my name IS on it
If you view my website, facebook, etc., you'll see my name a lot. I put my name on almost every image that I put out on the web. Some people might find that strange and wonder why I do that. Others will just assume that I like my name a whole lot (which maybe I do a little). ;)
The truth is it's a small level of security. (Notice I said small.) When I first started learning photography and posting online, I didn't think much about sharing my images. Then I received warnings from those more experience photographers that it would be wise to "claim my work" by placing my name on my images. I actually thought it was kinda cool to design and put my name on my photos....made me feel sorta special but I wasn't viewing it as a security measure.
Then my eyes were opened to the dark side of online posting...photo thieves! I have had many friends and fellow photographers who have had their images copied from websites and displayed as someone else's work. I have seen many bloggers "steal" images for display on their sites. But things really hit home for me when one of my daughter's images was stolen and placed on another website. It was a disturbing feeling that someone else would take credit for my image...especially one so personal. There are LOTS of photographers who could share the same kind of story. I mean LOTS! It is STEALING!!!
Truth is...It is ILLEGAL (let me state that again - ILLEGAL) to display images that are not your own without permission!!!
Yes, even pictures that feature YOU!!!
How does putting your name on images stop stealing? The real truth is that it doesn't! Remember the photo of my daughter that was stolen. It had my name on it. I have had images stolen and my name cropped out of the frame. The truth is that it didn't prevent the stealing. However, when I discovered the theft, I was able to reference the images that I had posted WITH my name on them (clearly posted BEFORE the theft) as proof that the image belonged to me. Then I could go through the proper channels and have the image removed.
So...When I post my name on all the pictures that I place on the internet. It really isn't that I like me name so much (although Sherry does have a beautiful ring to it :) ). It's because I value each image that I post. I do not want them to be misused. I wouldn't want me or my kids, you or your kids, etc. to wind up on some website representing who knows who (or what). That's also one reason why I ask that online displays of my images contain my stamp.
And if you think that photo stealing isn't something that happens often, I could easily give you two cases in the past couple of weeks...among many others. Yep, it happens that frequently.
The online world is a crazy place. If I have to put my name on something to make it a little safer, then I guess my name will be there.
It's like when we were kids and tried to claim a seat. Then the other kid said, "Well, I don't see your name on it."
Yeah, well, as a matter of fact...my name IS on it! ;)
