Photo Presentation on Web Sites

I recently set up an account on Zenfolio and have been gradually setting up image galleries. I previously used pBase and did so specifically because it had the option of not resizing photos for display. So I could optimize sharpness etc. for how I wanted it displayed and the system didn't alter that. On Zen I backed into the same thing by figuring out what resolution the system resizes images to and processing to that res before I upload the image.

By doing this I then have to upload a higher res image when someone orders a print or digital original. That hasn't been an issue due to only having sold a few images. But I can see this becoming untenable with even moderate sales volume.

So my question to the group is, how do people handle this? Do you control the res/sharpening for display as I describe or do you upload the full resolution image and let the system do the resizing for display in you galleries? Do you think it makes a difference for the average consumer who buys photos off the web?

This is what I would recommend. Display the images on your site at a reasonable size, example 700px on the long side. Then have the orders placed so that "you" fulfill the orders and not automatically done by Zenfolio and sent to MPIX. You need to maintain full control of the master print file.

I would agree with Brad's suggestion. I wouldn't upload high res images to begin with - too much chance someone will grab your shot somehow and print it without your permission. I had this happen to me a couple years ago when a newspaper in Missouri (run by the the journalism school, at that) used one of my photos from my blog without my permission. If I recall, it was 1000px or less on the long side, but it was big enough to suit their purpose. I also like to see the final print before it goes to the customer. My web site is set up so that when someone wants to order, they have to email me. I send my prints to either MPIX or Aspen Creek Photo, depending on the order.

Thanks for the input. I've been taking it for granted that Zen will protect my high res copies. But I was already leaning towards doing the self fulfilled option so think I'll go that route.