Johnny Martyr

10/13/2026

We’re with you, Kai 🫶 - shame on Walter’s Camera - hope your Rollei is returned safe and sound

She's reportedly gone to the police.

10/11/2026

I read an article in The Times today about parents using AI to remove watermarks from school photographs so they can keep the images without paying for them.

It really struck a chord with me because this has happened to me — and I have lost sales because of it.

I photograph children in nurseries and pre-schools, and there is something about my particular business model that I think many people don't realise.

The nursery doesn't pay me to do the photography.

I don't receive a photography fee for turning up, photographing the children or editing the images.

My income comes from parents choosing to purchase the photographs afterwards.

So when I spend a day or two at a nursery, photographing every child, editing hundreds of images, creating private galleries, communicating with parents and processing orders, I am taking on all of the financial risk.

If parents buy the photographs, I earn from the work I've done.

If they don't, I don't receive a fee from the nursery to cover my time.

That is why using AI to remove a watermark isn't simply a clever way of saving a few pounds.

The photograph is my copyright. The watermark identifies the photographer and makes it clear that the image has not been purchased or licensed for use.

Removing that watermark and then keeping or using the photograph doesn't change who owns the copyright.

And for a small, independent photographer, that sale is the income that pays for the work.

I've invested in professional equipment, insurance, software, travel and, most importantly, many hours of work before a parent even sees their gallery.

I completely understand that family budgets are under pressure. Nobody should feel obliged to buy photographs they don't want or can't afford.

But there is a big difference between choosing not to buy a photograph and using AI to remove the watermark from a photograph that hasn't been purchased.

There is also another consideration when the photographs are of children.

Uploading a child's professional photograph to an AI tool to remove a watermark means that image is being put somewhere beyond the photographer's control. It raises another important question: what happens to children's images once they are uploaded to these platforms?

This is why I have now introduced a much more robust watermarking system on my nursery galleries.

Not because I want to make life difficult for parents, but because I need to protect my work, my copyright and my livelihood.

I've been photographing little ones for over 20 years and I absolutely love what I do.

But behind every photograph is a small business, a huge amount of work and someone trying to make a living from their craft.

There isn't an AI button that pays the photographer. 📸

10/02/2026

The same photographers who say the best camera is the one you have with you also sold all the film cameras that they used to have with them, for digital

10/01/2026

Waiting for our table at Volt

M6TTL 5CMSUMMARIT DELTA3200

09/30/2026

Having a blast with amazing friends and family on Kodak TMAX P3200!

09/29/2026

It’s rare to catch a quiet moment of the bride alone on her wedding day

Nikon FM | Nikkor 85/1.8 K | Kodak TMAX P3200

09/28/2026

I ran into these girls at bars in our 20s and took their pictures on vintage film cameras just for fun. Later, they hired my wife and I to photograph their weddings and their family photos for years to come. I count them all as good clients and friends now.

Never underestimate the power of taking your camera with you everywhere and shooting whatever, or whoever, inspires you!

09/27/2026

Effective photo critiques recommend how to better achieve the photographer’s goals, not the critic’s goals.

09/25/2026

Bathtub Cig at The Hamilton Live

M6TTL 90CRON TRIX1600

09/24/2026

Hanging out in bars late at night, discussing art and trying to make art too...

Nikon FM2n | Nikkor 50mm 1.4 AIS | Ilford Delta 3200 rated at 6400 | Kodak HC110b