Photo 3 Kent Photography scam

Photo 3, the Kent photographer is becoming synonymous with the word 'scam'.

Photo 3 Solutions Scam #1

Offering digital storybook wedding photography services, but charging extortionate rates for digital rights. Most wedding photographers are paid for their time, and the client receives the ownership of their photos. Not so with Photo 3. Not only must you pay hundreds, or thousands, of pounds for a few hours work, but then you must pay again for the privelige of using the resulting photos for something as simple as a computer desktop background.

Photo 3 Solutions Scam #2

Offering Model Agency services. Photo 3 has another name: Model 3, which claims to be a legitimate modelling agency. However, there is no evidence that Model 3 finds the models on its 'books' any work or does anything except encourage young girls to get portfolio photos taken from - you guessed it - Photo 3.

Photo 3 Solutions Scam #3

Offering 'impartial advice'. One the one hand Photo 3 will tell you that if a competitor photographer is charging LESS than them, then it must be a SCAM, because it's simply not possible to offer those kinds of services so cheaply. On the other hand, and with no sense of irony, Photo 3 says that if competitors are charging MORE then them, then it must be a SCAM, because those prices are artificially high.

In actuality, different people will charge different prices based on their skill and equipment level. The only thing that's obvious to anyone with any exprience of amateur or professional photography is that Photo 3 is extremely overpriced and poor quality.

Photo 3 Solutions Scam Advice

Watch out for Photo 3 Solutions (also known as 'The Kent Wedding Photographer'), do a little research before choosing this 'photographer' for your wedding photos, modelling photos or portraits.

There are lots of great photographers in Kent, so make sure you choose one that is going to give you a good quality service, for a good price.

When choosing a photographer, the key things you want to take into account are price and quality. You want to get good quality work, but you want to get it at the best possible price.

Well, with Photo 3 Solutions, you're likely to get poor quality work at a high price.

If you shop around a bit and look at some of the other wedding photographers in Kent other than Photo 3 Solutions, you'll quickly see that the package Photo 3 Solutions offers are quite pricey and don't include very much at all.

Furthermore, if you browse through the image galleries of other wedding photographers in Kent, it's immediately obvious that the quality of the work of Photo 3 Solutions is just not up to scratch - in fact, there are plenty of amateur photographers who could do a better job.

Whether its composition, lighting or post production, Photo 3 Solutions work is laughably bad.

So, shop around and decide for yourself! Do you want to waste your money, or would you rather hire a professional?

Photo 3 Solutions Modelling Portfolio Scam

Modelling Portfolios Scam

If you're an aspiring model and you've come across Photo 3 Solutions or Models 3 then be very, very careful, don't get sucked into a scam that could cost you hundreds of pounds and not help at all in your modelling career.

If you want to join Models 3, you'll probably be told that to make it as a model, you need a modelling portfolio - which is of course, correct - but hey! How convenient, here's someone who can do it for you.

However, the owner of the 'modelling agency' Models 3, and the photographer at Photo 3 Solutions who will sell you your 'professional' modelling portfolio photos are one and the same person.

Of course, you may be told that you can use any professional photographer, but it's clear that you'll have the best chances if you use him, because he's got so much experience, the studio - the whole deal.

The only problem is, the photos will be of such poor quality, that while they'll surely get you into Models 3 - which is only a part time company anyway, and doesn't seem to have much luck in actually placing models - there's no way they'll ever be able to be used in a proper professional modelling portfolio if you do manage to break into modelling by some other route.

So, don't waste your money with Photo 3 Solutions! Stick to genuine modelling agencies, not half-cut, part-time sidelines, and get a photographer who understands things like lighting and composition.

 

Scam Advice: Photo 3 Solutions digital wedding photographers in Kent

Photo 3 Solutions - whistle blowers or full of hot air?

The owner of Photo 3 Solutions - Andy James, makes lists of companies he says are model agency scams and proudly claims to have named and shamed many con-artists over the years.

However, if you start to look into the structure and background of Photo 3 Solutions, you start to wonder exactly what's going on behind the scenes.

