Real Watermarking

[arigram]

Can one apply an actual watermarking to a printed photograph, or are there any other means of semi-invisibly marking the image area?

[David A. Goldfarb]

Posted wirelessly..

I think watermarking is part of the paper manufacturing process, so probably not, but embossing might be an option.

[Steve Smith]

Embossing sounds good. My great aunt used to have a hand operated contraption which embossed her address onto the top of letter writing paper. I used to have hours* of fun with that.

(* it may have only been minutes really!).



Steve.

[arigram]

Embossing then, its the same thing really. Isn't watermarks made by wire pressing on wet paper?
How do one goes about embossing a photographic print without damaging it as well?
The emulsion is a delicate thing and I fear that any press like contraption would be too much.
In all the history of photography, no one ever cared about this subject? I would think, a certain method would have been available since forever.

[Ian Grant]

Ari, I have two images with the photographers name & location enb0ssed that date from about 1912, my Grandmother bought them on her honeymoon, it's a very old practice, and there's an image by Valentine's of Dundee of my Grandfather aged about 2 from the 1870's, in this case the card is embossed.

Ian

[phaedrus]

Posted wirelessly..

I think watermarking is part of the paper manufacturing process, so probably not, but embossing might be an option.

David is of course right, and in alt processes, a watermark in the paper can sometimes distract from the image if it comes to lie in an even tone.

[bdial]

You could make a mask that you place over the paper when you make the print. Not as clean as a watermark, as you would see the edge of the mask.

[arigram]

Ok, so, how does one go about it then?

EDIT: Just saw your suggestion BD. Certainly, you are right, but that has to be done in the enlarging state and not possible to already printed images.

[Ian Grant]

A good stationery shop can get them, they are used by many businesses etc. You need the two part die then a press, these can be small hand type, or more expensice heavy weight devices.

Ian

[arigram]

Thank you Ian, I found a couple informative links:
http://www.blackdogsigns.co.uk/presses.php
http://www.rubberstamp.uk.com/EmbossingPresses.php

So, one needs a signage professional to make the seal and a press.
I have too look for both around here. I know people who make signs and stamps, but I am not sure if they make such embossing seals.