05/07/2026
PLEASE READ:
After seeing one of my photos posted on social media with the watermark still on it, I was a bit taken back that someone would do so, so blatantly but then thought perhaps they just don’t know that it’s wrong.
Here’s a little from Google on the topic:
Is it okay to screenshot and post watermarked photos?
No, it is generally not okay to screenshot and post watermarked photos without permission. Doing so is considered copyright infringement, commonly known as stealing, as it violates the creator's rights and bypasses the requirement to purchase the image.
It is Theft: Screenshotting watermarked "proof" images to avoid paying for them is a direct violation of copyright law.
Illegal Removal: Removing a watermark to use an image is a clear violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
Consequences: The creator can take legal action, and in some cases, owners can sue for damages, often up to $25,000.
Reputation Damage: Posting watermarked, low-quality proofs is widely considered unprofessional and "cheap" in professional photography and design communities.
What you should do instead:
Purchase the photo to get a high-resolution version without a watermark.
Ask the photographer/owner for permission to share.
Use stock photos that are available under a Creative Commons license.
If anyone would like to use my photos and is unable to purchase a download, please reach out to me before sharing watermarked copies.
Thank you,
Jennifer
