Optimizing Image Loading on Your Vercel Portfolio

Slow-loading images can significantly impact your website's performance and user experience. Let's improve your portfolio's image loading with some proven techniques.

Use Next.js Image Component

The Next.js Image component (next/image) is designed specifically to optimize images and improve loading performance 1:

Key Optimization Techniques

1. Set Explicit Dimensions

Always specify width and height attributes for your images to prevent layout shifts as images load 1:

2. Use Modern Image Formats

Next.js automatically serves WebP images which are significantly smaller than JPEG or PNG 12:

3. Prioritize Above-the-Fold Images

For critical images visible in the initial viewport, use the priority attribute 1:

4. Implement Lazy Loading

For images below the fold, Next.js automatically implements lazy loading (loading only when they're about to enter the viewport) 2:

Advanced Optimization

1. Responsive Images

Use responsive sizing to serve appropriately sized images for different devices 2:

2. Placeholder Images

Add placeholders while images load to improve perceived performance:

3. Configure Remote Images

If you're loading images from external sources, configure allowed domains in your next.config.js 2:

Implementation Example

Here's a complete example of an optimized image gallery component:

Additional Performance Tips

1. Preload critical images using <link rel="preload"> in your document head for the most important images 1
2. Optimize server response times by leveraging Vercel's Edge Network to decrease latency 1
3. Consider using SVGs for logos and icons instead of raster images when possible
4. Audit your images to ensure you're only optimizing images that need optimization (don't optimize small icons under 10KB) 2

By implementing these optimizations, you should see a significant improvement in your portfolio's image loading performance, which will enhance both user experience and Core Web Vitals scores.