HOW TO ADD A WATERMARK (WITHOUT WRECKING YOUR PHOTOS)

With the rise of social networks and the number of images and users that circulate on the network, it is logical that many photographers and photographers look for protect their images in some way. Many of them use what we know as a watermark, which is nothing more than a signature that we place on top of the image to claim their authorship. Like everything, it has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are that a watermark can protect our images while associating them with an author. The drawbacks are that watermarks are placed above the image, so, in a way, they distort them. Logically, the larger a watermark, the less appealing that image is because it is harder to remove it, but be clear that if someone wants to take your real picture, they will get it with or without watermarks. The only possible way not to have your photos stolen is to not share them. Unfortunately, it is so. So, personally, I think that watermarks should have a function more than advertising, authoring, not security function. Consequently, my advice is that watermarks do not tarnish that image that has cost you so much to get but to claim authorship from a discreet place ;-).

No one would steal this photo, right? but what a terrible result

HOW DO YOU ADD A WATERMARK?

There are many programs that do it very easily, many are mobile applications that allow you to directly add the watermark without even having to open your computer. Here are a few programs that provide this feature for you to take a look at:

Photomarks
GIMP
Pixelnote (IOS)
uMark
ezy Watermark (IOS) and Android
Logolicious (Android)
Snapseed (Android) and IOS

Tip: before downloading any, check that your current editor does not have the functionality to add text, modify its color, letter or opacity, many do so even if they do not appear under the watermark title . If, on the contrary, you edit your images on the PC, you probably use Photoshop or Lightroom (or at least you know them).

Here you can see how to add a watermark in Photoshop step by step.
Here you can see how to add a watermark in Lightroom step by step.

Now, let's see the aspects to consider when adding a watermark to your images.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KEEP IN MIND WHEN ADDING A WATERMARK

To prevent a watermark from detracting or chafeing an image, the logical thing is that it is as discreet as possible, but at the same time visible. This is achieved by finding the balance of size, opacity or color necessary for each image. Size: Look for an adequate and sufficient size so that your name or logo are readable but at the same time occupy the smallest space in the possible frame. Location: Ideally, place the watermark in one of the corners of the image. To my liking, the best is the lower right corner, but about tastes ... . However, we must take into account the composition of each image. Imagine that you have located the center of interest right in that lower right corner and that placing your watermark there completely flatters it. So the right thing is probably to change the corner .

(IN THE IMAGES ABOVE: WHAT NOT TO DO IN A WATERMARK. 1: WRONG COLOR, SIZE AND LOCATION, 2: EXCESSIVE, 3: WRONG LOCATION)

Opacity: The opacity or degree of transparency of the watermark is also another aspect to take into account and depends largely on the background tone. That is, if the place where we are going to place is very dark and we are using a clear watermark, it will stand out enough without having to use a low degree of opacity. You can start with a grade of 50 out of 100 and go testing as you like. Font color : The color of the text or logo should be in tonic not to distract the viewer from the image. That is, it should not stand out or clash. To do this, you must consider for example if you are going to work in black and white or color.

Black and white: Ideally, you move between white and the various shades of gray. Think for example of red letters on top of a black and white image. Wouldn't they completely slap your image?
Color: Whites and blacks are usually the safest bets when adding watermarks, especially if you do not plan to edit them one by one. Now, if you want something more personal, you can play with the color depending on each image and especially the place where you are going to place the watermark.

Try the harmonic colors that are those that work well together, that accompany each other without contrasting or contrasting with each other. For example, in an image with warm tones it would create a watermark based on a warm tone (if the background is yellow, it would try for example with an orange that is also a warm tone). But like everything, it's going to suit you, so it's up to you to decide what convinces you the most .

Less is more, but about tastes ...

DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO ADD THEM ONE BY ONE?

Flatly (and luckily ) no. Most publishers have already thought about it and let you easily automate the process of adding watermarks. But remember that each image is a world . If what you want is to automate the process for all images in general, the ideal is that you create a simple watermark that suits most situations. And here my advice. I hope you found them useful to help you create your watermark. If so, please do not hesitate to share it on your favorite social network to reach as many interested photographers and photographers as possible . Thank you and see you next time.

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