Realcent.org

This is the original photo my current avatar is based on. I'd like it to appear as it is, as an oval, but I can't figure out how to shrink these things without losing quality...

You need to save the file as a .png with the background removed.

Also, tell us more about the photo... who is it, what did he do, why do you care, where is the picture from, etc. etc?

It's Edgar Allan Poe.

What's a .png? How do you remove a background? Why am I awake at 3:30 in the morning?

Mr. Goggle found this --- http://blog.pixlr.com/post/62924236952/create-a-circular-avatar-with-pixlr-editor

I filled in around the edges with the same color as the RealCent background and pasted it below. I think this will get the results you are looking for if you use it.



EDIT: Ah, crap. Looks like I was off a shade. If that gets you closer to where you want to be then I might have time to try the color match again later on.

Cool
Both Subject matter and the clever idea of getting the background to match the forum color. Kudos

I wondered who was in the photo, just never asked.

Thanks! Looks great