Securing Pictures (Page 3): Honestly, the best way to protect an image, is to not post it online. Of course, if people post images you took for them, you are in the same boat.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Honestly, the best way to protect an image, is to not post it online. Of course, if people post images you took for them, you are in the same boat.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Just as an FYI, I've designed/created custom watermarks for several members here (and elsewhere), so if you need assistance with custom design, please PM me.

woodworkerman Loc: PA to FL

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Any graphical or text watermark can be cropped out of a photograph. It may ruin the image, but they are stealing it and probably don't care.

The best defense is to use a dpi setting of 72 for any on line images, which will make a crappy print in large sizes.

You can also register your work with the Patent Office.

I agree that greatly reducing the dpi for anything you post on line is the easiest solution. There are a number of "Resize" apps available on both Windows and Mac OS.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Mick 53 wrote:

I use Lightroom for a standard watermark. Although it will not let me use an italic watermark. Wondering if there is a way to design a fancier watermark in Lightroom. Sorry to piggyback on your thread.

photologo.co

twowindsbear

Just Fred wrote:

This is the best answer. You can close the thread now.

How does one 'close a thread?'

DeanS Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina

Create your W/m using brushes in PS then just apply using that brush.

PhotosBySteve

Mick 53 wrote:

I use Lightroom for a standard watermark. Although it will not let me use an italic watermark. Wondering if there is a way to design a fancier watermark in Lightroom. Sorry to piggyback on your thread.

You can use any transparent image file such as a PNG file. I use my signature, I created by signing a blank paper and scanned it into Photoshop and saved out as a PNG with a transparent background. I select that image in Lightroom as a watermark and set it up as a preset under the export function.

erxmofb

I am someone who has loved taking pictures since my professional grandfather let me loose in a darkroom with 55mm film out of one of those 2 lens hasselbad things that you wore around your neck and looked down into the viewfinder. I still learn a ton here and am inspired always. For those of you taking cheap shots at enthusiastic new photographers or those adapting to new technology ... shame one you, oh, and you suck balls by the way. This sight is about encouraging enlightening and learning on any level. I learn every day so if you don't have a quality answer shush. I encourage everyone to share the spirit of this message on any thread mentioning dogs making watermarks they may encounter ;)

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Any graphical or text watermark can be cropped out of a photograph. It may ruin the image, but they are stealing it and probably don't care.

The best defense is to use a dpi setting of 72 for any on line images, which will make a crappy print in large sizes.

Dpi doesn't mean much - and easy to change back with almost any edit program.
Are you really suggesting that the OP reduce the number of pixels in the picture, say from 4500x3000 to 1500x1000?? I do that sometime, but, honestly, I don't expect anyone to steal my photos.

DMGill Loc: Colorado

rehess wrote:

Dpi doesn't mean much - and easy to change back with almost any edit program.
Are you really suggesting that the OP reduce the number of pixels in the picture, say from 4500x3000 to 1500x1000?? I do that sometime, but, honestly, I don't expect anyone to steal my photos.

I reduce my images to 640x640 before posting on social media. (and they still get ripped off, but they don’t look too good when enlarged ;-).

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

bkyser wrote:

Honestly, the best way to protect an image, is to not post it online.

So true.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Cdouthitt wrote:

Just as an FYI, I've designed/created custom watermarks for several members here (and elsewhere), so if you need assistance with custom design, please PM me.

Clint produced my current Watermark. He is easy to work with, does a fantastic job and very reasonable!