watermarks

ran

I'm told the reason I haven't made any sales is because ,people just download my pics off the page for free and if I want to keep them from doing that I need to watermark all my images . Is that really going to help keep my images safe? also can I watermark on the power account level or do I have to have the pro ?
thanks ran

denisegoldberg

Watermarks are only available on pro accounts - but that isn't an issue here since you already have a pro account (assuming that you are asking about the site in your signature).

Will they keep your image safe? It depends on the watermark since hackers can remove them. I'm well aware that someone could remove or crop my watermark, but I'm not willing to obscure my images with a truly protective watermark. I want to make a statement, but I've stopped well short of safety.

Make sure that you know your viewers - will they even bother to look if you place a good (safety) watermark on your images? I know that I won't.

Do you have proof that people are grabbing your images from your site? Just because the images aren't watermarked doesn't mean that they are being stolen, and the XLarge size - which looks to be the largest available in at least some of your galleries - won't allow a large (quality) print.

--- Denise

ran

Thanks Denise ,I'm planning on dropping back to the power level as I can't see paying the extra for sales when I don't have that much selling lol.
I guess watermarks are like locks on a door they help keep the basic honest person honest , but if a crook really wants in he will get in. I don't know how one could tell if someone was taking your pics . At least I can't , but I'm far from a guru.

SamirD

ran wrote: »

I'm told the reason I haven't made any sales is because ,people just download my pics off the page for free and if I want to keep them from doing that I need to watermark all my images . Is that really going to help keep my images safe? also can I watermark on the power account level or do I have to have the pro ?
thanks ran

Watermarking when combined with maximum size limits will virtually stop theft of images that will be printed. However, digital theft is still far too easy. Better to provide them an easy way to link the image and let your watermark be free advertising.

If you think you can recoup your pro account costs in a year, I'd stick with it. If you're already getting sales with XL, you'll continue to get them and it should increase over time.

Seamus

Check out the help page on image protection. Most of it has been covered in the answers from Denise and Samir but it may help you

hth.

SamirD

AMAZING work Seamus!! One of our local riders is from the Emerald Isle and has a sweet Ducati. I posted links to your smugmug page on my site. I know my visitors will love your pictures as much as I did.