This isn't so much an issue on this site as others, but I am wondering about the inherent risks associated with posting some large images on the web. For example, like a 1200 x 800 (72 resolution, 300kb) or smaller ones that are 710 width with larger file sizes like 400kb or more.
I see some very well known photographers who don't bother watermarking even on their own personal sites while others are hypersensitive about it - going as far as placing watermarks in the middle of large images.
So, what's the worst that could happen if someone downloads your image and uses it dishonestly? I am trying to weigh the pros vs cons of posting large on the web. Thanks in advance for your time.
Posted by Luke Ormand on April 21, 2010 at 11:58 AM
I'm pretty new to the game and only use a small copyright in the corner of my images which of course can be easily cropped out. The biggest fear I would assume is people profiting off your images, or people getting exposure/views by using your images without permission or credit. I've had some of my images show up online without my knowledge and permission, but I was given credit (they were lifted from this site) and it didn't bother me too much.
The one "safety net" is that images that are lifted off NPN or other sites are less quality, and will look like crap (compared to the original) if printed which is a bit of a security blanket.
I simply won't post over 640 pixels. When clients want larger for their sites, my fees go WAAAAAAAY up.
But on the bigger question, you're right. I in particular, and many others, should get in the habit of watermarking. It will keep the honest folks honest, but the dishonest will find ways around. And meanwhile test your resolve (and pocket book) for legal cures.
The worst that can happen is that someone swipes your photo, uses it to make a product (be it a book or a t-shirt), and makes thousands of dollars off that product. I'd like to believe that doesn't happen that often, but my guess is it does happen. Holding the copyright of the photo, you would have the ability to sew - if you knew about it.
There are always going to be those that seem to go out of their way to try and break the law, so whether you post with or without a watermark, large or small, they don't care. The one form of stealing which seems a lot more prevalent than other forms, involves someone swiping your image and placing it on a webpage somewhere, unbeknownst to you. Sometimes that webpage makes money, sometimes not. Whether the image is 1200 pixels or 600 pixels, I don't think its makes a huge difference in this case. Me personally, I stick to the lower res image - its cool to see larger versions, but in my opinion 700 pix across should be sufficient
Discussion
3 repliesI see some very well known photographers who don't bother watermarking even on their own personal sites while others are hypersensitive about it - going as far as placing watermarks in the middle of large images.
So, what's the worst that could happen if someone downloads your image and uses it dishonestly? I am trying to weigh the pros vs cons of posting large on the web. Thanks in advance for your time.
The one "safety net" is that images that are lifted off NPN or other sites are less quality, and will look like crap (compared to the original) if printed which is a bit of a security blanket.
- Luke
But on the bigger question, you're right. I in particular, and many others, should get in the habit of watermarking. It will keep the honest folks honest, but the dishonest will find ways around. And meanwhile test your resolve (and pocket book) for legal cures.
There are always going to be those that seem to go out of their way to try and break the law, so whether you post with or without a watermark, large or small, they don't care. The one form of stealing which seems a lot more prevalent than other forms, involves someone swiping your image and placing it on a webpage somewhere, unbeknownst to you. Sometimes that webpage makes money, sometimes not. Whether the image is 1200 pixels or 600 pixels, I don't think its makes a huge difference in this case. Me personally, I stick to the lower res image - its cool to see larger versions, but in my opinion 700 pix across should be sufficient