I believe we posted this photo of the clock in Cody's Roadhouse Grill about a year ago. Today I'm using it as an example. We've had a number of our photos ripped off by unscrupulous persons. In one case we found a company was using a photo of ours in their logo. It is too expensive and time-consuming to initiate legal action when this occurs.
Therefore, on certain photos -- photos we feel have the most value -- we will be adding a watermark/copyright notice and it will be displayed prominently on the photo thereby making the photo less attractive to the bad guys/gals. These photos will also have our copyright information embedded in the photograph's file.
Generally, I process photos with Photoshop CS3. If you are interested in setting up this watermark/copyright system, I'd recommend you obtain a copy of "The Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book" by Scott Kelby. You will find instructions on pages 412 through 416 and these instructions are easily understood (with pictures!). Mr. Kelby tells you how to make a Photoshop action which allows you to insert the watermark/copyright on a photo with just a click of a button.
Those of you who use Photoshop Elements will find, I believe, you can create a similar watermark/copyright. The latest book I have is for Elements 5, again by Scott Kelby ["The Photoshop Elements 5 Book"]. He explains the process in detail on pages 380-385.
The CS3 book's first edition came out in 2007, but it is still available at Amazon. Amazon has brand-new copies for $35.81. However, if you go to the Amazon site, you'll find you can get a new copy from other sellers for $15.00 and used copies beginning at $.01. If you'd prefer not to buy the book, perhaps your local library has a copy or could obtain a copy for you.
Finally, it is possible you can find instructions on this process elsewhere. Go for it!
23 comments:
Time to eat... well, I'm getting hungry :)
Nice composition, Lowell.
It's sad when you have to resort to something like this. It's so easy to download any photo on the internet. Even on the pages that they won't let you right click your mouse
You are a good educator! I would get one of those books if I thought I'd understand it. And, I should get one because I'd like to preserve some of my better photos. Are these marks always visible? I've started to make greeting cards, just for fun, family, and friends so I think I should get this mark for the photos I use on cards, but not if they're visible.
Sorry that you are being ripped off. I have thought about watermarking, but my PC is old and Elements is a resource hog so I don't use it very often.
Remember Comander Cody? Not the rock band the old TV show.
Vultures! Not the people who eat at Cody's of course ;-) Great shot!
What a great amount of information you've provided us. It really is disturbing when people steal photos. It seems some people seem to think that if it's on the internet it's free.
I found the info on Photoshop's on line tutorial. It has a little video showing step by step how to do it. I didn't know you could embed one in the file though. I will have to look into that. I am not at all surprised that someone would steal your photos as they are excellent. I was, however, very surprised that someone was using mine and it took me two years, hundreds of photos and a tip off from a follower to find out.
A lovely image. Good thing you set up the copyright watermark.
What a sad thing to happen. About 2 years ago a similar thing was happening and we all started copyrighting our photos but with a watermark the images will less likely be stolen. I wonder why people do this. MB
Time to eat...great restaurant...awesome shot...
Right away when I saw the thumbnail I thought uh oh...
Hope this is enough and that it works.
I wouldn't mind having a meal there, not at all! What would you recommend?
How in the world did you find out they were using it?
I've found some of my shots being used too. I've started making the files smaller so that there isn't as much detail if they are enlarged.
Nasty folks every where. I have not looked to see if any of mine have been taken. But I've been contacted five times since 2007 by organizations and/or ad agencies seeking permission to use photos. I've even made a bit of money at it. So, Lowell, how to you come across your photos out there being used, please? Thanks.
I have no idea if any of my photos are being used - how did you find out? I have been asked before and will willingly give permission, but like to be asked.
It's a shame because I don't like watermarks, but definitely see why some people use them.
Thanks for the info Lowell. Nice shot!
I use Elements and the watermark feature didn't work for me. I add a layer of text with my copyright; I don't know if that works as well but at least it's there. How did you find out your stuff was being bootlegged? I've discovered lots and lots of my shots on Google Images and assume that some of them have walked away from there.
How frustrating. It's a shame people don't feel the need to pay artists for their work. Although I can see why they wanted the photo-it's a great shot.
I also love your new header photo.
This happened to a number of photobloggers a couple of years ago, somebody in Brazil. Finally, his site was shut down by Google, since somehow they got word and took action. I hate people who pinch photos. I mean, they could just ask, and if it's for their own use, I usually grant permission and also have been compensated a couple of times. I try to refrain from searching for my photos online...would irritate me to death.
You are so talented! :)
Léia
Hmmm.Lots to think about here.
That is a very good idea adding the watermark.
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