At HomePointe we watermark all our photographs posted online. Why? Because thieves are increasingly stealing content from rental sites, including photos, changing only the contact information to their own.
By using a watermark we make it more difficult for them.
We place the watermark front and center on the picture and it is this: www.HomePointe.com That way, the thieves cannot crop off the watermark and still use the photo.
You should just assume that any photos uploaded to the internet can be copied and used. It is right? No. Does it violate copyright? Yes. But it's done everyday.
There is NOTHING you can do to prevent it. Nothing.
You can put photos up in a Flash slideshow, which many non technical people can't "right click" and save, but people who know what they are doing can copy it in one second in full resolution.
You can 'watermark' it but anyone with a program such as Photoshop can easily remove your watermark and use that photo by cloning over it.
I always tell people - if you really, truly want to protect your work, do NOT put it on the internet. Period. There IS no real protection.
Excellent and TIMELY post...thank you.
This is a BIG issue with my photos...CL scammers have even gone to my website and taken photos which I am now watermarking AND then they post interior photos of a property with my property as the exterior view WITH the watermark in it.
I can watermark my website photos and I have started that with new properties, however, it would mean deleting and uploading same photos for prior listings that are reactivated so I have not done that.
Anyone can download IRFANVIEW and watermarking is easy and the program is FREE
This is a simple step and a huge benefit to the owner client. Every step taken to protect the investments we manage helps. Opportunists are everywhere--we need to stay a step or two ahead of them. Good post.
--James Safonov
It's too bad that steps like this have to be taken. Certainly doesn't look as good to have a watermark sitting over a home like that.
Bob - Excellent idea! It is sad but true that we have to attempt to keep one step ahead of the thiefs and liars in this world. Thanks for sharing the post!
J Lingo - It has been my experience that the best way to resolve an issue is to directly discuss it iwth the decision maker in the business. That would be Bob not others on this forum.
I can see both sides of this argument, but I lean towards not watermarking because of how much it detracts from the photo. It seems to completely take over the entire image which loses the selling points of posting photos in the first place.
In the rental business there are too many scams going on to not watermark. It is just the way things are right now. Kind of like having to have locks on our doors.
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