Which wedding photo files should you use for printing and social media?
Short answer: use the full-size, high-resolution files for anything you print, and the smaller web-size files for social media, email and messaging. They are the same photographs. The only difference is the number of pixels, and that decides how they look on paper and on a screen.
Why one size does not suit both
Prints need lots of pixels. The usual target is about 300 pixels per inch, so an 8x10 inch print wants roughly 2400 x 3000 pixels. Screens need far fewer. Instagram, for example, displays feed photos at 1080 pixels wide, so a huge file gets shrunk on upload anyway.
That is why a web-size file looks fine on your phone but turns soft or blocky on a large print. It simply does not have enough pixels to stretch across the paper.
Use the full-size files for printing
For albums, framed prints, canvases and wall art, always start from the full-size files. Send those to your printer or album designer rather than a copy you saved from a message or a social post. Messaging apps and social platforms compress photos, and you cannot get that detail back afterwards.
If you are unsure whether a file is big enough, check its pixel dimensions and divide by 300 to see the largest sharp print in inches. Your lab will usually tell you too. Our guide to who owns your wedding photos and whether you can print them covers the rights side of printing.
Use web-size files for social media and sharing
For posting, emailing to family or sending in a group chat, a web-size file is quicker to upload and gives the platform less to compress. Aim for around 1080 pixels wide for Instagram. Keep a copy of the full-size originals somewhere safe and only share the smaller versions.
If you want your wedding kept off social media, or only want a few favourites shared, say so early. Our piece on keeping your wedding photos off social media explains how to agree that.
What to ask your photographer
Before you book, ask which file sizes come with your gallery. Check that you get the full-size files for printing, and that downloading smaller versions is simple. Ask whether print rights are included, and whether there are any rules on how you share the images. Our guide to going through your wedding photo gallery shows what to expect once your photos arrive.
It is also worth confirming this in writing, so there is no confusion when you come to order an album or a large print. If you are still comparing photographers, our list of questions to ask before booking is a good place to start.
Full-day collections from Studio Williams start at £3,500 and include two photographers as standard. If you would like to talk about your day, you can get in touch here and ask anything about your gallery, files and printing before you book.
