What exactly is a watermark?

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   homesteadboundposted 12 years ago

   Watermark is another new term for me. If a person puts their web address on a photo, is it a watermark. I have permission from someone to use their photos but their website address is on them. Didn't know if I could use them. Some day I may be as smart as some of you....Thanks.

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      Maddie Ruudposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, if someone superimposes the URL of their website on a photo, it is considered at watermark.  We do not allow prominently watermarked images on HubPages.  I would consider asking the photo source if they would consider letting you use an unmarked version of the photo, with attribution and a link back (which you can easily do in the "source" box of the image capsule).

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         homesteadboundposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you, Maddie, I thought that was the case. I just wasn't sure. I want to do things correctly.

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         kschangposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Prominent, of course, is rather subjective, but the idea is if it's a small line of text in a corner, not prominent. If it's repeated across the image in nice big bold letters (even if it's "faded" / "ghosted")  then it's prominent.

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            homesteadboundposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            kschang, thank you for this clarification.

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         SunSevenposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Can we watermark our own photos, so that if someone steals it, or do the attribution or link back to our hubs?

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            homesteadboundposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            From what I have read on other forum posts, you cannot use your own photos if you put a watermark on them, even it they are yours.

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            sasta10posted 12 years agoin reply to this

            If it's your own image ( you created it) then yes you can watermark it so no one else can steal it.  People us watermark to identify their image and catch people if they use it.  One place where watermark is used a lot of time is ebay.  Some ebay sellers uses professional photos one their listing and they don't like other sellers who are selling similar products to steal their photos and use it on their listing.  Thanks.

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               sasta10posted 12 years agoin reply to this

               I think if hubpages see's a watermark image on you hubs, they will suspend your hub until you take the image off and resubmit your hub.

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                  homesteadboundposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Thank you for your input on this thread.

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   psycheskinnerposted 12 years ago

   A watermark is a relatively pale "shadow" image superimposed on a photo.  Like the stock companies do, to prevent it from being stolen.

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      homesteadboundposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, psycheskinner. I really appreciate how everyone is so helpful here.

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         noenhulkposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Well said. I don't  want to answer "what is watermark" again coz  2 is enough... and 3 is a crowd. HAHAHA!

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   Stacie Lposted 12 years ago

   I watermark my photos and can't use them here unless I'm not selling them elsewhere..

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   Hunbbel Meerposted 12 years ago

   Watermark is for safety against piracy. (At least that's what I know)
   It can't be sell, watermarks are generally prominent.

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   Chaotic Chicaposted 12 years ago

   This is an example of a watermark...
   
   
   

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      homesteadboundposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Stacie L., Hunbbel Meer, and Chaotic Chica. It is very clear to me now. Thanks.

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