Watermark choice - your thoughts

[MichaelKirk]

I just wanted to get some others opinions on watermarking - specifically where to place it on an image without distracting from the image itself, but at the same time offering the protection is is meant to be used for.

In the past I have just been placing my watermark at the bottom of all my images - easy to crop out....but it was there none the less and not really all that distracting (in my opinion).

So now I am thinking of changing my watermark....possibly placing it across the center of my images. This would offer more protection, but at the same time it is more distracting.

So what say yea!
Water marking across the bottom or thru the center?
....or another option??

please ignore the actual photos...they were just test photos taken to try out my new GPS GeoTagging units.

http://www.mlkimages.com/photos/251672381_Hy9uL-M-9.jpg
http://www.mlkimages.com/photos/251694905_sqqBB-M-9.jpg

http://www.mlkimages.com/photos/251672571_h2qgQ-M-9.jpg
http://www.mlkimages.com/photos/251695261_ru7ze-M-7.jpg


Michael

[achambers]

I recently decided to go 'around the corner', it will require cropping on two edges to get rid of.

http://achambers.smugmug.com/photos/214095692_Qfdyj-L-3.jpg

[DonRicklin]

I have yet to impliment my own thought here, but maybe, since SmugMug alows for more than one Watermark for application, that the idea may be to have three or so that can be applied in different positions/styles on various images depending on the image.

Instead of one size fits all, apply the one that fits the situation to maximize the distraction/utility (Safe keeping) ratio!

:thumb:thumb:thumb:thumb

Don

[mercphoto]

I think your first watermark along the bottom is large enough that it actually is not easy enough to crop out. Its not like its an 8-point font tucked away in the corner. Be aware that a valid copyright notice also needs the year.

[Scott Crouse]

Be aware that a valid copyright notice also needs the year.

Really? Why's that? Curious, still new to the world of copyrights. :dunno

[mercphoto]

Really? Why's that? Curious, still new to the world of copyrights. :dunno
Got me. I didn't write the laws. :) But it probably has to do with the fact that copyrights don't last forever.

[bham]

http://mcleod.smugmug.com/photos/181727483_ji3YS-M-1.jpg

Here is another possibility.

[darkdragon]

Here is another possibility.


I hate watermarks and love them - from a viewer standpoint they suck because they ruin the image. I understand though that you just want to protect your stuff from theft.

IMHO - the last option you posted is the best. Would that work for every image? I dunno. At least in the case you presented it in it works. It doest harm the photo look much but definitely protects it.

[bham]

I hate watermarks and love them - from a viewer standpoint they suck because they ruin the image. I understand though that you just want to protect your stuff from theft.

IMHO - the last option you posted is the best. Would that work for every image? I dunno. At least in the case you presented it in it works. It doest harm the photo look much but definitely protects it.

I kinda felt the same way. But from all I have seen this was the best compromise I have found. What tends to help is the angle because on any given photo you may have vertical or horizontal lines, objects, etc and a horizontal tiled watermark even at the same opacity was much more distracting, I found.


I have used a similar watermark on at least 200,000 photos and haven't had a complaint.

[bham]

Hey MLK, I would read this thread here: http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=62279

[MichaelKirk]

Hey MLK, I would read this thread here: http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=62279

I had read that thread...not sure how it relates to designing a watermark...other than possibly changing the wording on my watermark - which I plan on doing once I figure out the final design.

I tried looking around seeing others and watermarks are just so all over the place. Still need to figure this one out a bit better.

Thanks
Michael

[MichaelKirk]

Here is my final design.

I don't think it takes away too much from an image and is more difficult to crop around. I may play with the fading a bit, but I think this is a go for the 2008 Water Mark.

http://www.mlkimages.com/photos/262840479_EVYrK-M.jpg


Thanks for all the suggestions and samples,
Michael

[bham]

I had read that thread...not sure how it relates to designing a watermark...other than possibly changing the wording on my watermark - which I plan on doing once I figure out the final design.

I tried looking around seeing others and watermarks are just so all over the place. Still need to figure this one out a bit better.

Thanks
Michael

I guess my point of pointing out that thread is more to be careful about lack of protection rather than watermark options. Watermarks offer a variable amount of protection depending on how used.

[claudermilk]

Here is my final design.

I don't think it takes away too much from an image and is more difficult to crop around. I may play with the fading a bit, but I think this is a go for the 2008 Water Mark.

http://www.mlkimages.com/photos/262840479_EVYrK-M.jpg


Thanks for all the suggestions and samples,
Michael

Looks good. :thumb Not too intrusive on the image, but you'll have to hack it all up to eliminate the mark.

[MichaelKirk]

I guess my point of pointing out that thread is more to be careful about lack of protection rather than watermark options. Watermarks offer a variable amount of protection depending on how used.

That thread is a good read though - thanks for the reminder. I have always unsed my dba name in my watermark (I', still a sole prop) - I changed it because of that thread to now include my real name.

Michael