The photography industry is in a bit of a panic recently—and rightly so! With AI technology becoming more advanced, watermarks on online images are being removed faster than you can say “copyright infringement.” And let’s face it, that’s really not fair.
Although we personally haven’t been affected (yet!), we’ve decided to increase the visibility of our watermarks, and we hope you’ll understand why. After all, photographers aren’t out here living in million-pound mansions with yachts parked in Monaco. In fact, 99% of the time, we’re just like you—scraping to pay the bills, keep the heating on, and stock up the fridge.
So, What’s the Big Deal?
Here’s the thing: when you remove a watermark or download a photo without permission, it’s like taking a slice of cake from someone’s plate and walking away with a grin. That cake might look amazing, but it wasn’t free to make!
As photographers, we pour hours (and a lot of cash) into creating the beautiful images you love. From expensive cameras and lenses to editing software, studio spaces, and training, it all adds up. And don’t even get us started on the hours spent perfecting lighting, posing, and post-production! Every photo you see represents a tiny piece of someone’s livelihood.
“But I Just Want It for My Screensaver!”
We hear this a lot: “I’m not selling it—I just want it as a screensaver!” And while we get it (our work is pretty awesome, isn’t it?), think of it this way: if you love the image enough to want it on your desktop, your wall, or anywhere else, then it’s worth paying for. By doing so, you’re not just buying a photo—you’re supporting an artist, helping them pay rent, and ensuring they can keep creating more of the work you admire.
Why Watermarks Exist
Watermarks aren’t there to ruin the photo; they’re there to protect it. Think of them as a photographer’s signature, a little shield against misuse. If AI is removing these watermarks, it becomes harder for us to protect our work, which means more of us might have to leave the industry altogether. And that would mean fewer amazing photos for everyone.
Let’s Keep Photography Alive
Photographers are passionate people who love what they do—but passion doesn’t pay the bills. If you appreciate our work, we’d love for you to support it, whether that’s by purchasing a print, booking a session, or simply sharing our posts (with credit, of course!). Every little bit helps us keep doing what we love—capturing your special moments.
So next time you see a beautiful photo online, resist the urge to screenshot or remove the watermark. Instead, reach out to the photographer—you might just be surprised at how affordable it is to own that image legitimately.
Let’s keep the magic of photography alive for everyone! And hey, maybe one day, we will get that superyacht… but not today.
If you’d like to support our work or book a session, get in touch here: www.level11.co.uk.