New here! Wish 2 prevent copying of jpegs from ebay listings

by photog77 Feb 22, 2005 4:35AM PST

Hi Everyone!
I?m new to this group. I did not think I was an uber newbie, but, compared to all the folks here who are so knowledgeable, I guess I am!

I would like to start selling my original 35mm photography on ebay and am hoping someone will know how I can protect my jpeg images from being easily copied from my auction listings. I?m sure anything could be copied be savvy users, but I?d like to take some measures to safeguard my images as best I can. Currently, I do not use ebay?s image hosting. I use the personal webspace allotted to me by my ISP & upload my jpegs using ws-ftp. Each pic then has a specific web address and that is what I enter into the auction listing form.

I've tried many combinations of what I thought to be potentially viable keywords on Google in hopes of finding some sort of instructions or software and have not been successful. I know it can be done (hopefully, cheaply!). Somehow, one can prevent a user from right-clicking and saving an image, or layer some kind of transparent image over the photograph which would make copying it difficult. I just hope someone out there knows how I might be able to do this (easily!) for my ebay listings.

I would like my photos to appear in the ebay listings just as they are, with no visible watermarks. All I have is Picture It Express, Paint, and Kodak Imaging (all circa 2001). I am most familiar with Picture It Express. My OS is Windows 98. I have no knowledge of HTML and I?m hoping I wont have to ?go there? in order to achieve my objective but would give it a go if that were the only way. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You, Photog77

Discussion is locked

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Simple.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 22, 2005 4:49AM PST

Do what you see others do. Mangle the image with "DEMO" or whatever over the top of the example. Also, don't place the full size on the site.

And take my word for it. Any right-click blocker is easily bypassed and not worth the time you invested.

"I would like my photos to appear in the ebay listings just as they are, with no visible watermarks. "

And so would those who would pilfer them.

Bob

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Simple

by taboma. Mar 18, 2005 2:48PM PST

Bob. I would suggest that the image be a certain size that the site suggested. 3"x2" or such. Just make sure the image file is no larger in resolution than 70DPI (70 dots per inch)
This is a low resolution file and no one can do anything to pilfer the photographer's fine art. You can only enlarge the image to a maximum of 115% from the original before the photo file turns into a mush of large pixels and the photo looks like oatmeal.
I would also not advise to mangle or to have a watermark over the image because the buyer wants to see the true image.
I am an artist and photographer. This is what I would do also.
Please go to a website: polomis.com and see what I am suggesting. Ted and I work at the same company and you are in for a real treat to his fine painting.
Wonderful artist in oils.
This presentation is what I am suggesting to the photographer.
A wonderful presentation and no one can steal his art. Ted's wife is the webmaster.
Everyone, please take a look. You just simply will not believe the quality of his Still Lifes. Superb!

Kevin

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Now this sounds better to me!

by funkid7 Mar 20, 2005 4:52AM PST

I will go and view this wonderful thing of oils!

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Sounds Better

by taboma. Mar 21, 2005 1:37PM PST

Funkid, Tell me how you liked polomis.com website?
After reviewing this site, I think that there is not a need for watermarks of any kind. The artist sells out very well. Wish I had his talent.

Kevin

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You can try this:

by DigitalDisfunction Feb 25, 2005 10:37PM PST

Most of us eBay users simply add a 'VOID' like logo or watermark to our pics so that they are useless to those who would otherwise pirate our work. You can simply place a transparent text message over your picture (try corel photopaint or adobe photoshop) to thwart piracy. The buyers will still be able to see your work as 'examples' without risk to you. Corel PhotoPaint is a great tool for layering and photo editing. It's basically a generic version of Adobe PhotoShop. You may be able to get MS Paint to work. I haven't used this in years, but I think it may do the job. However, I don't think MS Paint allows for transparent text layering over pics. If you need any advice on which programs are the best for specific purposes, please feel free to email a request. I've used just about everything out there over the past decade and can tell you the ins and outs of opperating some of the high-end software you may wish to purchase for your business.

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If you are at the sales step.......

by funkid7 Mar 20, 2005 5:09AM PST

Then you should already have purchased the proper software and OS.
Photo Shop CS and Win XP is my suggestion. I am doing the same as you and my goal is to host the Amazon.com of the art world some day. Specializing in all art mediums.

My suggestion is to, use the watermarks and jpg.'s to sell your work. There isn't a better way, without taking risks.

Trust me on this: I have already had the marketing research done and this is not a money making venture, if you are not prepared for it. Your photography must have the proper venues in place. An established market like Amazon, is very helpful.

I have consulted with Olan Mills, for example. I Am using the same inks, paper and software as they do, to reproduce my graphic artworks, for sale. I haven't sold a single print yet. Boooohooo! The ink costs $300.00 a pop and reproduces only 50 8"x10"s before I must re-order it. Cannot purchase such ink and paper in just any store.

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New Here

by taboma. Mar 21, 2005 1:30PM PST

Photog77, Where are you? Have you responded to anyone's suggestions?

Kevin

New here! Wish 2 prevent copying of jpegs from ebay listings

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