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 Solutions - digital wedding photographers in Kent - Scam Advice

Photo 3 Solutions claims to be one of the leading whistle-blowers of UK modelling scams.

He lists companies that he claims are model agency scams and says he has named and shamed many fake model agencies over the years.

However, there are a few facts that might make a visitor wonder exactly what Andy James (the sole trader who runs the Photo 3 Solutions website) is really all about.

Expensive Modelling Portfolios

Despite proclaiming that expensive modelling portfolios are not necessary for aspiring models, Andy James (with apparently no sense of irony), offers Model Portfolio Test shoots for a fee of £300. Why is he offering modelling portfolios if they are a scam?

Photo 3 Solutions Fake Modelling Agency?

Andy James also 'names and shames' fake model agencies. But a quick search, and even a link from the bottom of his page, goes to 'Models 3 - UK Model Register'. The website is very obviously run by Andy James as well, and is not registered with the Association of Modelling Agencies. Perhaps the reason Mr James is so aware of fake modelling agencies is because he's running one himself?

His 'modelling agency' website also includes 'useful links' that don't exist, or are completely irrelevant, such as suppliers of safety signs! Not very professional...

The many faces of Photo 3 Solutions / Model 3 / The Kent Wedding Photographer

Andy James seems to have a finger in every pie, and a different face for every customer.  So far we've found three different websites, including a blog that claims expertise on a wide range of subjects, his 'modelling agency', his main photography site, and his 'specialist' storybook wedding photography site for Kent.

Genuine professionals usually specialise in one area; even photographers specialise in fashion, weddings, or commercial, for example. Someone who spreads himself so thin is likely to be a jack of all trades and master of none at best, or scam artist trying to throw the scent off his own dodgy businesses at worst.

Before you believe everything Andy James says, think again about what he's got to gain.

Photo 3 Solutions - Jack of All Trades?

Photo 3 Solutions have no qualms about sharing their opinions on a wide variety of topics.

The areas that they advise on include: camera equipment, modelling careers, scams and even reality TV shows.

But are they really in a position to be giving advice on these topics?

A quick look at the website of Photo 3 Solutions shows an amateur website, filled with amateur photographs.

If someone purporting to be a professional photographer has a home-made website with photographs that aren't of professional quality, it's time to question the advice they're giving out - and their motivations.

For example: camera equipment:

Photo 3 Solutions gives recommendations about buying digital SLR cameras, but specifically badmouths SLR Hut, stating that the products are available much cheaper from the States. But he doesn't take into account shipping - an extremely serious consideration with delicate equipment. 

Furthermore, when buying from abroad, consumers are not protected by the kind of legislation that they are when purchasing from UK based companies.

So, perhaps Andy James of Photo 3 Solutions isn't giving the whole picture, after all. And if not, why not?

We'll write more soon with more questions as to Photo 3 Solutions hidden agenda.

Photo 3 Solutions Service Quality

Photo 3 Solutions consider themselves great experts in various domains. They advise on camera equipment, on modelling careers; they do wedding videos and even pictures of topless girls.

We could say they are Leonardo Da Vinci of photography - with skills in every area.

But isn't it too good to be true?

The answer is most definitely yes - they are no Da Vinci.

A quick look at their website demonstrates the poor quality of their work.

And there is the answer: if you try to do everything, it usually means that you're good at nothing.

Think twice before calling Photo 3 Solutions in Kent and asking for their services - find yourself a professional instead.