Dr. Danny Winbush Loc: On the beach

Lou Ellen, I like your advice about flattening the layers. Something else I do is to, besides the normal watermark on my images, I usually hide smaller watermarks in the image somewhere. By doing this, if someone wishes to strip out, or crop out, my watermark and use my work for their profit, they better get all of them. It will be extremely embarrassing to be in front of a judge claiming it to be theirs when the other marks are exposed. Besides, a lot of my clients have fun trying to find the hidden marks... It is a game to them.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That's a tough one. I always considered a watermark a form of advertising. "Isn't this a great photo? I took it, and my name is Joe Photographer."

As for the family, will they want a bunch of photos with your tag line on them? Is there an advantage to you to have a watermark? Will they want to post them that way, or will they want you to remove all of the marks?

If you're seriously considering a career in photography, then having a watermark is a good idea. That would be my "charge" for doing the pictures. "I'll take all the pictures you want, but let me have my name displayed on the bottom to attract paying customers."

Let us know how this turns out. Good luck.

prestonphoto Loc: Bath, NY

The urge to put a watermark is unbelieveable!! Personally I'd do it but make it as uneye catching as possible. Example - the photo has a grass background - put your watermark and post it in a medium green color. A shade or 2 lighter than the grass is. That way it blends in with the grass yet anyone looking for a (c) can see it. Hope this helps. If you're proud of your work - do it.

kerbscustom Loc: Valley Center, CA

The only images that I deliver without being branded are the yearbook pictures (the school doesn't allow it).
If you are not proud enough of your work to put your name on it, don't deliver it.

Dr. Danny Winbush Loc: On the beach

If your work is good enough to get noticed people will want your watermark on the images they purchase from you..... It becomes a status symbol for them ;-)

HEART Loc: God's Country - COLORADO

Don't want to tread on any toes, but folks, been at this game a long time. I don't watermark ANYTHING. That said, for those who feel that their efforts need recognition, by all means, watermark. Unless something you shoot is of commercial quality, in demand by mags and the world, please...stop the nonsense. Most of the watermarks I see detract. Get paid for a wedding shoot, give the couple their 15 minutes and a time to remember, let them enjoy the memories - not the photographer's name that's plastered on their photos.

I have a friend in Vegas who does outstanding work. She took my advice years ago and stopped watermarking. She's been in stronger demand than ever - and she's not worrying about "protecting" something that's futile to protect.

Vivian Maier's work (http://www.vivianmaierprints.com/)is a good example. Her estate is making a killing off the resales of her work. She was the consumate street photographer, shot everything and anything, and her work astounds. Left thousands of prints, slides, and undeveloped rolls. She's long past, and don't think she cares. Nothing watermarked. The legacy she left is what makes me pause.

Like good little heirs, my kids want what I have. And they already have it. Give it to them freely - or to anyone who wants it. Folks, there's too much life out there; enjoy what you have. God already gave you everything you need. So....

Joelbarton87 Loc: Hereford u.k

i like your reply ;-)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Easy for you to say. According to you avatar, you live in "God's Country." :D

Dr. Danny Winbush Loc: On the beach

Depends on your goals in life I suppose. It was a different world then. Like I said before, I don't do event photography so I am held by a different set of rules. When I first started I determined that the people who did not want my watermarks and recognition were probably not the people I wanted to market to so I chose a different direction and fortunately, for me, I am still making money off of images I did a long time ago and still have people who follow my work.

There a lot of photographers out there who are much better at it than I am, and if my work couldn't survive without necessary income from event photography I would quit......don't have the temperament for it. However, as long as people continue to feel sorry for me and purchase my images (it is the only thing that explains it to me) and I continue to enjoy what i am doing I will keep doing what works for me. And I will be happy for those folks who do what works for them. Some folks don't need copyrights and watermarks, but I was a Boy scout.

The only other advice I can give on the subject is to find your own path. Be in front of the crowd not behind them. IMHO, for what it's work.

Dr. Danny Winbush Loc: On the beach

It is all about attitude Joel and a person knowing what they want and committing themselves to it. Plan your work and work your plan.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Just want to jump in here about someone not being able to print from a CD at a store....In this day, one simply inserts the CD and selects the images to be printed. When the computer asks if they have permission, they simply say yes. And honestly most people think if they have the CD they have permission to print. And when the prints turn out terrible because they're low res, they blame the photographer!

Joelbarton87 Loc: Hereford u.k

ok so its looking like my best option is to swallow my pride and give the customer what they want (with conditions like no editing ect.) i think when i start to charge and the customer wants cd only i will give two copy's first one low res water marked copy for web and then high res copy's for printing. allow the customer to print their own (if they don't want me to print them) but charge extra for doing so to account for loss of earnings. this will hopefully earn me a good reputation and encourage more business

Picdude Loc: Ohio

I say add your watermark. If they went to an expensive studio (and I've had 2 sets of Sr. pictures done professionally in the last 3 years) you can bet the farm that studio has their watermark on the finished product, everything from the 16 X 20's to the wallet size. Not only does it advertise for you but if done properly (not overpowering or gaudy), adds that extra touch of professionalism to your product. Marketed correctly, they may find the pictures more desirable with the mark than without.

LouEllen

Now that is an interesting concept. Could you post a couple examples, please?

Lou Ellen

Daryl New Loc: Wellington,New Zealand

Watermark them all....found a shot of mine,small watermark,at a local college.They copied pic,watermark and all.So the bigger the better.What annoys me,In school case I would ask for credit line.A tad rude I suggest.