Is adding watermarks for freebie event shoot ok?

[chi]

I'm shooting an event for a 3 day gallery exhibition as a freebie gig, and it's the first time I've done any event. The pics aren't terribly impressive so far, but nonetheless... is it considered tacky to include a watermark in the corner of the pic?

There's been no discussion of it one way or another with the organizers. They just needed some photogs to take pics and one of them recruited me to shoot and said I could get a credit on their web site. But with multiple shooters, the credit on the web site seems useless and does anyone pay attention to those?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Btw, after my first night, I have to give credit to you guys who take tack sharp photos of wedding, events, and concerts. I don't think my camera has taken so many soft images in its lifetime, even at 2.8 and 3200 ISO, so tips appreciated too.

[DDCSD]

If I were doing something for free, you bet I'd put a watermark in the corner with my name and website and demand that they not be cropped out.

[neilwood32]

They are your photos so you are entitled to present them however you wish especially if you are not receiving any financial reward from them.

As DDCSD said I would also make sure that it is understood that the logo/watermark is not to be edited out.

Hint wise, use anything you can to help increase the steadiness of the camera (tripod/monopod/beanbag/chair back etc). And get of f2.8 if at all possible (your lens will be softer at it)

[TTk]

I agree with DDCSD..

[moreover]

You should also include your contact info in the meta data, and perhaps in the water mark itself. There are people who might not want to deal with downloading etc and are perfectly happy to contact the photographer to provide them with perfect enlargements.

As for sharp photos: those are the only ones people display, not the 300 others from the same shoot that end up in the waste bin.

[TJsPLACE21]

THANKS FOR THE INFO GUY'S BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN DOING THE SAME THING FOR YOUTH TACKLE FOOTBALL AND THEY ALWAYS TURN UP ON FACEBOOK OR SOME OTHER SITE WITHOUT MY NAME OF COURSE.

[MMX]

I never add watermarks to my photos because I´m too lazy to do it, but usually I´m the only photographer or one of a very few who publish their photos. Sometimes I find out that someone showed them in his own gallery, but whatever, if it´s not a commercial project, I don´t care. At least I see that my photos are good enough.

[Crossfire]

THEY ALWAYS TURN UP ON FACEBOOK OR SOME OTHER SITE WITHOUT MY NAME OF COURSE.

Yep, this happens to me from time to time, but I'm ok with it. I have a prominent watermark through the middle of my photos so at least the website gets some exposure.

[TJsPLACE21]

IM LOOKING TO PUT MAYBE A SUBTLE WATERMARK ON MY PICS, ANY SITES I CAN LOOK AT?

[René Damkot]

Your caps-lock seems stuck...


What software?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=231532&highlight=watermark

[noxcuses1]

watermarking in the center of the image will guarantee it won't get cropped out ;)