With the rise of social media and the number of images and users circulating on the network, it makes sense for many photographers to seek to protect their images in one way or another, many of them use what we call a watermark, which is just a signature we place on top of the image to claim their fatherhood.
Like everything else, it has its pros and cons, the advantages are that a watermark protects our images by associating them with an author, the disadvantages are that watermarks are placed on top of the image, so in a way, they distort them.
- Logically.
- The larger a watermark.
- The less attractive this image is because it’s harder to remove it.
- But you should know that if someone really wants to take a picture of you.
- They’ll get it with or without watermarks.
The only way to avoid having your photos stolen is not to share them, but unfortunately this is the case. So, personally, I think watermarks should have a more advertising function, a parenthood, not a safety function.
Therefore, my advice is that watermarks do not tarnish this image that you have had so much to make but that claim the paternity of a discreet place ;-).
There are many programs that do this very easily, many are mobile applications that allow you to directly add the watermark without even having to open the computer.
Here are some programs that offer this feature that you can consult
Tip: Before you download, make sure that your current editor doesn’t have the functionality to add text, change its color, font, or opacity, many do so even if they don’t appear below the watermark title.
If, on the contrary, you edit your images on your PC, you probably use Photoshop or Lightroom (or at least you know them).
Now let’s see what to consider when adding a watermark to your images.
To prevent a watermark from altering or rubbing an image, it is logical that it is as discreet as possible, but at the same time visible, this is achieved by finding the necessary size, opacity or color balance for each image.
Size: Find an appropriate size that is sufficient to make your name or logo readable and take up as little space as possible in the frame.
Location: Ideally place the watermark in one of the corners of the image, for my taste the best is the lower right corner, but on the ??.
However, you have to take into account the composition of each image, imagine that you have placed the focus right in that lower right corner and that placing your watermark there crushes it completely, then it is probably appropriate to change corners ?.
(In the images above: what not to do in a watermark: 1: wrong color, size and location, 2: excessive, 3: wrong location)
Opacity: The opacity or degree of transparency of the watermark is also another aspect to consider and depends to a large extent on the tone in the background, that is, if the place where we are going to place is very dark and uses a clear watermark, it will stand out enough without having to use a low degree of opacity. You can start with a score of 50 out of 100 and do the tests you want.
Font color: The color of the text or logo must be consistent with not distracting the viewer from the image, that is, it should not stand out or collide, for this you must take into account, for example, if you are going to work in black and white or color.
Try harmonic colors that work well together, which combine with each other without contrasting or contrasting, for example, in a warm-toned image it would create a watermark based on a warm tone (if the background is yellow, I would try for example with an orange that is also a warm tone).
But like everything else, it’s going to taste like it, so it’s up to you to decide what convinces you the most?.
Absolutely (and fortunately?) Non. La most publishers have already thought about this and allow you to easily automate the process of adding watermarks. But remember that every image is a world. If you want to automate the process for all images in general, ideally create a simple watermark that suits most situations.
And so far my advice. I hope you found them helpful in helping you create your watermark. If so, feel free to share it on your favorite social network to reach as many interested photographers as possible.
Thank you and see you next time.