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Final stretch on our Lightroom series! Today we’ll show you how to protect your photos with watermarks. This tutorial covers creating text and graphic watermarks, customizing their appearance, and setting up export presets for client proofs and final images.
Follow along with all 30 episodes as we explore the the magic of Lightroom together!
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Protecting Your Images
In today’s digital age, protecting your photographic work is crucial. Watermarks act as a digital signature, deterring unauthorized use and ensuring your work is credited. Whether you’re sharing proofs with clients or posting images online, watermarks safeguard your creative efforts and professional reputation.
Creating Watermarks
1. Begin by navigating to File > Export in Lightroom.
2. In the export dialog, locate and click “Watermarking,” then select “Edit Watermarks.” Here, you can create text or graphic watermarks. For text, type your name or business name and customize the font, alignment, opacity, and size. For graphic watermarks, upload your logo or signature.
3. To adjust the placement, use the horizontal and vertical inset options. Create a new preset by clicking the dropdown and naming it, such as “Proof.” Then, click “Create” and “Done.”
Exporting with Watermarks
4. For client proofs, resize your images to a smaller resolution, like 800 pixels on the long edge, under “Image Sizing.” This prevents clients from using high-resolution images without payment.
5. In the “File Naming” section, select “Rename File,” then “Edit.” Insert the “File Name” followed by a hyphen and “Custom Text.”
6. In the custom text field, type “Proof.” This adds “Proof” to the file name.
7. Save these settings as a new export preset by clicking “Add,” naming it “Proof,” and clicking “Create.”
8. To export, click “Export,” choose your destination folder, and click “Open.”
Finalizing and Future Uses
9. When delivering final images, return to File > Export.
10. Remove the watermark and ensure “Image Sizing” is set to the original dimensions. 11. Rename the file to indicate it’s the final version.
11. Save these settings as a new export preset named “Final”.
12. Export the images to the same folder. This process ensures your work is protected during client interactions and delivered in its full quality upon completion.
That’s a wrap on day 28! Tomorrow, we will explore other practical applications for Lightroom, expanding your editing and workflow capabilities.
