Locking Images

[Shannon]

How Do I lock my images. I recently shot a event for a client but I want to prevent them from copying the images or editing them ...
Any Idea's ?

Thanks
Shannon

[Mr. Pickles]

From reading what you wrote, I assume you are sending them actual files? If so, I'd send them no bigger than 800x600 at 72dpi. They could possibly print their own from this, but only a 4x6, and it wouldn't be a really crisp image.

I'd also look at putting some copyright signature on them. Either your name, your photography co. name, or simply the word proof. You can make it white which will stand out, or kind of transparent, which will make it noticeable, but will not tend to overpower the image.

If you have Photoshop (Elements may do this too?) you can also do a File - SaveAs, and choose "Photoshop PDF". When the dialog appears, check the PDF Security box, and then choose the Security Settings button. From there, check the "Password required to change permissions and passwords" (type in YOUR password int he box). Some options down below will un-gray themselves, and you can check them (print is one of them), or check all of them. Click OK and send the PDF to them....

Keep in mind that these files, although pretty safe, can get HUGE. If you use this, you may want to knock the size down from actual, to something like 800x600 or 1024x768.

[dmacgee]

Another way is lock them is to watermark them, if you're using photoshop you can create a mark and adjust the opacity, resize it to go across the entire print and make sure you flatten layers. Also if you're sending the files make them small and low resolution. If they are jpegs increase the compression on the copies you're sending.

Just a couple of thoughts.