Recently, we received an email from Irene asking about putting her logo on portraits that she creates for friends and family. I thought it was a fantastic question and probably something that many people wonder about. So, I thought this would make a really great blog post. Her question was:
“Hi! I first off wanted to say that I absolutely love your blog. I read it daily. Great advice, great tips and I love all the new photographers you have introduced me to.
Late last year I started really studying photography. I purchased a Nikon D40 this spring and my hobby quickly turned into almost an obsession. I am a SAHM who, in a previous life, earned my BS and MBA in marketing and spent quite a few years in marketing and product management. I stopped working when I had second, special needs, daughter, and now stay home with my 3 little girls.
I have recently been thinking that I may want to start working towards a career in photography. I think I have found my “thing” with photography. I spend hours reading and studying photography and photographers online. I take many photos daily. I am constantly trying to improve my skills. And I have never been happier. I feel, with my marketing and business background, along with my love of photography, that maybe, someday, I could be successful doing what I love. At this point, I have no desire to be a full-time paid photographer, but if I can get a few shoots and make a little extra money, I would be extremely happy.
I am going to be taking some engagement photos (pro bono of course) for a friend of ours in the next few weeks. She wasn’t going to get professional photos (due to cost), but is excited to let me practice with her and her fiance. Hopefully, with word of mouth and a bit of “marketing” I can get a lot more practice doing free shoots.
Other than telling you how much I like your site, I also wanted to ask your opinion on adding logos to photos. I feel, for me, it is a bit premature and almost presumptuous. I am not a paid photographer, although I aspire to be one. I have a blog which is focused on my family, but also includes a lot of photos and some discussion on photography. I also upload a lot of photos on Flickr. Do you think there is any benefit to adding a logo at this point? I am not thinking of it as a watermark for security reasons, but as a logo for potential marketing purposes.”
First of all Irene, thank you so much for your kind words and I’m glad you read our blog so often! I think that adding a water mark, as long as it is classy and not too big is perfectly fine. If your intention is to promote yourself, then yes, I would add the mark. It doesn’t matter that you’re not professional. The question is, do you want your name to begin to be recognized with your work? Of course you do, so do it. That’s one thing that no one will look at, especially if you give away your photography for free, but even when they pay for it that someone will say, “What is that on the corner of my picture?”
Think about it, people pay for Nike shirts with the name written right across the chest. Yes, as long as it’s classy and professional looking, go for it. By the way, eventually people, if the photography is in demand enough, will buy your photography because of the name that is on it. Not that they are buying it because you put your name on it, but because it is your work and they will really not mind at all if your name is on there. Some may object, but the vast majority accept it as common place and a well accepted practice among professionals and good photographers.
I hope that this answers your question. Thanks again for the great email and I hope this was a help to both yourself as well as others.
