I’ve never really enjoyed watermarking my photos. The truth is it can be a hassle, and frankly, it doesn’t always look right. I want you to learn from my mistakes, so bear with me while I walk down memory lane.
When I first started sharing images on the internet, I used one of those big fat copyright watermarks that sits dead-center in the middle of your image. Smart right? I mean who’s really going to look at the image when the copyright symbol becomes the image.
Then I got smarter and moved on using Lightroom to place either a graphic or text watermark in an inconspicuous place. Now there’s nothing wrong with this idea — it can be a deterrent for image theft and serves as a way to promote your work. If promoting your work is all you’re worried about and image theft isn’t a concern then fine, but if the latter keeps you up at night, (or at least makes you stir) then keep reading. Text and graphic based watermarks can be easily cloned out of an image, and with Adobe’s CS5 content aware feature, it’s only going to get easier to remove watermarks.
So fast forward to where I am, and where technology is, today. Now enters Digimarc, a company at the forefront of digitally embedding a watermark. What makes Digimarc’s plug-in so cool is that it creates a digital fingerprint of your copyright data and embeds it into the image while remaining virtually unnoticeable.
Now, I know we all know about metadata and you’re probably thinking heck, my metadata has all my information, so why do I need a digital embedded watermark? Metadata is great, but much like a standard graphic watermark it too can be stripped out of an image. So if you’re serious about not having your content stolen, then a digitally embedded watermark is the way to go. They even offer a service that will track who’s using your watermarked image. Yep, that’s right. They scour the internet looking for your images. How cool is that?
Watch this video to get a really good idea how the services work. It’s a very simple plug-in for Photoshop, and rumor has it they’re working on a plug-in for Lightroom.
How to embed a digital watermark using Digimarc from John Batdorff II on Vimeo.
Digimarc has very affordable pricing plans starting at $49.00 for 1,000 images. If you want to track who’s using your image, then check out their professional package for $99.00. I know this sounds like an infomercial, but I’m telling you, it’s slick and an easy way to get the job done.
But wait! Drum roll…
The Giveaway–
Here’s the sweetest part: Digimarc is donating two free professional subscriptions for me to giveaway. Here’s how to enter:
First Chance — Simply leave your name on today’s post with a nice note like “Digimarc rocks!” or “Hook me up, John!” You get the idea. There’s nothing else to do. You’re entered. The first winner will be drawn from these entries. If you have a Facebook or Twitter account and want a second chance to win then read on…
Second Chance –- For all of our Facebok and Twitter users. Simply fill out the Spring Giveaway entry form either on Facebook or Twitter. The second winner will be drawn from these entries.
The only rules—
- We will have two separate winners, one person cannot win in both places.
- The giveaway runs May 20th through May 26th, with the winners announced on May 27th.
But wait there’s more… 
Digimarc is being super generous and giving all my readers a 30% discount, which I’ll be announcing next Friday.
WOW! Sounds great! Thanks for the opportunity!
Hope I can try it!!!
John,
How did you know that I was just thinking about this problem? Wow. Please choose my name. I really want this.
Thanks for informing everyone about this fantastic service!
Denise
Keep my email current. I like you updates & the extras don’t hurt either.
Would love to have this…….
Thanks for sharing your research & conclusions, John!
I had just started thinking about how there must be a better way to mark my images, and was going to start researching on digitally embedding my copyright into my pics somehow, when lo & behold, your blog today showed up in my email!
Please enter me in for the Digimarc contest, what a great idea they have!
As an amateur photographer transplanted from Detroit into the wilds of Chicago I really appreciate your research & sharing your ideas out here on the interwebs!
Pamela L.
With Digimarc, my web photos won’t show up on a European billboard.
Thanks John!
Digimarc rocks! Greg Hinze
Thanks john for another awesome contest and keep those photos coming always look forward to them.
Digimarc is off the hook!!!!!!!!!!!
I actually use their service and absolutey LOVE it. It just works so well. I would be awesome to get a free year of the pro account!
John, you have done it once again! Another great giveaway! You are awesome, man!
This is a great blog! I’m glad I found it.
The giveaways are great too!
Sign me up! I would love to give this a try!
Amazing John, you always seem to come up with great stuff, right at the time I need it!
Guess, it’s because we all share the same passion and encounter similar ‘problems’. And somewhere there will always be a solution, just have to find it and pass it on.
I’m finally starting to take my photography more seriously. This week I went out to the mountains to make a reportage of a bee keeper and received enthusiastic response afterwards. They’re even thinking of using some photos for a magazine. So being at this point, I’m very happy to hear about Digimarc. Sounds like a really professional way to protect & promote. Thanks!
Great demo for a great product, John! I hope I win a subscription!
um.. add me to the “want please” list!
gotta have it, John!
Already a Digimarc aficionado, I could make great use of the pro level account. Thanks for the opportunity John!
Thanks John!
It sounds like a really great product. I would love to try it out!
Would love to win!!
Digimac DOES rock……I’ve been thinking about getting it for a while now.
Thanks for the video on Digimarc; they seem to have a great product and like everyone else, I would love to win it.
John, thanks for all the info you share.
I’d love to win since I just got my Tax ID #, and am starting up a new fine art & photography business. Keeping costs down at this point in time WOULD BE HELPFUL!
Alison Perry
John, sorry I’ve not been active on your blog lately. I’ve been pretty busy but enjoyed catching up today. This is a great offer. I just wish the Digimarc Lightroom plugin was already available as I don’t have Photoshop. Nevertheless, I was looking at options for copyright and would love to have this. Thanks so much for putting this give-away together! Best, Ed
This sounds great. It is a bit of a hassle to manually imbed my copyright over and over. And the thought of being able to have the service scour the internet tracking any misuse is gravy.
Digimarc – don’t let your photos leave home without it!
Wow this is amazing technology, i think all our photographers in Australia would be interested in this
Yo! Digimarc ROCKs… as much as John Batdorff… and that’s a lot. ;D
Thanks, Digimarc rocks so hook me up, John
I use and love it. I just wish they were more Apple friendly….
Digimarc – woot!
Please hook me up!
He is gonna love using Digimarc. Soon to be enlightened by me-a subscriber already.
Nice timing. I was just looking at signing up for Digimarc, so this would be sweet.
Would love to try this for a friend who has balked at displaying her historical photos online for fear that they will be copied and used inappropriately. Sign me up!
What a great offer. I’ve been thinking about Digimarc for a while. Thanks John and Digimarc for this opportunity.