The average computer user is only receiving 28.800 bits of information per second. Select only graphics that add value to the site content, and shrink your large graphics by using a graphic program. Then if people click the thumb they go to the bigger image. Gifs are good to use when you have an image with FEW colors. Jpgs is best to use for photos.
Every good page is always under construction.
Animations Don't have too many animated images at one page. It is very annoying to try to read the text at a page where everything is moving. Linked images looks much nicer without a border. Copyright at the Internet Do NOT take images from other sites without asking for permission. Almost everything at the internet ARE copyrighted - even if it doesn't say so at the page.