Facebook Cropping

[naeno]

I give my clients a low resolution, watermarked copy of each picture they order. I specifically state that they are not to print or alter the pictures in any way. I've found that several of them have taken the pictures and cropped out the watermark then posted them on Facebook. I don't mind them using the pictures on FB, but I do mind them cropping out the watermark. I don't want to be a jerk, but how often do I need to reiterate, "Don't alter the picture!" I'm really annoyed.

Any suggestions for handling this situation?

[NicoleScraps]

Put it right smack in the middle where it can't be cropped. I don't know what else you could do?

[Niresangwa]

Im pretty sure I've seen Susan address this publicly on her FB page. Maybe she can chime in on how effective calling people out is? I don't think it's unreasonable to dratf a polite email explaining the reasoning behind your wishes and sending it out however.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by NicoleScraps

Put it right smack in the middle where it can't be cropped. I don't know what else you could do?

Bingo. That's really the only way

Either that, or dont actually send digital proofs: have the customer come to you to see them either on-screen or printed.

[Eastree]

Originally Posted by NicoleScraps

Put it right smack in the middle where it can't be cropped. I don't know what else you could do?

I have to suggest this, as well.

"Pfft! I didn't MODIFY the photo, I just took a little off the bottom!"

[kylethemiller]

At my studio we play a big presentation, and give them a proof book to take home. We print it on textured paper so it doesnt scan well, and so we dont have to put the big proof stamp over the picture. IT WORKS! altho we are slowly trying to get rid of proofs all together, because the longer the client has proofs the less they will buy. But that is an entirely different topic. I usually just put a couple of their portraits on facebook, and tag them in them. Usually they wont crop them any if you put the pictures on for them. And you can always type in the description not to crop out your logo. I havent had any trouble with cropping out my logo. Letting your clients know is also i good idea. if you tell them, they will stop out of respect. Most people dont even realize that its a big deal to professionals.

Hope that helps a lil.... haha...

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

Im pretty sure I've seen Susan address this publicly on her FB page. Maybe she can chime in on how effective calling people out is? I don't think it's unreasonable to dratf a polite email explaining the reasoning behind your wishes and sending it out however.

Short of watermarking through the middle (which I've also done), I've put up a notice that says something along the lines of "For those who use photographs taken by me as your profile photo, thank you and I do appreciate it! Just a reminder that if you are going to do so, please do not crop or alter the photographs in any way, per our agreement. Thank you!" If they don't get the hint, I send them a private message.

[Jim Bryant]

Yup, mine is in big white letters right across the photos. For my exposure manager account
here : Jim Bryant Photography - Main Gallery and across the bottom of my photoshelter account. On my photoshelter accounty I have it on the bottom of the photo instead of the middle is that I'm dealing with a lot of Ad/PR agency/Corporate Art Directors, who know that stealing a photo and cropping out the copyright notice will costs them dearly Azores - Images | Jim Bryant Photography
The general public/parent/kid don't give a crap and think that since it's on the www it's free!

[candleman]

You know what?
its only ever been a problem for the clients who i have done discounts or extra special stuff for.
...and mostly friends too..

1. i have now added a "fee" for every cropped image i can find. $40 per image altered
2. i ask them to remove the image from facebook

no exaggeration, (my last wedding client)
i explained copyright and no cropping in our initial meeting. "ok, that makes sense" they said.
i exlained it again upon handover
i explained it again when i discevered cropped images on their pages
i explained it again when she said her mom wants to print some

after all of that she asked me "what do you mean Do not alter"


i resorted to writing "Do not save, Do not Alter" down the side of the websized images

if they refuse, and you are adamant they are not going to get away with it.... you can contact facebook and tell them its a copyright infringement and theywill remove it.

[gturner]

3 ways to handle it in my view
1. watermark across the middle
2. warn, warn, threaten, sue
3. give them a selection marked - FOR DIGITAL SHARING> IE. just know that some are going to get used and be happy. This is how people share images these days, rather be ahead of the curve instead of trying to fight the tide. Maybe charge $100 extra (or whatever the number is) to "allow" the sharing.