In the creative sense, a watermark also serves as the photographer’s signature. It is pretty much like the painter’s signature that you see in the lower part of visual masterpieces. In today’s technologically advanced society, the watermark plays a more important role.
Nowadays, a watermark is attached to a photograph to protect it from online thieves. Generally, the watermark can be a logo, a symbol, an image, or a name or text. It is placed directly over the photograph, in an area that you have the freedom of choosing.
But even when a watermark is essential for your photographs’ protection, just like other things, it has both a good and bad side. Let’s examine both:
The Good
As previously mentioned, a watermark serves as the signature of the artist. It is an indication that he owns that piece of art. A watermark is also considered the trademark of a photographer; therefore, it somehow announces that nobody has the right to claim that piece as his because it is somebody’s “trademark” already.
Additionally, a watermark can be used as a marketing technique. When you attach your signature or logo to a photograph, you are branding it. This makes it easier for audiences to identify your art.
The Bad
Although watermarking has long been used as protection against photo theft, it is not enough. There are software and apps that can delete or erase a watermark. Others simply cut out the watermarked portion before they post and claim the photo as their own.
The best thing to do would be to find additional procedures that you can add to ensure the safety of your work.
To make your watermark effective, there are several things you need to consider. First off, you have to spend some time thinking about what your watermark will be like. Will it be an image, a logo or symbol, or with it be just your name? Remember, you also need to consider its effect on the aesthetics of the photo. Therefore, try your best to come up with a distinct and creative watermark.
In relation to photo aesthetics, you likewise need to consider the size of your watermark. How big or small do you want it to be? What size is best so that people will easily notice it? Don’t go overboard with a watermark that is too big or too small.
The best thing to remember, however, is that the watermark is there because you value your work and you want to protect it.
If you post a lot of photos on Instagram, chances are you already have the Snapseed app on your smartphone. Snapseed offers a lot of features that are not found in other photo editing apps. For example, aside from giving you unique filters to you, this Google photo sharing app will also allow you to adjust the filter. Thus, if you want to make your photo more dramatic or more vibrant, it will be easy to do so.
Another photo editing app that is a favorite of many Instagram users is VSCO Cam. Although some people that it is basically an upgraded version of Instagram’s photo editing features, VSCO is still popular because it is not only a photo editing app, it also allows its users to share their photos. Other users can follow you and vice versa. From time-to-time, there are even contests that you can join.
If you want to play around and experiment with your photos creatively, Pixlr is the right photo editing tool for you. Aside from filters and the usual tools for controlling brightness, exposure, contrast, and sharpness, Pixlr also allows you to create a double exposure image. Simply add another photo to the one you are editing and Pixlr will automatically insert the second photo into the frame. You can then adjust the size and appearance of the second photo (soft light, overlay, lighten, and multiply, among others).