What is a VERY basic way to watermark images: Very basic question: What it the simplest way to send "proof" pics to a prospective client without giving them the ability to just send...

swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

Very basic question: What it the simplest way to send "proof" pics to a prospective client without giving them the ability to just send them off to printer? These are (get ready for the mockage) in JPEG form.

The situation: I have a friend who owns a barbershop. He recently changed locations and had a ton of wall space open with nothing hanging. I offered to put up some of my images, and together we collaborated and decided which ones would be best for his space. So I have about a dozen 8x10 images hanging on the wall. One of his other clients asked if I might be interested in selling some images, and asked if I had some very specific subject matter. Of course I would be willing, but I don't feel like spending a ton of time with someone to show off a few images of their desired subject. I'd like to email a few to judge the interest, but I want to put a big "PROOF" on the images so that they don't get "Bogarted" and just sent to a printer.

Any SIMPLE advice?

Thanks in advance

Steve

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Downsize significantly instead.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

This post gives ideas for resizing, specifically for online display. The idea applies to other image uses, where you just need to make the resolution (pixel dimension) smaller as well as lowering the JPEG quality. Don't share anything longer than 1024px and test a few examples in the 50% to 60% quality range. https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-512745-1.html

You might also consider a free site like Flickr for posting the images with download disabled, organize the images into albums, and just send a link to the album to the perspective customer. A subtle watermark across the center of the image is still another idea.

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

CHG_CANON wrote:

A subtle watermark across the center of the image is still another idea.

Is there software available to do this either online or in a decent camera store? I use the one offered in the now not available for download Picsa3 program. It only allows for the water mark to be placed in the lower right corner though. Thanks

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

foxfirerodandgun wrote:

Is there software available to do this either online or in a decent camera store? I use the one offered in the now not available for download Picsa3 program. It only allows for the water mark to be placed in the lower right corner though. Thanks

I use Lightroom where you can use text or an image and perform the "apply" action in a fully automated batch process. I used to use PSE, but the watermark application was image by image and needed to be resized for each image for consistency of size and position. I'm not familiar with other options, but automation and consistency would need to be a requirement for anything you need to pay for.

swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

CHG_CANON wrote:

You might also consider a free site like Flickr for posting the images with download disabled, organize the images into albums, and just send a link to the album to the perspective customer. A subtle watermark across the center of the image is still another idea.

I really like the Flickr page idea as I already have one up. I went to my page, and I cannot find a "settings" type tab that will allow me to disable download. Can you help me in that regard. As always Paul, thank you for your help!!!

AnthonyBiss Loc: Toronto, Ontario

I USE COREL PAINTSHOP . GREAT FOR ALL OF MY WATERMARKING.
DR.AL

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

swartfort wrote:

Very basic question: What it the simplest way to send "proof" pics to a prospective client without giving them the ability to just send them off to printer? These are (get ready for the mockage) in JPEG form.

Steve

It helps if you have an editing program that will allow layers like Elements or Photoshop and a tool to adjust Opacity of layers. Create a new layer which will be a copy of the first and use the text tool to add something like @Swarfort in a BIG font. Use the crop/rotate tool to change angle to 45 deg. Then use the Opacity slider to change the transparency of the layer until the text looks to recede into the background without vanishing. Collapse layers/merge layers so there is only one, then export as JPEG files.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

swartfort wrote:

I really like the Flickr page idea as I already have one up. I went to my page, and I cannot find a "settings" type tab that will allow me to disable download. Can you help me in that regard. As always Paul, thank you for your help!!!

I believe it's in your Flickr profile section rather than the individual image. Try Account Settings and Privacy & Permissions. I clicked your hawk that is the top of your photostream and this image is currently available for download at several different sizes. Try the setting "only you" for download options. You can sign-off Flickr and then test what is available to the public after changing the permissions.

foxfirerodandgun Loc: Stony Creek, VA

Thanks all for you input.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

CHG_CANON wrote:

This post gives ideas for resizing, specifically f... (show quote)

I use what used to be a Windows Power Toys image resizer. It becomes part of the right-mouse click menu in Windows Explorer. Very Handy to resize images without going through an editor. You can resize existing files or create new resized files. Kinda auto sizing can be done by entering ONE field for X -or- Y (W or H).

http://www.bricelam.net/ImageResizer/

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

swartfort wrote:

Very basic question: What it the simplest way to s... (show quote)

What software do you have, LR and PS (PSE also) will do it.

WJShaheen Loc: Gold Canyon, AZ

I add text using Microsoft Paint 3D. I don't use the 3D feature and so could probably get by with Paint.
For example: https://williamshaheen.smugmug.com/Landscape/i-LzXcLTb

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

robertjerl wrote:

What software do you have, LR and PS (PSE also) will do it.

Most editors should allow you to add text to an image, maybe even picking a color and font.
One of the editors I use does.

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

Can you open them and save them as a *.pdf? You can add a watermark to the *old.pdf file and print it as a *new.pdf. The watermark should be secure. I use Paint.net for saving photos in *.pdf format and Adobe Reader for pdf files. I print using DoroPDF writer, and often do it with engineering drawings I seal.

Rather than prints, you can provide him with *.pdf files. With DoroPDF you can append the prints so you can provide him with a single file. rather than 20 *.pdf files. Reduce size and resolution as noted to minimise file size. He can view the file(s) on his own computer.

Dik