Image Protection Methods

[kwirl]

Our site uses a lot of images for content, about 3 Gigabytes worth stored on the server, pulled using PHP with a MySQL database.

Currently, we have a very basic javascript to protect the images (disabling right-click), which as you know, doesn't really protect the images from anyone who knows how to take them.

We also use apache mods to prevent off-site linking to our images, but that still doesn't completely protect us.

Is there a way to prevent anyone from copying images from your web site for their own use? We have watermarking, but again, determination supercedes that protection also.

-kwirl

[limbo]

Simple answer: No.

You put it out there and people will be able to take it from you. Try and capitalise on it.

Watermarking is the best method IMO. Even the best 'Photoshoppers' are going to think twice if you have a good watermark.

[kwirl]

Thanks, to be honest I suspected as much, but I was hoping there were some maybe some advanced techniques beyond my scope. I have a friend who uses some nasty tricks to protect his on-site media, mostly flash files and the like, but with basic images this isn't as feasible.

Appreciate the rapid response!

[incrediBILL]

I don't bother with any technical protection methods as it's a complete waste of time, other than watermarks

No matter what you do, someone can make a screen shot, crop and save in less than 2 minutes rendering server side and web browser blocks completely useless.

Copyright everything (file the paperwork), label everything with your copyright, then sit back and collect a second income settling with violators. I made thousands last year off idiots stealing my content, and they settle quick when you point out a good intellectual property lawyer starts @ $250/hour :)

BTW, if you want to have some real fun, put a page on your web site under "terms and conditions" stating that all unauthorized image usage will be billed at $1,500 per image and all unauthorized web page content usage will be billed at $6,000 per page and just send them a bill when it shows up stolen.

[kwirl]

Actually, we bill our 3Gigabyte Image library at $49 per image/per day :P

Great idea! Thanks, I'm gonna start sending out invoices today!

[cooldoug]

I like top use a photo dating software thats adds anything you want, like your url.
[download.com...]

[webmstr]

the best method I have seen is only putting up smaller, less quality graphics, so that they can't have the full sized ones. They can take the image then if they don't mind it being small...and it will never be as good as the one they could purchase from you. allposters.com kind of does this too.

[Leosghost]

You could also ( if you want a "watermaking /stamping type prog" ) ..searching for "Picture Shark" ..free and much more versatile than the one previously mentioned ..and no compression problems..also has preveiw , batch etc .