Client stealing photos from online proofs

<p>I have been providing image proofing for photographers for a long time and have had many discussions about clients taking photographs without permission. Most of the comments above are very valid and applicable. However, the reaction to illegal image copying is often in direct proportion to the amount paid and type of service the client has had.<br>

If you have completed a very expensive wedding and been paid handsomely then the approach to watermarking and image copying should be completely different to having spent a day in freezing weather at your own expense photographing an Event. <br>

Dependant on the criteria I mentioned above, I would always suggest web images are low quality and that the watermark varies from a small corner logo to one that identifies you and you website so as potential customers or new clients have a link back, to a final all guns blazing : -<br>

"The image is the copyright of XXXXX . If you are viewing it on any website other than www.you.com it has been copied illegally. Please report it by e-mail or call 01223455566" <br>

You may or may not take up any reported images but it does make people think.<br>

Hope this helps - </p>

<p>I completely agree with Gary Hook's comments. <br />Unfortunately, you have to resign yourself to the fact that while most clients will be respectful of any agreements - some will try and steal a few images rather than pay for them. <br />What they did wasn't too major (particularly as they seem to be bringing in more business for you) but not watermarking the proofs is just naive frankly. Pick a large, but pale, logo based watermark and slap it on ALL your proof images and get into the habit of standardising how you present proofs to clients in future. Not only are you streamlining the process and therefore making life easer for yourself - but you are also valuing your work!</p>