In photoshop I changed the increments to pixels/inch so I could view actual image size in pixels. I reduced the image resolution from 300ppi to 72ppi, which reduced the image size from 34.5 Mb to 1.9mb. Then I brought the image width down to 1000 pixels, which reduced the file size even further. I viewed the image at 100% to check for any pixilation. I used the sharpen (unsharp mask) filter to compensate for any loss of quality when reducing file size. I then exported the image to save for web. I used the four windows to view image at various jpeg settings, and selected the best visual based on best image quality at the lowest file size. I chose to save this file as a jpeg because it’s the best format for compressing photographic images for web while retaining colours.
If an image was taking long to load on my website I would firstly ensure that the file size was reduced. I would make sure that the pixel size did not exceed the monitor screen width and making sure that the resolution was at 72ppi. I would then ensure that it was saved with the correct file extension, which is a jpeg. At the best quality setting at the lowest file size. Even though png images have great quality, the image size is quite large which would slow down my website. If the colour looked off, I would make sure that I was working within the correct colour profile which is RGB and not CMYK. If the image lost its sharpness while reducing file size I would use the Sharpen (Unsharp Mask) filter in photoshop to improve image appearance. I would crop image appropriately to highlight the focal point.