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If you are worried about people using images that you created without your permission it may be time to consider adding a watermark to your work. You may be wondering what you should put on your watermark and how to use it effectively to reduce the chance of images being used without your permission.
When adding a watermark to your image it is important to do so in a way that does not completely overpower the subject. Simple, monochromatic watermarks with minimal text tend to be the most effective. Images can still be viewed but the watermark is visible enough to deter illegal use.
For more information on how you can better protect your images and what to put in your watermark continue reading.
Minimize The Risk Of Image Theft With Watermarks
The point of using a watermark is to protect your images from others using them without permission, especially in a commercial manner.
With so many editing programs that have the capability to remove a watermark from an image, you may be wondering if it is even worth the effort of creating and using one for your web images.
Although watermarks can be removed with editing software it is still a good idea to use one. The reason being is that in most cases when images are being used without permission it is done by non-professionals who are simply sharing things they like on the web.
Oftentimes the people using the images without permission are not doing so maliciously they just don’t know any better. If someone uses or shares an image of yours that has a watermark and they don’t remove it you can chalk it up as free publicity.
This can be helpful in some cases as well because if someone likes your work they can reach out to you from the information on the watermark.
On the other hand, if you find that a business or large corporation is using your image(s) for marketing or other money-making purposes you can take legal action.
In most of these situations, the company will remove the image or pay a settlement fee for using it without permission.
Continue reading to learn the most effective way of designing and placing a watermark on your completed image.
Protecting Your Images Without Overpowering Watermarks
Without further ado here is how to create the most effective watermark so you can protect your images without overpowering them.
Simplicity Goes A Long Way
When you are creating a design for your watermark it is important to use a design that is clearly visible yet does not cover the entire image to the point you cannot tell what you are looking at.
Many times people make the mistake of creating a large, bold-looking watermark with lots of text or other designs with the mindset that it will make it more difficult for people to remove.
The problem with that train of thought is that you are then essentially ruining the image that you worked so hard to create.
The people who are intended to view it will not be able to appreciate the full effect of the image because there is a busy watermark blocking their view.
Yes, the goal of a watermark is to deter image thieves however, if you block the whole image you are also deterring the right people from viewing the image.
In addition, a large and busy-looking watermark makes an image look unprofessional so if you are serious about your work and getting noticed by the correct audience it is essential that you keep it simple.
What Should Be In Your Watermark?
You understand the importance and value that a watermark can add to your web images, but now you are not sure what your watermark should say. The list below will help you to clarify your thoughts on the subject.
Be Purposeful With Your Wording
Many professional designers recommend that you do not use a lot of text in your watermarks as it adds unnecessary confusion and busyness.
However, if you are going to use text be sure it is done with purpose. For example, you can include your name or the name of your business.
You can also list a phone number, email, or address. Be sure to choose one reliable form of contact rather than listing every possible way a person can reach out to you. Less is more in this situation.
Transparency Matters
A big complaint that many people repeatedly voice is that oftentimes watermarks are too saturated. They cannot see through the watermark to view the actual image.
If they can’t see the picture they will end up looking elsewhere for what they need. To avoid losing viewers and followers be sure your watermark is transparent enough to see the image.
Real Estate Is Not The Only Industry Where Location Matters
The placement of your watermark is nearly as important as its opacity. Although some images make it difficult to do so, you want to try to place the watermark close enough to the image that it is clearly visible to reduce the risk of people cropping it out.
If you must place the watermark over the subject in the image try not to cover the most important parts of the image. Sometimes slightly overlapping a watermark over the edge of the subject is enough to deter people from trying to copy or remove it from the scene.
Many professional photographers will post their watermarks in one of the bottom corners of the photo. This creates a more professional look although it does not protect the image from being copied as much as if you place the mark over the subject.
Size And Color Choices
As mentioned above, a simple clear design is best for an effective watermark. Professionals recommend that you keep the mark small, and use a monochromatic color scheme to help it blend rather than stick out like a sore thumb.
Many professional photographers will create a simplified version of their business logo and use that as their watermark. Not only does it look professional, but it draws awareness to your work and gives people a way of contacting you.
Simple Watermarks Are More Effective
Now you understand the benefits that a watermark can provide and how best to create one that is effective yet not overpowering. If you keep these helpful tips in mind you will find that there will be less copyright infringement on your images as people don’t want the hassle of a legal battle.
