I generally accept that I will get a certain amount of banter/criticism for posting images with watermarks:
Here a relationship is derived showing that photographer skill is inversely proportional to the presence of watermarks. The validity of this view can be argued, but I'd like to draw your attention to an incident that was noted by colleagues on Fox2.co.uk. A 'tog noted that some of his images had been lifted from the forum and used in an article in the North Wales Daily Post about low flying. The Daily Post was even selling the aforementioned images on its website. Since the issue has been highlighted to Trinity Mirror, the Daily Post have apologized to the 'togs in question and compensated them for the use of the images, pulling the article in the process.jdupons wrote:First of all, as everybody else, I like the pictures. Who wouln't like pictures taken in such ideal conditions ? only a very very limited number of people have this opportunity; and one can notice that being in such position helps an awful lot to make beautiful pictures. I think most of us, being in the position of being able to sit in the back seat of a fast jet, would be able to take beautiful pictures such as these. Anyway, sharing them with the rest of us is very kind of you, of course, but I notice the watermarks are the biggest I have ever seen-not only here, but elsewhere too-... I understand why you are using them, but at the same time I can't help noticing they are a source for a big frustration ! The pictures are great, the sharing is thoughtful, but yet you share a glimpse of your pictures, a sort of "preview of them" with these huge watermarks... My personal opinion is that you could try remove the watermarks.. anybody trying to steal your work,which is unique, and use it elsewhere, would be easily and quickly recognized and exposed.
There are other members here who do a fantastic job : travelling to remote low flying areas, climbing hills, spending hours and days in the cold, and bringing back the most stunning and beautiful and amazing aircraft pictures I have ever seen... and they share them,in a very humble and open-minded way, no watermarks, (or so small )... these people are (according to me) the very best among us and they deserve my utter respect !
I only wanted to give my opinion on this subject. You have reasons to be proud of your pictures, O. K ! but I think you don't have to fear doing a little more sharing, by removing or reducing those watermarks... The immense majority ou us are honest people, you know that, and my humble opinion is that you should have nothing whatsoever to fear, from us.
My advice is straightforward; (almost) every image has a commercial value to someone, protect your images. The reporter in this instance will have been paid a fee for the article. Watermarks are not to everyones taste but they serve a valid purpose and given the quality of some of the images displayed here you are leaving yourselves open to the theft of your images.
This is just my personal view.
Best regards,
Cheesy