Some questions re: low resolution digital files for client?

[Kimmy]

If a client wants some low resolution files (for myspace, facebook, etc.) in addition to prints,

do you - watermark them? if so, would love to see a few examples

what size do you go with? 320pixel, 480 pixels?

and what do you charge for low res files? or do you give them as freebies but only after a certain amount spent?

I don't really want to watermark them super obvious like I would a digital proof, but do want to put my name on them, just for the advertisement, and so they don't attempt to print them.

thanks.

[toverman]

I haven't done this yet, but I feel it's coming. I would watermark them in an obvious way, otherwise the client might crop the watermark out.

[brad]

Originally Posted by Kimmy

If a client wants some low resolution files (for myspace, facebook, etc.) in addition to prints,

do you - watermark them? if so, would love to see a few examples

what size do you go with? 320pixel, 480 pixels?

and what do you charge for low res files? or do you give them as freebies but only after a certain amount spent?

I don't really want to watermark them super obvious like I would a digital proof, but do want to put my name on them, just for the advertisement, and so they don't attempt to print them.

thanks.

Watermarks - yes, and I tell them that the license that allows them to post them online requires they leave the logos.



I give 800 on the longest side.. but I'm thinking about dropping that to 600... and increasing the font size along with that.

I give them as part of the whole package... but only if they actually purchase that image.

[Kimmy]

Thank you Brad, and thanks for the example. Yes, I think 600 is a better size than 800. I also like your policy of only giving them when they buy that image as a print.

I guess some people really are clueless and/or apathetic about what is legal/illegal with photography. I just got an email from a client, she had asked about the digital files for posting on facebook. I told her I would sell low res files w/watermark for x amount. She emailed back, "Ok let me ask you this. Is it illeagal for me to scan them and load them to facebook? Thats what I have always done with my other photos. Just curious.... " (I know she had some professional photos done previously by a different photographer).

I guess I should add copyright info to my website.

[srwatters]

My release states that the images must retain my logo and that there is to be no alteration of the images provided. I've opted for 525 pixels in width so the height varies but is no larger than 800 on the long side.

[brad]

Scott's got a good point.. need to include the "no alteration" part in the release, too... I've had a bunch of people who thought they "knew" photoshop that absolutely mangled their photos.