In professional photography, it's important to protect your work from theft. Photography tips from others in the industry can help you learn do this. One quick tip is to use a transparent copyright across your photos. In the event a person tries to steal your photo, the copyright will slightly distort the photo if you use the technique correctly.
Instructions
1. Decide what photo editing software you want to use. Photography techniques like a transparent copyright are easy to do if you have software that allows you to create layers. If your program doesn't have layers, you can still use software as long as it allows you to insert text and to can change the opacity level of the text.
2. Open the file for the photograph you want to protect. In most programs, this will open a single-layer document with the photo set to the background. Save this file under a different name using the "Save As" option. Close the file and open the file under the new name. This will allow you to make changes to the copy without ruining your original photo.
3. Create a new layer. Your software editing program may have a shortcut available to create this. For example, in Photoshop 7 you can create a new layer by clicking on the "New Layer" icon at the bottom of the layers box. If you don't know the shortcut, you can use the "Layer" menu at the top of your editing software. If you don't have layers, put a text box across your photo.
4. Enter your copyright text on the new layer. You can use a copyright symbol or the words depending on your preference. Include your name and the date of the copyright. It's fine to use black as the color for the text, but you can also use other colors.
5. Set the opacity of the layer. You can adjust the level depending on your personal preference, but an opacity level of 30 percent will create a faded imprint of your copyright over the image. At this level, people will be able to see the photograph clearly without the copyright distracting from the image. If you don't have layers, highlight the text and change the opacity.
6. Make sure you place the copyright in an area that will discourage theft, like in the center of the photo. If you place the copyright at the top or bottom of the photo, a person could save the image and crop the photo in order to remove your copyright. Some professional photographs will also place an X around the copyright to expand the protected area without distorting too much of the image.
7. Merge the visible layers and save the file. When you open it or upload it, the photo will have your copyright in place to help prevent theft.
