When I researched the history of watermarks I was blown away. I dredged through countless pages trying to make sense of what it all means. There are research papers, blogs and specific web sites that are dedicated to stories about paper mills in the 1300's that used watermarks as their signature of where the paper came from. Even books have been written about the Bull's Head, Mermaid and Unicorns. Although it was interesting, it was way over my head so I quit searching.
My nagging question is, "Do I use watermarks on Sam's photos?" As we all know, watermarks are used so people won't copy your photographs. I have talked with musicians about how they wish they could watermark their songs. I know I have an iPod where I have taken music from CD's that I found at the library. I have so many questions that only time will give me the answers.
This blog is my happy place where I talk about my adventures with Sam and his camera. I have to take a pause to ponder this nagging question of watermarks. It would seem that Sam and I hop in the car and go and take pictures. This is not the case. I first have to come up with an idea or a place to take Sam. I can sit for hours at my computer looking up places of interest. I often visit the place first to map out where Sam and I will go. Frustration runs on high when Sam doesn't know where we are. We then have to get there. Sam has a friend who we take with his own camera so we drive and get him. Once we are at the place, Sam and his friend do their best to share the scooter while I carry the cameras. Walking is involved and Sam gets tired. Sam gets easily agitated for whatever reason and heavy discussions go back and forth between us as I ask him if he wants to go home.
So why do I bother? Sam really likes to take pictures. It is the Autism that gets in the way which can lead to inner conflicts. There is the social piece where Sam can hang out with his friend. Sharing Rochester
Ok, back to watermarks. Sam really wants to make some money from photography some day. I am learning how to make wooden frames. I have tackled the ability to cut maps. I have to save up money to buy the map cutter. I took a class for $90 to learn how to make a professional frame that are shown at galleries. I can't even imagine the cost of all of the materials. It takes money to do photography with Sam. The almighty dollar runs in short supply but I somehow come up with it because it is worthwhile. As the saying goes, it is what parents do for their kids.
It is true that watermarks take away some of the beauty of the photo. I don't think I would watermark all of his photos. I would mark my favorites. I am hoping that when it is time to put his photos on line to sell I will have worked everything out. Maybe people would be happy to pay for a signed copy of one of his photos. A Mom can dream. For now I am not ready for that bill of sale. I am just going to continue to take Sam out and have fun.
I would like to add that anyone can request a photo of Sam's. Send me a message with your email. Give me a little story about yourself so I can share it with Sam. I encourage anyone to request a photo for a fundraising event. It would be my pleasure to send a framed photo for a good cause. I know that Sam would like that.
These are some of my favorites.
This is one of the first photos that Sam took with his camera.
Sam took this photo while waiting for the van to warm up. I was outside scraping the windshield.
* The background of this blog was taken by Sam while he was looking for Salmon.
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