To watermark or not to watermark? That is the question that has plagued photographers since the dawn of the internet. And, of course, everyone has their own opinion on whether this is even useful. However, photo stealing is a real thing. Most of us want to protect our intellectual property where we can, and there are other options besides adding watermarks that can help protect your work.
In this video from Adorama, David Bergman offers some ideas on the best ways to protect your photographs from being stolen online without being too annoying.
As David rightly states, image theft is only an issue for those photographers who make their money from selling the image usage rights to a photo, or to consumer photographers who sell individual photos from an online gallery. I’m sure there are more instances, eg. fine art photographers, and of course, AI data sets, however, these types of photographers mentioned are the most concerned.
In the U.S. and Europe, you own the copyright as soon as you take the photo unless you’ve signed the rights away under certain conditions. However, taking someone to court over copyright infringement can be incredibly costly and drawn out. As always, prevention is better than the cure.
So, how can you better protect yourself against online image theft?
Upload low-resolution images
David recommends that you only upload low-resolution versions of your photos. This means resizing your images to a smaller dimension and file size, like 1200×800 pixels. This deters high-quality prints or large reproductions, as the images will become pixelated and lose detail when enlarged.
However, be warned that these days, with AI image enhancers such as Aiarty and Topaz, it’s easy to increase the resolution of an image. The results are staggeringly good, unfortunately, for anyone looking to protect their work with low-res images.
Watermarking your photos
Visible Watermarks: Adding a small, non-distracting watermark to your photos can help. A simple line of text in a corner can deter unauthorized use while still maintaining the photo’s aesthetics.
Invisible Watermarks: These embed a unique fingerprint in your image without altering its appearance. However, this technology is more suited for large companies and may not be practical for individual photographers.
As mentioned above, visible watermarks aren’t always a great idea and will often just irritate your honest clients. I have never felt the need to watermark any images. In fact, I feel like it can potentially make you look a little petty, but that’s just my opinion and many swear by it. It’s usually only tolerated in consumer businesses though, commercial photographers almost never watermark their work.
Use technology to block image downloading
Implement plugins for platforms like WordPress that block drag-and-drop or right-click image saving. Of course, this won’t stop a determined thief, but it adds an extra layer of difficulty.
Use software like Photo Mechanic, Photoshop, Lightroom, or Capture One to embed IPTC metadata in your files. This includes your name, contact info, and copyright details. Although social media sites often strip this data, it’s beneficial when sending images to clients or agencies.
Legal remedies
Understand copyright laws and the legal measures available. Registering your images with the U.S. Copyright Office provides additional protection and allows you to claim statutory damages if your work is infringed.
Use Google reverse image search
Utilize reverse image search tools to find where your images have been posted online. This helps address unauthorized use, although the tech can be hit or miss.
Blockchain technology
Blockchain can create a digital certificate of ownership, ensuring that terms of use are respected. Though still evolving, it holds promise for the future of photography protection.
Balancing exposure and protection
While it’s crucial to protect your work, remember the internet is a powerful tool for showcasing your images and promoting yourself. You need to weigh the potential risks of theft against the benefits of online exposure.
It’s reasonable to be concerned about low-resolution photos being enhanced and stolen, but there are measures you can take to protect your work. Ultimately, the only way to ensure your work isn’t stolen online is not to post it, but the benefits of online exposure often outweigh the risks.
