Hi-

 I am using Zenfolio to sell stock photography. So far- AWESOME!

Here's my question. If I apply a watermark to the images, does this stay on the file that the buyer downloads?

Also, is there a way for the buyer to get a watermarked "comp" file to slug into the layout for approval before buying the file? I know this will be important to buyers.

if a buyer purchases a digital download, they will NOT get a watermarked version, they will get your original file, the same one you uploaded.

as the owner, you have access to links to direct images in various sizes that are watermarked, typically for using in forums or similar things.  there is no way for a customer to get access to these, unless you manually put a link in the caption of each photo, which would be time consuming if you have a lot of photos.  and if you are selling stock photos, I'm assuming you have a lot.

Thanks Kevin for the quick reply. I guess the only way to do this is for the user to make a "screen grab", which will have the watermark on it by default.

well I was thinking of saying that, but really the 'screen grab' is like our version of 'illegal music downloading'.  but we at least can watermark our photos.  :)

Well that's why I would like this feature. If a user had to register and sign in to get a comp file, then at least i would know who was looking and have an email address to follow up. I do have to say, however, that given the amazing functionality of this site, it would only be icing on the cake.

I need the downloaded files to have watermarks as well, anybody knows how to do this or enable it?

the only option for downloaded files to be watermarked is to watermark the original before upload to zenfolio.

maybe a future feature enhancement...

I would like to be able to add watermarks to certain download resolutions.  A photographer could then offer free or low-cost low-res downloads with the watermark.  When these then get plastered all over Facebook, a watermarked URL could be great advertising.

Currently you can offer your visitors the ability to download images in smaller sizes than the original if you wish. This option will be visible when a viewer moves their mouse over the top left of a photo as well as right-clicks on a photo. The watermark will be visible on the saved image.

The file sizes you can offer are directly linked to the maximum display sizes you have enabled in Access Control. If you limit the display size to Small then the only size that will be available to save will be up to 400 pixels on the longest side. Alternatively if you enable Large or Very Large display sizes the Save options will follow accordingly.

To allow saving of smaller images

1.       In Edit View, select the Gallery you would like to edit

2.       Locate the Show Visitor View » Customize link in the Top Menu of the Main Area. If you are already in the Visitor View, move your mouse over the My Zenfolio View Switcher at the top of the visitor page. A menu will open with a list of items. Click to select Customize Visitor View.

3.       Click to open a photo page

4.       Select Options from the top menu. A popup window will open.

5.       If Use Default Settings option is checked, click to uncheck it to access custom settings.

6.       Next to Option to Save Images click Show

7.       Click Apply to confirm and apply the selection.

This isn't a perfect solution but it is a workaround for now.