Copyright - Improving photo security

[Ben]

Hi all,

Quick question. I understand copyright law, licensing pics, etc, well the basics, however.

Are there some basic things you can do to digital photographs to improve the security of proving a picture is yours should it come to a dispute, before its sent off / uploaded, etc. If so what? Im thinking editing the metadata or watermarks, etc.

Whats the common practice and hows it done?

[flake]

If you have the raw file you can prove that the image is yours. In the Exif data is usually the camera serial number and also the lens one too. Most people nicking a pic won't bother to change them.

In addition to Flakes answer ~

Originally Posted by flake

If you have the raw file you can prove that the image is yours. In the Exif data is usually the camera serial number and also the lens one too. Most people nicking a pic won't bother to change them.

Raw files are electronically dated if your camera is set up that way - And that information is not necessarily openly available for alteration once the image has been processed into a copy .jpeg file. (So avoid uploading or altering this Original file)

Watermarks are not unbeatable and there are various ways to implement additional hidden markings too (devise your own so that it is as private and individual to your work).

The © mark alerts people to the fact that you are aware and watchful, while only uploading low resolution files adds to the work a potential thief would need to do to recreate a 'commercially useful' image beyond Internet display.

Regards
Andy

[flake]

The fact that you have the RAW file in your possession shows that you are the creator of the image. If both parties have it then either one has passed it to the other and if that is the case it could be argued that one has given the other permission to use it / manipulate it, or that both parties have created the image seperately.

If you pass a RAW file to another party and they work on it in photoshop copyright resides with both parties as both have had a creative input.

However if only one person has the RAW file then it's a very strong case that they are the creator of the image & own the image rights.