What are the advantages of...

[Lois khalafalla]

I see some people add their names or names of their photography business on their pictures. Does this prevent people from stealing their work? Does this interfer with printing photos? Does this interfer with web sites like istock.com? Do you recommend doing this or not?
I am just starting out and was wondering about this. Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Lois

[natek313]

Hi, Lois.

I watermark my images to discourage people from just taking the photo and using it without my permission. Of course, there's really no 100% secure way preventing someone from taking it anyway, unless you just simply do not post your pictures on the internet.

When I print photos, I generally leave the watermark off, but I will put a label on the back of the print with all the relevant information.

I don't know for sure, but I think sites like istock.com won't accept images with your watermark on them. Perhaps someone that works with those web sites can correct me, if necessary.

Personally, I recommend watermarking your photos.

[private]

I also put it on my images for marketing purposes. The more someone sees a name the more likey they are to remember it... Same with a logo. A good example is McDonalds, All you need to see is the golden arches and I BET if they ever changed the color (not the shape) people will STILL know who they are.

[daft_biker]

Dunno about advantages but I rarely bother trying to see past a watermark to see the image it's spoiling...disadvantages are they put people off looking at your images. They also make you look like a paranoid twonk if the images aren't worth stealing

It's a lot easier to slap a logo on something than it is to take a decent picture but it makes things look more proffesional. To the untrained eye at least.

Do you want to be known for your images or your logo?

[Saralonde]

If someone really wants to steal your photo, a watermark won't stop them. A little work in Photoshop can remove most of them.