Protecting a Photographic Website

[N1C0L3]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum, my name is Nicole. I am a second year student at Montserrat College of Art and I am a Photo major and a graphic design minor.
I have recently started making a website to display my photography in iWeb but I was wondering if there is a way to lock the site so that viewers are unable to drag my photographs off. I know professional photographers lock their sites all of the time, but I haven't been able to figure it out on iWeb. Maybe such an elementary program has no such feature? I have put a copyright on all of my photos but I am afraid its just not enough (and I would like to stay away from watermarks). Any suggestions?

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[Johnboy2978]

I'm afraid if someone is determined enough, they will get it no matter what you do w/ it. Flash is one thing to try, but even then you can do a print screen if you are determined enough. There is also a program called SnagIt which can capture any web content. So, there really is no way to make it fort knox. I use Jalbum and disable the save picture as property, but I'm sure you could snag my pics if you want to. It's just all part of it.

[Bev_K]

There are still easy ways to circumvent this, but here is the code to disable the ability to right click and "save as":

(just copy/paste into the header)
<script language="JavaScript"> <!--// No rightclick script v.2.5
// (c) 1998 barts1000
// barts1000@aol.com
// Don't delete this header!
var message="Sorry, this function is disabled.\n\nContents & Graphics are Copyright <your name> and should NOT be taken from this site."; // Message for the alert box
// Don't edit below!
function click(e) {
if (document.all) {
if (event.button == 2) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
}
if (document.layers) {
if (e.which == 3) {
alert(message);
return false;
}
}
}
if (document.layers) {
document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);
}
document.onmousedown=click;
// --> </script>

Obviously, this isn't that hard to get around, but maybe it makes someone pause for thought ?... Hey, I can dream!

Bev

[Garbz]

yes the no-right click option is the most basic. However clicking view-source will show you where the picture came from anyway. There really is no way to eliminate this. One option is to just simply place lower resolution images on the site. Then people are less likely to want to rip it off.

[droyz2000]

I know with Mac it doesn't matter. All anyone has to do it take a screen capture and they have it. I would take all the precautions you can but understand that people may still take it.

[shingfan]

if ppl want your pic...they can easily do it with screenshot.....very easy and there is a button for on almost every keyboard......(i for example have done it many time when i cant right click and save).....so the only way is to post lower resolution or dont post at all

[23pixels]

Yes people can grab your pictures. The best thing to do is to apply the no right click feature. Add your watermarks to each photo. Also display a copyright on your website as well. I would look at the Creative Commons site.

[N1C0L3]

Thanks for the helpful advice everyone. I am going to attempt to apply the no right click feature, but it is true that people will probably find ways around it.
I guess I should just look at it this way: If someone is willing to steal my work then they must really like it!

[Groupcaptainbonzo]

one of the simplest ways is to upload your images at about 800 X 600. On the monitor they look good. But try printing one......

[23pixels]

Also, since its for the web.. keep the resolution much lower. When someone tries to print the pictures it will look pixelated.

[kevin_c]

Also, since its for the web.. keep the resolution much lower. When someone tries to print the pictures it will look pixelated.

'Resolution' as such (300ppi for example), will have no impact at all, except telling a printer what size it is 'programmed' to be printed at a certain number of pixels per inch.

All that matters is the actual size in pixels - I always keep mine below 600pixels on the longest side - at 300ppi it will print at 2 inches, at 150ppi it will print at 4 inches, at 75ppi it will print at 6 inches but will look like cr*p

[Alex_B]

welcome to the forum.

you cannot protect your images .. if right click is disabled, well , drag it to another browser window and save it there
. if you use flash? well just do a screenshot.

there is no way to prevent stealing except using images in low res.

[agonzalez]

Try using the no right click option, low resolution and a watermark...

[kevin_c]

The only real way to stop anyone stealing images is to have a text-only web site and try to describe the images with words...

If you don't want it stolen, don't post it on the web.

[Boden]

Do not use the right-click disabling script. There are many valid uses for context menus in web browsers, and disabling right click will just irritate your users. It's also a bit unprofessional and makes the web developer come across as a bit of a technical dope.

Watermark and low resolution are your best bets, as others have mentioned. Really though I wouldn't be too worried.