Do watermarks protect your pictures?

The short answer is NO. 

 

Watermarks can provide some protection for your photos, but their effectiveness depends on your goals. Here’s a breakdown of their pros and cons:

Advantages of Using Watermarks

✅ Discourages Casual Theft – A visible watermark makes it harder for someone to pass off your work as their own.
✅ Branding & Recognition – If done subtly, a watermark can help people recognize your work and find your portfolio.
✅ Proof of Ownership – If a dispute arises, a watermark can serve as initial evidence that you are the original creator.

Limitations of Watermarks

❌ Easy to Remove – Anyone with basic editing skills can erase a watermark, especially if it's small or placed in a corner. An example of that is that Google's latest Gemini includes an AI feature to just do that.
❌ Can Distract from the Image – A poorly placed or overly large watermark can detract from the visual appeal of your photo.
❌ Might Not Stop Serious Theft – High-quality images are still vulnerable to unauthorized use, even with a watermark.

 Bottom Line

Watermarks provide a layer of deterrence but are not foolproof. If you mainly want credit and visibility, a subtle watermark may help. If preventing theft is your primary concern, combining multiple protection strategies is a better approach.