Watermark Test

[VincentHerrera]

I'm normally just a lurker, but I've got a question and a challenge. I've visited quite a few TPF photographer sites and notice every kind of watermark imaginable (from the horribly distracting, to the non-existent).

My question is: What are your thoughts on watermarking online and printed images?

My "challenge" is: Post any image you like, with your normal watermarking, and allow these PS geniuses to try to steal and repair it (as one might if going to claim it as their own).

Anyone interested? I'd love to see how various watermarks hold up against determined digital artists!

[Patti Edens]

I'll play. Give it your best shot Photoshoppers.

[CaptainTom]

microsoft digital image suite has a nifty smart erase feature. you just circle the offensive pixels and push the button.

[VincentHerrera]

It's kinda sad how easy that looked. At least from a photographer's point of view. :( BTW, this thread isn't to down anyone's watermarking, just curiosity. Hope more people contribute.

[toverman]

My cloning attempt wasn't quite as sharp as Tom's solution. But I went one step further to, uh, "disguise" the original image.

[epoh]

A slightly better solution - flash galleries. In order to 'steal' the image, the only route they have is to take a screenshot. Slighty more work and discourages most petty thieves.

[KD5NRH]

The way I look at it, the watermark is primarily there so that people don't mistake my images, particularly some of my intentionally-old-looking B&W images, for out-of-copyright work. It also discourages the casual thief, but a determined one will get past anything that doesn't outright ruin the original image.

BTW; CaptainTom, I think there are some job openings if you'll follow up on these leads.

[Patti Edens]

Wow Tom! That was too easy.

That's why I don't usually watermark my photos. It's not worth the trouble.

[venchka]

What about invisible watermarking? Does anyone use that? I've heard it's harder to get rid of those. Mainly because nobody knows it's there unless you look at the JPEG code.

[gtakacs]

If you don't want it to be stolen don't post it on the internet, simple as that (and sad as that).

I don't use watermarks in my portfolio, if you come to my website and look at my pictures and you decide to take them you will take them, no matter what. And you most likely know what you're doing is wrong.

I use watermarks on my event photos where I expect to make my money on prints and digital downloads. I have several versions for landscapes and portraits running through different parts of the picture. I always pay attention not to run it through the potential client's face. It's better to lose a photo than to lose a client for life because you crossed their face.



For photos that I post on message boards I usually put a simple one in the bottom just as a friendly reminder that I took the picture. Again, if you want to steal it you probably will. I make an effort never to post anything larger than 800px on the long dimension. Anything bigger than that will print decent.

[MicWayWal]

I'll bite. I mark EVERY image I put online which is infrequent but sometimes necessary. I try to put the marks in a place that makes it impossible to copy. Let's see what you guys can do.

[gtakacs]

Michael, here is my 10 minutes of work. It's not perfect but good enough for Myspace...

[Noel Hankamer]

Here is mine, I don't care for it though.

[Daniel Bates]

Originally Posted by MicWayWal

I'll bite. I mark EVERY image I put online which is infrequent but sometimes necessary. I try to put the marks in a place that makes it impossible to copy. Let's see what you guys can do.

How's this?

[carrbowl]

Daniel...that's a bit scary...I was thinking that one would be almost impossible..guess not.!!