The Kent Wedding Photographer Digital Copyright Scam

Beware! The Kent Wedding Photographer wants to keep your copyright!

The Kent Wedding Photographer (aka Andy James of Photo 3 Solutions) promotes himself as a specialist in digital storybook wedding photos in Kent. But there's something in the small print he doesn't want you to see...

What is copyright?

Copyright determines who 'owns' the rights to use photographs. That's not the prints themselves, but the creative property. Whoever has the copyright is allowed to use the images however they wish, and anybody who doesn't have the copyright has no rights to access, print or make digital copies of the photos.

Why do I care if the Kent Wedding Photographer wants to keep my copyright?

Firstly, because it means you don't have any rights when it comes to accessing your photos, and secondly because The Kent Wedding Photographer can do whatever he wants with them.

Let's take the first problem - you not having access to your photos. If a photographer turned up for free, took photos off his own back in the hopes that you might like some of them and pay for them afterwards, then it would be fair for them to own the copyright (although they would still need you and all your guests to sign a model release if he wanted to use them for anything). But in the case of most wedding photographers - including the Kent Wedding Photographer - you pay for their time. If you are paying for someone's time, then you are entitles to whatever they produce within that time. If you pay for their time and then have to pay extra for copyright, you're paying twice.

The second problem is slightly more sinister. As The Kent Wedding Photographer owns your photographs (and if you check the contract you'll find you've signed a model release as well), it means he can use them however he wishes. This may simply be to use as promotional material on his website and brochures, but is he wishes he can also sell the photos, use them on stock photo libraries, or even add the unflattering ones to blooper sites. And there's nothing you can do to stop it.

So, before you sign a contract with the Kent Wedding Photographer - or any wedding photographer for that matter - check carefully who owns the copyright, and also look out for a model release. You are not obliged to sign it - you can get them to cross it off.

Photo shoots in Kent with Photo 3 Solutions - be careful!

Are you looking to have a photo shoot in Kent?

One of the most prolific photographers in Kent is Photo 3 Solutions, so you may come across their home made website if you're looking for photo shoots in Kent.

But make sure you check the details carefully before you agree to a photo shoot with Photo 3 Solutions.

Warning #1 - you won't own your photos
Photo 3 Solutions make it their policy to withold copyright from anyone in their photoshoots. Now, this may be normal if you're a model being paid by a client for your images. However, if you're a client, paying a photographer for their time and skills, then you darn well have the right to own your own photographs!

The only exception would be if the photoshoot itself is free, and then you only pay if you decide you want some of the images.

So, check the small print about the copyright if you're having a photoshoot in Kent, and find someone who won't withold it.

Warning #2 - photo 3 solutions is a jack of all trades
You may want a photo shoot for formal portraits, relaxed family pictures, a modelling portfolio or a wedding storybook. Each of these areas is specialist, and most photographers choose one or at most two and take pride in making sure the quality of their images is outstanding. Photo 3 Solutions has a finger in every pie (they even claim to run a 'modelling agency') - and the result is mediocre quality in all fields.

Warning #3 - photo 3 solutions are over priced
You'd think a jack of all trades that withhold copyright would at least be one of the cheapest offerings around - but sadly this is not the case. The packages offered are among the most expensive, with the least included.

For photo shoots in Kent - choose a professional, not Photo 3 Solutions.

Models 3 - Scam Kent modelling agency by Photo 3 Solutions?

Models 3 claim to be a 'UK model register' and  'Kent model agency'.

But in fact the company is run by Andy James, whose 'proper' company is Photo 3 Solutions, and 'The Kent Wedding Photographer'.

Running a modelling agency is a full time job, and not something just anybody can do in their spare time, but Mr James seems to think it doesn't need to be taken that seriously - that it's enough to knock up a homemade website and hey presto - you're a modelling agency!

Model 3's credentials are weak at best, talking about launching the career of Luisa Jane (whoever she is) - but by their own admission that was back in 2007, and they don't appear to have had any results since then. Not a single paid placement in five years? Not a great record.

Worryingly, he states that CDs with a selection of photos of most of the models are available for £25. No serious modelling agency would charge clients to view images of their models in order to select them for work! Combine with the fact that Mr James seems to focus on glamour modelling, the sale of these CDs leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

Elsewhere Photo 3 Solutions / Model 3 / The Kent Wedding Photographer states that 'the photographer owns the copyright to all images' as if there is no alternative. As a model, you have the right to demand the copyright to your portfolio images - especially if you paid for them!

So not only is Mr James selling images that should be in a promotional portfolio, it seems likely that the model never sees a penny from this tidy little income.

Photo 3 Solutions - scam artist?

Photo 3 Solutions is a photographer in Kent, specialising in portraits.

Or is that weddings? If you follow links to wedding services, it takes you to a complete different website, which claims Photo 3 is an expert in digital storybook wedding photography. However, there's no evidence of storybook expertise, and the packages don't include digital version of the photographs, even when you've forked out £1000. Misleading.

Then again, it appears Photo 3 Solutions is a modelling agency as well. That's right! They run their own modelling agency at the same time as 'specialising in storybook wedding photography' and also portraits.

But the talents of Photo 3 Solutions don't stop there - they also manage to fit in some glamour / boudior / lingerie sessions. Well, who wouldn't?

As if that wasn't enough, Photo 3 Solutions can also find you a make-up artist and a venue for your wedding. They really are busy!

You'd probably assume that a company that has time to become an expert wedding photographer, learn how to get the most out of intimate portraits, spend time gathering up-to-date details of professional stylists and venues, and also run a modelling agency, must have a lot of staff.

But the surprising (or not) answer, is that no. Photo 3 Solutions is a one man outfit. Andy James must get up very early in the morning to be able to provide so many different services that are usually served by professionals that take each one a little more seriously.

One more thing - busy Mr James still has time to slander photography shops, photographic equipment, competitor's modelling agencies and modelling stylists and consultants, in fact anyone who might offer any competition.

Photo 3 Scam - withholding copyright

Be careful if you're thinking about hiring Photo 3 Solutions for your wedding or portfolio photographic need, make sure you've done your research and found out who's really behind the company.

Photo 3 have been associated with a number of scams, from overpriced wedding packages to dodgy modelling agencies to withholding copyright from paying customers.

Photo 3 won't tell you outright, but if you hire them to take photographs for you, you won't end up owning the copyright to your pictures. If questioned, they'll tell you that this is perfectly normal behavious for a photographer, but this is absolutely not the case.

If you pay a photographer to take photographs for you, then you are paying for their time and the fruits of their labour - in other words, the photos they take.

So what does it mean when Photo 3 refuses to hand over copyright?

Firstly, it means he can use YOUR photographs wherever he wishes, for life. That means for promotion, to sell them - he could print them and use them on posters or sell a CD full of your pictures to anyone he wishes.

Secondly, it means you don't have the right to use YOUR OWN PICTURES. That means that if you want copies of them - as prints, or digital, he can make you pay through the nose - and will.

So be careful if you're thinking of using Photo 3 to take your photographs and make sure you read the small print.