Stop Stealing My Sh*&! How To Protect Your Photos Online.

It’s happening more and more and it’s something I keep hearing about in passing conversations – how do you protect your photos from being ripped off by someone else?

Simple. STOP PUTTING THEM ONLINE.

Ok – so if that’s not going to work for your Instagram addiction, you’re going to have to swallow the fact that there is no foolproof way to protect your photos out there against the world.

The Not-So-Good-News

Even that pretty watermark you spent all your time making isn’t going to stop a pro. If it’s on the internet, and someone wants it bad enough – you’re just probably not going to stop them. If you can get over that tidbit, keep reading.

What (Sort of ) Works 

Watermarks.

Watermarks aren’t a guarantee, but they will probably deter lazy thieves, or the average user. They don’t know how to remove it, or don’t want to waste the time in trying. Plus, if someone DOES steal it, at least you’re name is still getting some sort of promotion!

Shrink Wrapping.

This is a fun technique that tricks stealers – they can save your image but won’t get the image they were hoping for! It requires a little tech work on the back end, but is easier if you use it consistently.  Want to learn more? Try this article on how to shrink wrap.

Chopping Photos.

ex photo: The Skinny Artist

I’ve also heard of chopping photos – and it’s exactly like you think – taking a photo and “chopping it” into a few pieces. However, this requires some HTML work – and in my opinion, more work on your end than a thieves. If you have to spend more time chopping your photos rather than writing your post – only to HOPE someone doesn’t steal it – well, haha good luck with that! Plus – you can always just SCREENSHOT it – and piece back together -at least that’s how I did! Not a good idea.

How to Check if Your Image Has Been Stolen.

WARNING: Do not do this if it is going to open pandora’s box. If you are going to spend the next two days straight with no sleep checking every photo you’ve ever put up online, you might want to skip this. Basically, for us common folk, we can only check images against Google one by one (while other large companies have tools for checking multiple photos multiple times. This is also how you can get pinged using a STOCK PHOTO from Getty Images or another paying stock image site. DO NOT ATTEMPT! I REPEAT! DO NOT USE PHOTOS YOU FIND ON THE INTERNET!)

1. Simply save a photo on your desktop.

2. Open the Google.com browser.

3. Simply drag the photo from your desktop into the google box. While you are hovering over it, it will show a photo icon. Drop the photo and watch what happens next.

4. Hopefully, nothing! If you DO see your same image pop up – see where it’s coming from. Hopefully your own site or social media! But if it’s showing up on another website – you now know.

5. If you have a LOT of photos online, you might want to look into a monitoring service like PicScout. Just know that these types of monitoring services are not cheap.

 

What Do You Do IF Someone Stole Your Photo???

Those fuckers! Did someone really think they could rip off your photo and you wouldn’t find out? They pegged you for a sucker!

1. Take a deep breath. Chances are they are just a simple person like you who didn’t know better and accidentally used it when they found it in Google search.

2. Depending how you’re feeling, you can either (a) contact them and let them know it’s your photo and they can use it as long as they credit you with a link back, or (b) if you don’t want them using it, send them a cease and desist letter. Learn how to send one here. (I LOVE Rocket Lawyer – it’s an easy site to navigate for simple legal document templates).

Be aware that some people will remove it immediately and apologize, others will be straight up assholes and swear at you, may or may not take it down, or even threaten to SUE YOU for trying to protect your own property. I’ve seen it all.

3. If you’re really having a stroke of bad luck and it’s a COMPANY using it FOR PROFIT – then you need to still do step 2. Then, if it happens to be hosted on Blogger, WordPress, or another large web host, they will have a DMCA form to fill out (Digital Millenium Copyright Act). This means if it’s proven, the host will remove the photo themselves quickly.

4. If none of this works, you’re going to have to seek legal help. Yes, I know it sucks, but if you’re really adamant to get the photo down, and they are not cooperating, you will have to contact a lawyer. Contacting a lawyer will also mean you want compensated for the unauthorized use of your photographs, rather than just have them removed. If you have registered your photos with the copyright office you can sue for damages while if you did not register you are limited to actual losses (amounts vary based on cases – this is just a general guideline). 

You can also send an invoice to copyright infringers and attempt to collect money yourself for your photos. Just be sure to price your photos well and include licensing terms in your correspondence.

Also, you’ll need to have records of steps you have taken and enough money to cover legal fees up front BEFORE you contact a lawyer. If you do consult a lawyer, be sure to select one familiar with copyright law. (I know a few if you need some recommendations!)