Okuzeka
Photography vocabulary · Copyright & Licensing

Watermark

Meaning in photography, with examples

/ˈwɔːtərmɑːrk/nounCommon term

In photography, watermark means: A logo, name or text placed over a photo, often semi-transparent, to show who owns it and to discourage use without permission.

In Turkish: filigran, damga

How it is used

Common on proofs, previews and stock samples; final paid images are delivered without it. You add, place or remove a watermark. Removing someone else's watermark in order to use their photo can break copyright law.

Example sentences

  1. The online proofs have a watermark; the final files will be clean.

  2. Keep your watermark small and in a corner so it doesn't ruin the image.

Common collocations

  • add a watermark
  • remove the watermark
  • watermarked preview
  • logo watermark
  • copyrightThe legal right to control how a photo is copied, published and used. In most countries it belongs to the photographer from the moment the photo is taken.
  • stock photographyReady-made photos that are licensed to many different customers through agencies or websites, instead of being shot for one client.
  • licensePermission from the copyright owner to use a photo in specific ways, for example where, for how long and in which media, usually in return for a fee.
  • portfolioA carefully chosen collection of a photographer's best work, shown on a website, in a printed book or as a PDF to win clients or apply for jobs.

More terms: Copyright & Licensing

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: