Signature on images: I sell my photos at art shows and such...I’ve had some comments from fellow artists on my signatures being too big or pronounced...that they take away from the...

Annie Loyd

I sell my photos at art shows and such...I’ve had some comments from fellow artists on my signatures being too big or pronounced...that they take away from the images...
Is there a size or location standard?

Silverrails

I think usually a Photographer's Signature is found "Discreetly" in the bottom Right or Left hand Corner' of the Image, although I myself am not an authority concerning this subject, just another fellow Photographer looking to learn from Other's here at UHH.

Annie Loyd

thanks..I am curious too.

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Depending on the artist, even the signature is a part of the work.
You are the artist so it is up to you and your public to determin what works.
My personel choice is that a signature should be plainly and easily seen BUT not so much so that it detracts from the focus of the work. BUT that is just my .02
Its art and you are its creator. The Creator makes the rules.

saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee

An interesting question. I look forward to the responses. I personally find many of the signature stamps folks are using to be way too large and very distracting. If you must do it, keep it small and as out of the way as possible. Once upon a time I marketed my work (not very successfully). Back then, I signed all my photos with a small signature using a special pen in the bottom left or right side of the image after I matted it. I liked the personal touch.

Stardust Loc: Central Illinois

There are no fast rules but the signature/logo should not distract from the print itself, usually bottom right or left, and often 30-50% opacity if done digitally. Many professionals print with a border or mat - numbering, naming and signing in the "margins". I personally have never or would ever buy a print that has a signature on the actual photo portion unless the photographer was more famous than the photo.

BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

I never sign my photos, but when I sell a framed and matted picture I put the picture title on the mat on the left and my name on the right just below the photo. I use a very light pencil and write very small.
Bud

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

WDCash wrote:

Depending on the artist, even the signature is a part of the work.
You are the artist so it is up to you and your public to determin what works.
My personel choice is that a signature should be plainly and easily seen BUT not so much so that it detracts from the focus of the work. BUT that is just my .02
Its art and you are its creator. The Creator makes the rules.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Annie Loyd wrote:

I sell my photos at art shows and such...I’ve had some comments from fellow artists on my signatures being too big or pronounced...that they take away from the images...
Is there a size or location standard?

Annie,

I just used my initials. Small and discrete, however on the back of the image I had information about it being an original image, taken by me and my website and contact info.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I would suggest going through the gallery and look at those that have signatures to see what you like and make your decision as to any adjustments you want. I don't know about the actual count but a photo is worth a lot of words!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I agree with Stardust: I wouldn't want to buy a print that has a signature on the actual photo portion unless the photographer was more famous than the photo.

I'm curious about the circumstances, Annie. Did you overhear buyers talking about your signature and then ask fellow artists, or did these fellow artists give you unsolicited advice? And how much do they sell vs. yourself?

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Just a thought, but an example posted would give us more prospective. Who knows it may already be perfect. I am like Linda, if you are not famous I would pass on a photo with a signature!

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

Annie Loyd wrote:

I sell my photos at art shows and such...I’ve had some comments from fellow artists on my signatures being too big or pronounced...that they take away from the images...
Is there a size or location standard?

I sell in a gallery. I figure customers are not buying my signature. They want the photograph. I put a sticker on the back with name and email and copyright notice and some information about the photograph.
...Cam

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Look at what paint artists have done over the centuries and you’ll have an idea of what true artists do. I’d be pleased to see actual data but my recollection is no signature at all to very discrete.

The big sigs on pictures tell you more about the ego of the maker.

Annie Loyd

The conversation was with other artists...I personally like that folks are collecting my photos and I have a copyright on sold images. I am listening and like that I change opacity be a little less obvious.