The field of photography has grown beyond belief since its original conception in the 1800’s. Photography rapidly progressed from pinhole, alternative processes and eventually film, to the ease and simplicity of digital photography with point and shoots and DSLRs. In the old days it was nearly impossible to reproduce someone’s work without having the original negative or experience reproducing said media. In today’s world, reproduction is as simple as using a screenshot program or utilizing the download button from popular sites such as Facebook. It happens more frequently that we realize and many times we never find out it’s happened. Understand and acknowledge that image theft can and will happen and learn about what you can do to protect yourself.

Photographers off all skill levels need to take a moment to be aware of the truth involved when you post your work online for all to see. You are taking a huge risk. There are some photographers, even professional ones, that aren’t worried about image theft. There are others that take drastic steps tom protect their work whenever possible. What is the big deal? Why should this matter to you? Consider for a moment the glorious landscape or adorable photo of your child you uploaded online. Someone will see your image and enjoy it enough to copy it, save it or even re-upload it claiming it as their work in order to attempt a profit. Even worse someone could create a fake profile online using the photo as proof that they are a legitimate person. This happens more often that you realize. The issue of copyright is deserving of a lengthy article which will be presented in due time. It is a great beginning to understand how to protect your work in the mean time. There are companies who utilize popular search engines for their graphic design needs rather than visiting stock websites. There are people who take what they want without realizing they are violating your rights, and others who don’t care. Images in search engines don’t display the original source unless visited, so some assume they are free. Some people even feel that once you post your work online, you are asking for theft. This is simply not true. There are numerous ways photographers of all skill levels can protect their work effortless enough that every photographer can and should do it.

With every website you upload your work to online, be sure to take the time to read their ‘Terms of Service’ documents. Most all detail what happens to your photos when you upload them. The internet has been abuzz with controversy over sites such as Flickr, Facebook and many other websites regarding image use and privacy. Many steps have been taken to alter the issues, but one thing remains clear-if you don’t take the time to read the TOS, then the results are your fault. If they say in clear words that they can do what they wish with your photos without crediting you, then beware! You should always be asked permission and credited regardless whether you are a professional or not. Facebook for example has the ‘download’ button below photos allowing anyone to download your photo(s). This is bad for parents wanting to protect photos of their children and worse for professional photographers wanting to make a living. Granted, images aren’t the originals, but they can still be downloaded and altered or claimed as someone else’s work rather than your own unless you take steps to protect them.

So how do you protect yourself from those who disrespect privacy and copyrights?

1)    Never upload full size images to a website unless you have read all the TOS and know what you are doing. Full-size images are ok for websites where you must upload the full-size to sell your work (via print fulfillment services), but ensure they will only use your photos for that purpose and that they aren’t displayed full-size. Some even allow you to choose the ‘viewing size’. With other websites such as social media, it is in your best interest to always upload low-resolution smaller images such as resizing to the common 800×600. This helps ensure that if your image is copied or downloaded they can’t print it large in order to make money from it. To resize your images, if you don’t have Adobe Photoshop or many of the other popular photography programs, download the free program Irfanview (irfanview.com). Resize tutorials are available across the internet for all the popular programs.

2)    Learn copyright rules and legal terminology. It is in your best interest to hire a lawyer and spend a lot of time researching copyright laws before posting legal terminology. Posting your terms with each photo helps remind possible thieves that your work is not for free. You can utilize the information on the Creative Commons websites for additional information regarding copyright protection: http://creativecommons.org/about/

3)    The most controversial, but widely used form of image protection is watermarking. Many photographers rely on them for peace of mind and a way for fans or potential clients to find more of their work. Unfortunately depending on watermark placement, they can be removed by cropping. This is where the controversy lies; some feel that watermarks take away from the beauty of an image posing more of a distraction than protection. In reality, watermarks inform image thieves the image is yours! Catching your image used with blatantly removed watermarks will improve your chances suing for copyright violation in court. They won’t be able to claim they didn’t know the image wasn’t free to use! Ensure you provide the year the image was created and your name along with the copyright logo which you can type via ‘alt+0169’ on most keyboards. You can also use your website URL, logo, company name and words such as ‘do not copy’ etc. In order to create a watermark you will need a program such as Google Picasa (free, but limited to plain text), Adobe Lightroom, or my preference Adobe Photoshop. In Photoshop, I create my logo as a transparent PNG with lowered opacity so that the watermark will be less distracting from the image, while still providing the same protection. You can then overlay it on your images and even create an action in Photoshop so you can add your watermark with one click. I’ve created a quick basic watermark tutorial you can view below.

As you can see, with just a few simple steps you can upload your images online as always, but with better peace of mind regarding their safety and your rights. There is much to learn available online at great sources such as www.copyright.gov or among knowledgeable lawyers. Take the time to protect your work and help others understand the importance as well. Eventually this will become common in photographer’s workflow better protecting everyone and helping others understand that a photographer’s work is not online for free use unless it is posted as such.

About the author: Amber Flowers, Owner of Soul Gaze Photography, is a photographer, digital artist and writer most known for her infrared photography and the ‘fine art’ feel to her work. She is Founder of Southern Kentucky Photographer’s Club and a member of The League of Creative Infrared Photographers. Amber resides in Glasgow KY with her Husband, two children and several pets. Learn more, ask questions or purchase fine art photography: www.soulgazephotography.com