A discussion on the use of watermarks…

… and a few other things that held my interest this week.

First of all,

lets talk about watermarks. A watermark, or faint but noticeable alteration to an image, can be used in a few different ways. A professional photographer, who makes his living by selling copies of his work, may very well put a large, obvious watermark through the centre of the image to stop people from copying it instead of buying it. Stock photography websites, such as Getty Images and iStockphoto (a Calgary company), do so as well to protect the images they own.

Such images usually look like this:

As you can see, it is obvious who own the rights to the photo and it makes the picture hard or unpleasant to copy, but it still offers a clear view of the content on display.

The second possible use of a watermark is for the photographer who is not yet making money on their photographs, or where publishing said photo will have no monetary effect on the person. This type of watermark is usually smaller and less obtrusive; this isn’t so much to protect the image as it is to get the artist’s name out there for people to see, and to make sure people know who took it. As an example of good implementation of such a watermark, here’s one of my photographs:

As you can see, it doesn’t detract from the photo at all, but it’s clear who it belongs to. Sure, someone could crop the picture and cut it out, but that doesn’t bother me since I make it available without the mark anyways.

The reason I’m going on about these watermarks is because I’m tired of over-zealous, unnecessary watermarks ruining a perfectly good photo. The thing is, you shouldn’t have to imagine what’s behind the watermark to appreciate the picture.

Number 2!

I’m not all too happy to be bringing attention to this, but I recently found a documentary on YouTube chronicling on BBC reporter’s time among the members of the Westboro Baptist Church.

…yes, those people.

I’m not here to rant about them, condemn them for their actions, or denounce them in any way. However, it was very informational  and enlightening to watch the documentary, and I am now better equipped to formulate my own opinions. As JFK said, “Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” You can see the first of eight here, just follow the links to go on.

Almost done…

You know Ted Williams? The homeless man with the amazing radio voice who was launched to fame through the magic of the internet? It was such a heartwarming story. That is until we hear that he is already arguing with his daughter over money… Let’s hope this shining example of rags to riches doesn’t fall from the pedestal we’ve put him on, mkay?

Finally:

Here’s a beautiful, contemplative new video from one of my favourite Youtubers, Radiolab:

Have a great week!