DIGITAL WATERMARK ?

stvwake

7

6 May 2004 - 10:52 PM

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I am after a digital watermark to prevent unauthorised copying of my work. I do weddings and the happy couple want a copy of the days events on a CD, how then do I stop the unathorised use of the photos, by the happy couple going to a high street retailer and getting extra copies of the photos for Great Auntie Bess, who does not want to pay what I charge for the photos. I have thought of having just thumb nails on the CD but the detail in the photos will be lost with such small images.

Steve

UserDeleted

8

7 May 2004 - 7:44 AM

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You could burn a slideshow to to CD or DVD using Ulead DVD Pictureshow.

That way the files are not available for printing. There is a copyright feature that will attach the copyright should the image be grabbed.

Mike

yuno

7

11 May 2004 - 9:30 PM

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hmm... i thought that when you work FOR someone, they own the copyright? whatever, anyway, you cant completely stop them from copying it anyway, seeing as if they have ONE print, they can always scan it and make more. its a bit of a pointless struggle dont you think?


on a side note, personally, think its a bit stingy of you to stop the happy couple from sharing their wedding photo with a member or two from their family. i think once you take it and they pay you for photographing them they should own the photo as well as the negatives.
At least i thought that was usually the practice.
Maybe you live in a different world, i dont know.

UserDeleted

8

11 May 2004 - 9:44 PM

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Tina,

Different countries have different copyright laws, and different cultures and practices when it comes to social photography.

In the UK the photographer (or studio) owns copyright. It is still the norm to expect reprints from the couple, family and friends for many (and most traditional) wedding photographers.

Rather than being stingy it is a business model that allows them to live, pay the mortgage and continue to offer their services.

As for copying - it breaks copyright, is illegal and could cause legal action against the offender. Although unlikely in practice I'm sure it has been done.

Photographers will in some cases release of sell the negatives after 12 months, and allow reprinting from them. Or the B&G can select a package that allows them unlimited usage of the negs/digital files (although even so I would never transfer copyright as this would prevent me from using them for my own marketing purposes). Of course the package or payment is larger to reflect the future loss of earnings.

Whilst your opinion and morals do not necessarily agree with this - it is as I say normal practice here....


Mike

kelart

7

11 May 2004 - 10:37 PM

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yuno, in poland was the same. i always got my negative too. but it was long time ago, when people AND government and official bodies didn't really give any sh** about someone's intelectual property. they maybe gave your (actually their) negative away, but your face could miraculously end up on display at the photographic shop or barber's