Can anyone tell me how to take a picture and resize it properly to be used for an Avatar? Everytime I try to resize it to 50x50 pixels it turns completely blurry.

Thanks...

Cedwar

Sometimes the best approach when downsizing for this kind of purpose is to do it incrementally - i.e. do an Image Size of 90% repeatedly until you get down into the right ballpark, then resize to 50x50.

I've just done some testing though and for images I've tried it with it doesn't seem to be the best option. I got better results sizing straight down to 50x50. Another option that gives slightly better results is to use one of the plugins or apps like Extensis SmartScale that are designed for resizing photographs bigger without losing detail -- if instead you use it to size smaller then the controls over sharpnedd and edge contrast can help a little.

A general technique is to slightly oversharpen the image before you reduce its size -- actually, I've found that probably the best single thing you can do to improve the perceived sharpness of the final 50x50 image.

Not applicable for avatars, but I shall mention here the amazingly cool "favicon from pics" online tool (http://www.chami.com/html-kit/services/favicon/) that you can use for generating favicon icons (the ones that appear next to the page title on your list of Favorites in IE if the webmaster of a site has set them up properly). Not of any use for something else, but it's remarkable how recognisable a photo can be even at that tiny size. There's an equivalent tool here (http://www.123promotion.co.uk/favicon/), and probably a whole bunch of others out there too.

If you'd like I'll make you an avatar ! I like to make simple animated ones... not like mine.... with a smile or a wink etc.
just post a simple close up of the face or whatever you'd like to use ... actually long ago we had a thread on those... here:
http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2430

Cedwar. I'd take Rondon up on his offer. He turned my OK toilet avatar into something that makes me feel flushed.

Cheers
Dave

Ok Rondon... here is the file Id like to use for my avatar. Its me batting in little league about 20 some odd years ago.

Thanks! ...Cedwar

ok... hope you like these..

all are animated but the one on the right....

the 250 pixel one is just for you to enjoy... it will need to be clicked on for full sized....
the others should all install alright..

I will keep the file for awhile in case you want some changes..
RonDon

Rondon! Those are awesome! Thanks a lot... you even managed to make me look like a better player than I was.

Duv was right, thanks again.

Cedwar

I enjoy seeing a few of my avatars show up here and there at RTP

dunno if I made you look like a better player though... looks like you didn't see that one coming :)

RonDon

Anybody have one they want animated?

This thread is closed.