Copyright and Protection for Digital Images on the Web

[davosgirl]

Hi I am new to this sight and I had a few questions that I am hoping you guys might be able to help me find the answers to.
I am an amateur photographer and I really enjoy the idea of sharing my work so that others can enjoy it and critique me as well. But I have completely torn about how to protect my work so that it cant be copied off the internet or 'stolen' if you will.
How do you protect your work? Is there a way to keep you pics from being 'copied and pasted'
Most of what do with photography is what I would consider to be more 'art' not just personal pictures of people and such.
What are your suggestions?

[spuddevans]

I use a watermark that is semi-transparent, visible enough to be read clearly yet not too obtrusive ( I think ), but still covering enough of the pic to make it kinda awkward to try and remove. My watermark has the copyright symbol and my website address. I also limit the size of my web-visible images.

But that being said, if your pictures are online, and there's someone determined enough, they'll get them. You are just making it harder for them.

The only way to be sure that your pics will not be stolen is to not show them.


Tim

[davosgirl]

Does simply placing the copyright emblem within your picture grant you copyright privileges? If so what would your granted protections be within the law? Do you just use a simple watermark via photoshop? I have read about digitally embedding your info within a photo any idea how that works and/or cost?

[spuddevans]

Does simply placing the copyright emblem within your picture grant you copyright privileges? If so what would your granted protections be within the law?

I'm not sure about those points, I'd imagine that the legalities would depend on what your local laws are regarding copyright and whether you need to register your work for copyright. But as far as I am aware, if you take the photo, the copyright belongs to you.

Do you just use a simple watermark via photoshop? I have read about digitally embedding your info within a photo any idea how that works and/or cost?

I have created my watermark in photoshop and saved it with a transparent background so that it can be placed over any photo. My photo-hosting is with Smugmug and they put any watermark on my photos that I choose and then also allow me to adjust the opacity of the watermark to suit my requirements.

My camera saves my name to each of my photos in the EXIF, but you can manually add such info yourself later at no cost.


Tim

[FocalPrincess]

My camera saves my name to each of my photos in the EXIF,

Tim

Tim, I'm wondering how you've set it to do this? Thanks!

[jgrussell]

Does simply placing the copyright emblem within your picture grant you copyright privileges?In the United States, just taking the photograph gives you the copyright. You don't have to do anything. But you get additional protections by registering your photos (you can do a whole CD at a time) with the US Copyright Office.

[spuddevans]

Tim, I'm wondering how you've set it to do this? Thanks!
It's easy, just;

Connect your EOS400d on your computer via the bundled USB cable.
-Switch the Camera ON
-Open the Canon EOS Utility Program
-Click the "Camera settings/Remote " Icon
-Click the "Tools Icon" Wrench and Hammer icon
-Click the "Owners name" box that will appear
-Type your name on the "Owners Dialogue box"
-Click Ok
-Turn the Camera OFF
-Disconnect the USB cable

And that's it.


Tim

[davosgirl]

Very good info Thanks

It's easy, just;

Connect your EOS400d on your computer via the bundled USB cable.
-Switch the Camera ON
-Open the Canon EOS Utility Program
-Click the "Camera settings/Remote " Icon
-Click the "Tools Icon" Wrench and Hammer icon
-Click the "Owners name" box that will appear
-Type your name on the "Owners Dialogue box"
-Click Ok
-Turn the Camera OFF
-Disconnect the USB cable

And that's it.


Tim

[davosgirl]

Ok here is a logo watermark that I just created in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
What do you think of the watermark?
When you have a picture that is as busy as this one where is the most appropriate place for the watermark to go? If I place in the center it disturbs the veiwability of the picture.
Opinions? Suggestions?

This is a picture composite of my oldest son that I put together with one of my favorite sunset pictures. He just loves having his picture taken. :)

Valerie