Embedding a copyright notice through Photoshop

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Permalink Reply by Phillip Archer on July 21, 2009 at 9:14pm

Kendal,

I can certainly help you build one of these, so you can simply add a layer to whichever image you would like at any time. This is called a water mark.

The whole idea is to create a business name or logo, or personal name, so it appears within your photos without distracting from the actual content. Try this as follows;

1. Open photoshop
2. Create a file sized according to a typical photo
3. Create a new layer, and delete the original (this will make a transparency)
4. Type your name/logo in pure white
5. Open your layers palette, and be certain the name/logo layer is selected (It should be your only layer
6. Change the opacity to 40%ish, depending on your preference.
7. Save your file
8. (Test it) Place a photo in the document
9. Be certain your name/logo layer is atop your photo layer

There you have it.

Any questions, give me a call.

-Phillip
(317) 281-1924

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Permalink Reply by PK Koduri on July 21, 2009 at 11:44pm

You can also create an action in Photoshop that would automate the process for you with a click of a button. Here is a link on how to do it:
http://www.riecks.com/forphotogs/copyrightaction.html

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Permalink Reply by Kendal R. Miller on July 22, 2009 at 8:35am

Thanks so much Phillip and PK! I will check both techniques out! Kendal

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Permalink Reply by Amy Latka on July 22, 2009 at 1:40pm

A graphic copyright is definitely a must, but also you need to embed it in the actual file information. To do this, when your image is open, click on "File" and go down to "file Info." The shortcut for it in CS3 is Alt+Ctrl+Shift+I but I'm not sure if that also works in PS7.

Once you're there, you can enter all sorts of good information, including your name, copyright information, website, etc. All of this will remain in the metadata of the file (so long as you DON'T use the "save for web" feature). Now, some websites and rename and resave images. Facebook would be a good example. I don't know about Flickr, but do be aware that in the fine print on Flickr (and facebook for that matter) that you give Flickr permission to use the image once you've uploaded it -- regardless of your copyright stamp.

Good luck with everything!

Amy Latka
www.LatkaPhoto.com

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Permalink Reply by Kendal R. Miller on July 23, 2009 at 7:18pm

Thanks for the info Amy!

I see by your website (great work by the way) that you use Facebook as well (which I do also, but have used only portrait/commercial work on it in which I have received permission to use.)

Do you put your photos on Facebook for one, and if you do, do you just go low resolution rather than embed, or do you do both?

My concern is showing a good quality image of my Fine Art Photography which is available to purchase, yet not have a high resolution image that can be pulled off a site and used without my permission/compensation.

Perhaps I'm wanting to much, maybe?

Many thanks!

Kendal

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