Beware, Thieves are about!

[Meerkat17]

Although I've read on this and other photography sites about images being stolen I never thought that I'd find one of my own images on someone's website. The photo has since been removed after I informed the person that I'd "name and shame" him it he didn't remove it.

As I enjoy participating in this and other forum sites, I have decided that my watermark must now be a lot bigger and although this is not the critique forum your thoughts on the following watermark would be welcomed.

It was difficult to choose where to post this message but as its a general issue that concerns us all, I thought this was possibly the best place.

Regards
David

http://www.btinternet.com/~David.Lewins/g5/images/flower0038C.jpg

[tommykjensen]

I understand why You feel You must do that but to be honest I think it destroys the image, at least on this particular image. My eyes get distracted my the watermark.

[shniks]

Wow people have no shame. In one way its flattering, but for the most part it must have made you very angry.
Regarding the watermark, its very big, but in this particular instance it does not take away too much from the photo, because it is not over the main subject. I guess as long as its over an empty part of the photo, its fine. Maybe just alter the size as necessary.

[where1]

It does distract from the photo, but, as far as the watermark is concerned, I like the design.

[Meerkat17]

I have to agree with you all about the size of the watermark and how it does detract/distract from the image, perhaps I was just over-reacting at the time I designed it and thought about the size it should be. I have since created another at a smaller size which will fit into the bottom right corner but still large enough to deter (I hope) anyone from stealing. (see below)

Whilst I don't really consider myself as a good photographer, not even a reasonable one, it was the principle of the issue that got to me. If I were asked by someone for a photo then I'd probably let them have a copy and for free - that, I suppose is the person I am and the nature I have.

Many of the members on this forum have much better, top quality work, better than I could ever hope to produce. Please, just be aware that if they can do it to me they can also do it to you.

Paul, Thanks for the compliment on the design.

Regards
David

http://www.btinternet.com/~David.Lewins/g5/images/flower0038C2.jpg

[tommykjensen]

Yes I think that is better, the watermark itself is also nice.


Whilst I don't really consider myself as a good photographer, not even a reasonable one, it was the principle of the issue that got to me. If I were asked by someone for a photo then I'd probably let them have a copy and for free - that, I suppose is the person I am and the nature I have.

I have already done this. Some time ago a user from germany contacted med because he had seen some photos of elephants on my site and asked if he could use them on a non-comercial site asian elephants (http://www.leszoosdanslemonde.com/html/pages_accueil/etudes_zoologiques/liste_elephants_asie/elephants_europe/danemark/kobenhavn.htm) in european zoo's. I was really honered and gave the permission.

[JZaun]

I may be totally off base but here is my thoughts on this subject. I have started sizing my web pic's smaller. They may be able to crop out my name and post them but decent enlargments are out of the question. If someone wants to seal my pic let them. If I find one, I won't warn them I will just blast away and tell the world :D A decent photographer wouldn't do it and wouldn't need to.

PS: David you DO have some great shots!

JZ

[Andy_T]

Actually, I yet have to take a photo that's good enough for someone else to consider whether it's worth stealing it.

OTOH, maybe I should start looking at pages showing examples of photographic errors and bad pictures .... they might have some reasons to steal my photos :wink:

Best regards,
Andy

BTW: Meerkat, nice photo!

[BigRed450]

David, I have also run into a same issues, hence an explanation of my watermark in the following thread.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32857


It is unfortunate that we have to do this, but people will have to understand and look beyond the watermark to see the image..

[PacAce]

Any chance people who had their images "lifted" could post the names of the sites where this occurred? You could even make it a separate thread with a "sticky" so it stays on top. There might be others who would like to see if any of their images were lifted as well.

Thanks.