

The focus of the viewer will be entirely on you and how you come across in the photo. Background elements can contribute to the feeling of an image, but often aren’t required to get the desired effect. However, if you want some environmental elements, our natural light studio has both an office and living room setup that can be added to your image to give it a bit more ambience.

While the weather and ease of working are great reasons to schedule time in a natural light studio, the light itself is a boon, as well. Some studios specialize in strobe light photography, which can be wonderful when done well. However, much strobe photography can make a headshot look staged or cookie-cutter, something you don’t want in a headshot.

We work only in natural light where the soft and even lighting from our studio windows accentuates your personality and allows you to simply show up and be yourself.

Outside photos are very often taken in environments where there are other people around. Even in controlled, quiet locations there is the need to work around the elements and the environment to get a great shot. In the studio, the focus is entirely on you and getting a great photo.

Want to see the great results we can get from natural light studio photography?

The photographs below were made using the studio with large windows to allow the south facing light to illuminate the space. The result is even, soft lighting that makes each person shine.

Other options are On Location Headshots In Portland with choices that include office spaces, work spaces or brand specific indoor spaces or Outdoor Headshot sessions allow for multiple background options and offer a variety of textures.

SCHEDULE A PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICE TODAY
ericajmitchell@gmail.com | (831) 402-3895

BOOK NOW

A Guide for Headshot Sessions in the Fall 2021

by Erica J Mitchell | Nov 4, 2021 | Blog, Photography Tips

Indoor Headshots in Fall Weather

So what do you do when it’s raining or, even worse, snowing the day of your headshot photography session? It might be obvious, but Fall weather is not always conducive to an enjoyable or quality photo shoot.

This presents challenges in booking an outdoor on location headshot.

Our solution is the light and bright natural light studio located in NW Portland. With a few light modifiers and a couple of poses you are all set with a new headshot.

Here are six reasons that you would opt for an natural light studio session versus braving the elements during a season when rain can be the norm:

1. Weather

Inclement weather doesn’t prevent you from having your photos taken outdoors, but it does often lead to the need to schedule according to the forecast — and the weather doesn’t always live up to expectations.

It can sometimes require pushing a shoot out to a less desirable time or demand a spontaneous reschedule when the weather happens to be accommodating.

A studio session is predictable and can be easily scheduled.

2. Comfort

You comfort is paramount for a photo shoot, especially if you are taking a headshot.

Working around cold weather or rain can distract from a relaxed image.

A temperature-controlled environment allows you to bring your best to the shoot.

3. Change Outfits

One benefit of working indoors is that it’s easy to change outfits and try different looks.

When you want to try this, be sure to check with the photographer and make sure your scheduled time can accommodate outfit changes.

Our natural light photo studio has an area to hang up your clothes, dress, and do touch ups, so it’s very easy to try a different shirt or check your makeup.

4. Environment

If you’re worried that a photo will look too plain in a studio environment, think again. The job of a headshot or portrait is to capture your energy and personality with a high quality professional image.

The focus of the viewer will be entirely on you and how you come across in the photo. Background elements can contribute to the feeling of an image, but often aren’t required to get the desired effect.

However, if you want some environmental elements, our natural light studio has both an office and living room setup that can be added to your image to give it a bit more ambience.

5. Light Quality

While the weather and ease of working are great reasons to schedule time in a natural light studio, the light itself is a boon, as well. Some studios specialize in strobe light photography, which can be wonderful when done well. However, much strobe photography can make a headshot look staged or cookie-cutter, something you don’t want in a headshot.

We work only in natural light where the soft and even lighting from our studio windows accentuates your personality and allows you to simply show up and be yourself.

6. Privacy

Outside photos are very often taken in environments where there are other people around. Even in controlled, quiet locations there is the need to work around the elements and the environment to get a great shot.

In the studio, the focus is entirely on you and getting a great photo.

Want to see the great results we can get from natural light studio photography?

The photographs below were made using the studio with large windows to allow the south facing light to illuminate the space.

The result is even, soft lighting that makes each person shine.

View the Studio

Interested in Working Together?

Contact Erica for Indoor Headshot Sessions starting at $300.00.
Let’s get you an image you will be proud to show the world.

BOOK NOW

Top 3 Digital File Sizes for Photos (2025 Edition)

In this post:

What is the difference between the three categories of headshots (Large Web, Web-sized, and Print)?

File formats for your headshot delivery.

Welcome to the world of digital photo files.Read about our three file formats we send in our clients final delivery.

Digital files sizes

What are the digital file sizes I need and how do I use them?

For easy use in social media, print and website use, the three file formats for headshots.Large Web, Website Sized and Print.

1. Large Web

2. Website Size

3. Print

Do you offer other file formats?

Interested in Working Together?

A Guide for Headshot Sessions in the Fall 2022

Indoor Headshots in Fall Weather

1. Weather

2. Comfort

3. Change Outfits

4. Environment

5. Light Quality

6. Privacy

In Conclusion

Interested in Working Together?

Top 3 Digital File Sizes for Photos (Updated! 2024 Edition)

Say hello to large web, print, and Website sized file formats.

Welcome to the world of digital photo files.

1. Large Web

2. Print

3. Website Size

Have more questions?

Interested in Working Together?

3 Reasons To Update Your Headshot

How Often Should I Update my Headshot?

1. New Look

2. New Career

3. Shift in lifestyle

Timing for Updating Your HEadshot

As a note:

Interested in Working Together?

Where is the Natural Light Studio?

The Natural Light Headshot Studio

INSIDE THE Studio

Additional Studio Backdrop Options

Why Choose the Natural Light Studio for your Headshot?

A Guide for Headshot Sessions in the Fall 2021

Indoor Headshots in Fall Weather

1. Weather

2. Comfort

3. Change Outfits

4. Environment

5. Light Quality

6. Privacy

Want to see the great results we can get from natural light studio photography?

Interested in Working Together?

Erica J Mitchell Photographer

Contact

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Welcome to the world of digital photo files.
Read about our three file formats we send in our clients final delivery.

For easy use in social media, print and website use, the three file formats for headshots.
Large Web, Website Sized and Print.