I'm going to try that watermarking. It's sort of like a brand — it won't prevent a theft, but unless they can remove it it will always be there as a reminder.

But one thing you pros should consider is registering your photos at the U.S. Copyright office. It's not that expensive — $35 or $45. And you can register a bunch of photos at one time on a CD for one fee. Here's the link:

http://www.copyright.gov/

The advantage of registering is that you could get attorney's fees and statutory damages if you had to sue. No one wants to sue, but with that backing you up a simple notice to the offender will probably get corrective action.

But it's important to register before publishing.

Don't be intimidated by the forms. If you've mastered Photoshop then they will be child's play!

I’m going to try that watermarking. It’s sort of like a brand — it won’t prevent a theft, but unless they can remove it it will always be there as a reminder.

But one thing you pros should consider is registering your photos at the U.S. Copyright office. It’s not that expensive — $35 or $45. And you can register a bunch of photos at one time on a CD for one fee. Here’s the link:

http://www.copyright.gov/

The advantage of registering is that you could get attorney’s fees and statutory damages if you had to sue. No one wants to sue, but with that backing you up a simple notice to the offender will probably get corrective action.

But it’s important to register before publishing.

Don’t be intimidated by the forms. If you’ve mastered Photoshop then they will be child’s play!

Der Blick durch den Sucher – der Wochenrückblick auf die Fotografie-Szene – für Kalenderwochen 40 und 41.

Highlight der Woche(n): James Nachtwey’s Charity -Projekt um auf extrem medikamentenresistente TB aufmerksam zu machen ist dem Mann Herze…

@Justin – TinEye is a great tool to find images that were already “borrowed” and you’ll be able to notify that webmaster of any actions that may need to take place.

My concern is that both of these things are great after the fact. Meaning; the images are already taken and you’ll be able to take action.

Unfortunately, anything one puts on the web is “up for grabs” in some people’s view.

I just started (today) uploading smaller size images and have been using a very small watermark in the lower left corner.

These are the basic tips, but in reality, once you place your picture online, it will be used somewhere along the line without your knowledge.

TinyEye is a great online application to use to scan the interwebs for your pictures. As they index more and more of the internet, the more valuable their service will become.

The bottom line, I think the most effective and important tip is to not upload your full size images to any online service, unless you can be absolutely sure it is inaccessible to those that you don’t want accessing them.