Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

How do you sign your prints? I am interested in the latest, most popular, or best way that photographers sign their prints or canvas wraps that are for sale. By hand with a marker (what kind), digitally (with a custom brush)?

Thanks

msicman692

I don't know but interested to find out. I just ordered my first two canvas prints and was wondering the same thing.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I have an acid free jell pen, a Pentel Arts Hybrid Technica. I sign in the lower left with my name and date.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

Sharpie makes an acid free felt tip pen . Not suppose to run of discolor, I dont sign my prints but I may start

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

I'll weigh in on my own question.

Yesterday at an art fair my buddy asked me about signing prints. He stated that he began signing his canvas wrap prints with a marker (not sure which kind) until he messed one up and now signs digitally directly in the file.

This brought up a couple of questions. 1. Is this as valid as an individually signed signature? And 2. What's the best way to do it digitally?

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

If you have PS, create a new 'brush' of your signature, then use that brush to 'paint' it anywhere in the image, in any color. Likely, YouTube can assist with how this is done. I'll leave the validity aspect to someone more informed.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Go to Photologo.com and buy a decent watermark.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

If you are selling printed images then a signature etc is fine. If selling digital images then whatever you put on can be removed. Just saying...

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

This is good. What is your technique to ensure it won't be too big or too small when reproduced at full size?

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Sakura Pigma Micron Pen - Size 01 - 0.25 mm - archival quality gel roller ball. Comes in a variety of colors.

But I don't sign a lot of prints - I am not famous, and a signature on one of my prints will not enhance the value. Nor will a limited edition. Not at this point, anyway.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I digitally sign with a custom watermark

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

I use Adobe Lightroom (or other software) to add the copyright info to each image as the copy is made from the camera. Then the copyright is a part of the digital file that is sent to the printer. The copyright is ALSO included in the metadata on the image in my computer and also in any metadata on digital files leaving my control (including digital copies of images being sent to customers). If, I am giving the customer the right and ability to make prints from those images, I will provide them with a dated letter to show the printer detailing the rights to those prints. In some cases, I may limit the size of the image that may be reproduced and in others I may give complete control of that image depending on circumstances. I almost never provide ANYONE an non-copyrighted version of an image (copyright is, at the least, always included in the metadata). While the including of copyright isn't always a perfect remedy for unauthorized use of images, it generally discourages most of the "innocent" mistakes. The professional offenders are not going to be dissuaded by most efforts, just as cars are still stolen despite anti-theft devices, banks are still robbed despite security efforts, etc. As a photographer, you do what you can to reduce the exposure and then deal with anything else on a one on one basis. There are some digital inscription copyrights etc. that can be applied but I haven't seen the need, YET.

napa1

All of my Artist Linen prints and Photo paper prints that I prepare for sale have my personal'Icon' embedded somewhere on them. I expand my photo while in Photoshop and layer in a PNG. format of my 'Icon' in an inconspicuous area. Having said this of course "it can be found" if one expands the photo large enough and really hunts it down. I also have my digital name on each photograph down in one of the corners but this can easily be removed by Photoshop or other software. I also use an acid free fine line marker if a buyer would like me to sign it for them. My Web-site is below
Bill

"IN GOD WE TRUST"
CHECK OUR WEB SITE, IT HAS A NEW LOOK, NEW PAGE GUIDE INDEX
http://mountainanddesertadventures.shutterfly.com/

BOONVILLE, MISSOURI
HISTORY IS HERE http://goboonville.com/


A MAIN STOP ON THE KATY TRAIL
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

Great site. Thanks. Would you know if this in lieu of a copyright?

canon Lee

Not sure if you are selling in a gallery or art show or on line. If you are selling your prints on line you need your authentic signature, not computer generated signature. For prints without frame or mat use an acid free marker. Framed prints should always have a mat to protect the artwork from contact with the glass. Sign on the mat. Sign with a pencil. If you want to make a "limited edition", then number on the left ( i.e. 5/200 the 5 is the print # the 200 is the edition or how many prints are available). Middle is the title of the artwork. Right side photographers signature. Go on line and get a copy of " DOC document of certification" this will certify that it is a limited edition.
I have found that B&W prints sell best. I suggest a black frame with a thick white mat ( 4~6 ply).
Never send a high resolution image of your work for sale on line, but instead a small thumbnail. Good luck Lee