Uploading images

Can anyone help me? When I upload a photo it converts to 512 x 512 usually, or 512 x 256. If it is a piece of art with OTHER dimensions . . . how do I retain the REAL dimensions and prevent the distortion that happens when it converts to these shapes?

I sure would appreciate help.

You can’t. All texture sizes are converted to a power of two when uploading (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024 - though I am not actually sure how small an image can be); it’s just the way textures work internally.
Just make sure that the prim you’re applying the texture to has the correct aspect ratio, and your texture will be stretched back out to the correct size.
If it is a snapshot to be viewed in the client, and not applied to a prim, you have to make sure your original image size matches those ”magic numbers” (by, say, adding black borders if necessary), or it will be distorted, as you have seen.

all photo uploads are converted to a base 16 number mainly 128,256,512. to get a photo with it's original propations eier set them at 512 or make a back ground that is bigger and set the whole thing at that size it will look ike you have matted picture

If you're trying to upload photos for your profile you can use the dimensions below.

Because of the size and format restrictions imposed by the SL system, it is best to scale the longest dimension to one of the multiples (512, 256, 12 and keep the aspect ratio the same. When uploaded, these look distorted when viewed in textures, but just fine with no distortion when used in your actual profile.

Profile Pic: 168 x 126 (Use 512x384 or 256x192 for upload)
My Picks: 290 x 164 (Use 512x292 for upload)
1st Life Pic 135x135 (Use 256x256 or 128x128 for upload.)

Thanks to Torian Carter who measured up the dimensions and originally posted this information.

Ya know...I've never done any of that and I've never had a problem with profile pics. LOL If I am uploading a photo to use as a print to hang in my studio...I simply adjust the prim it's on to where the print looks like it should. I do use the canvas trick tho, and always put a boarder on my pics.