Hi Spec,
I've only got a second here and will copy the info I recently received via a newsletter I get from Kim Komando in Phoenix (go to
www.komando.com/newsletter.asp to subscribe). Some of this might fit your situation, some may not.
As for your other questions, I think I might have some other info for you and will get it on here later today or in the morning.
Hugs!
Patti
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Protecting your photography on the Web
Q. I am a professional photographer, and I want to set up a Web site for a photo gallery. I need to find the best way to protect my photos from being used without my permission. What about watermarking? Also, can you suggest a Web host for photo galleries?
A. The Internet can bring new threats to professional photographers. It's easy to copy and use online images without permission. There's no foolproof way to prevent people from taking your online photos. Once your photos are in a Web browser, they're already delivered.
However, you can certainly make theft inconvenient.
For instance, you can insert some JavaScript code into your pages' <head> tags. The code gets rid of the potential thief's right-click menu. That menu is needed to save the image alone. This can be overcome if thieves disable JavaScript in their browsers. But most people don't know that.
If you use cascading style sheets (CSS), you can do even better. Using layers, you can position a transparent GIF over each of your photos. Downloaders attempting to get your photos will instead get the transparent GIF. Thieves will copy pictures of literally nothing.
You could also use a table full of transparent GIF pictures. Then slip your photos beneath them using the "background" attribute of each <td> tag. This will provide the same protection as the CSS layering. But both take more skill than the JavaScript.
These tricks are explained in numerous places on the Web. Try this page for a reasonably clear explanation.
People determined to copy the picture also could do screen shots. After copying the display, they would have to cut your picture out with a photo-editing program. The average person probably wouldn't think of that.
As you suggested, the pictures can be watermarked. Visible watermarks allow you to display the picture in such a way that a customer can still view it. But if someone copied it, its origin would be obvious. Watermarks can be applied with most photo-editing programs.
An invisible watermark inserts bits of information into a picture file to identify it. Invisible watermarks won't deter image thieves. But you can use identifying file information to verify unauthorized use. Then you can notify site owners and possibly take legal action.
SureSign ($220), MyPictureMarc ($199) and Eikonamark ($199) can handle invisible watermarking.
Finally, consider copyright protection. Copyrights give you some recourse when you catch thieves in the act. The U.S. Copyright Office has information on registering photos.
Numerous sites display professional photographers' work. Take a look at Gallery Direct ($20 monthly) and PortfolioCity ($80 yearly). Or consider stock photo sites like Wishstock and Corbis. Most of these sites will also help you with watermarking.