Fake Modelling Agency?

Photo 3 Solutions apparently 'names and shames' dodgy modelling agencies. But even from his own site you can find a link to 'Models 3 - UK Model Register'.

It's clear from the first glance the this website is run by the same people (or person, as it happens ) as Photo 3 Solutions. Could it be that Andy James is running his own fake modelling agency and is just trying to get rid of the genuine competition?

The 'modelling agency' website Models 3 is an extremely scrappy site, full of broken or inaccurate links. Not very professional.


The only testimonials on the site are years old, and are impossible to prove, plus there doesn't seem to be any evidence of actual paid work for any real models - just lots of pictures taken by Photo 3 Solutions - and you can be sure the model paid plenty for those.

Photo 3 Solutions Whistleblower Scam

Is Photo 3 Solutions a scam?

The company appears to have multiple websites, which do everything from offer studio photography to model photography, to being a model agency, to storybook wedding services, to blogging expert on all kinds of subjects.

Despite its many faces, Photo 3 Solutions appears to be run by a single person, who on his blog claims to be a whistleblower of fake modelling agency sites.

However, it only takes a little digging to find he offer his own modelling agency services, under the guise of Models 3. Is it possible that Photo 3 Solutions makes such a big noise about other modelling companies because he doesn't want people to look too closely at his own? Or perhaps he's just hoping to get more attention that way...

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.

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.

Photo 3 Solutions wedding photographer website analysis

What does a wedding photographer's website say about them?

As with any business, the professionalism of a photographer's website reflects how professional that photographer is.

And it's pretty clear that Photo 3 Solutions take a DIY attitude to most things.

Photo 3 Solutions have several websites out there, as well as a blog, all with spidering layers of hundreds of pages, clearly built for search engines and not human visitors - who can spend hours going round in circles trying to find the information they're looking for.

It's also obvious that the website is home made, considering the poor, busy layout and lack of decent typesetting.

The final serious issue of all Photo 3 Solutions websites is the most damning. The complete lack of high quality photos in a portfolio. And that means high quality from two angles - firstly the skill of the photographer, secondly the resolution and quality of the image itself.

All professional photographers should have at least one clear portfolio, which showcases their work. The Photo 3 Solutions showcase is a cluster of badly lit, badly composed images with tacky, amateur post-production that usualyl consists of a cheesy soft lighting effect.

And Photo 3 Solutions appear to realise the poor quality of the wedding and portrait photographs on offer, because all of the images are so small, you can barely see them anyway.

If you're looking for a storybook digital wedding photographer in Kent, find someone better than Photo 3 Solutions!

Quality analysis of storybook photographers in Kent

What makes a good wedding photo? Part Two

Comparing the work of two wedding photographers based in Kent - David Fenwick and Photo 3 Solutions (also goes by The Kent Wedding Photographer)

Subtle post-production

Post-production includes cropping to optimise the composition, adjusting colour balance, selection of image, and any filters of special effects that might be applied. Almost all professional photos will have some level of post-production applied to them, even if you don't notice it, otherwise they just look like snapshots. However, amatuer photographers can get over-excited about the power of modern photo manipulation tools and create tacky results.

Example of good storybook wedding photo post-production (David Fenwick Wedding Photographer, Kent)

 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2583313762480&set=a.2583249240867.91929.1843576163&type=3&l=bc846e87c3&theater

Nice of centre crop, strong blacks and whites without blowing out, lots of interesting detail and nice timeless atmosphere created with black and white

Example of bad storybook wedding photo post-production (Photo 3 Solutions, Kent)

http://the-kent-wedding-photographer.co.uk/images/portfolio_bw/IMG_3452a.JPG



Bad crop, leaving distracting detail in bottom left corner, too much contrast, not enough detail for black and white

Capturing the moment

Possibly the most important element of wedding photography, is capturing the moment, the atmosphere of the day. Anybpdy can line people up like dolls, order then to smile, then click a button. But a truly talented wedding photographer will be able to sneak around unnoticed, captuing genuine moments of emotion.

Example of good storybook wedding photo capturing the moment (David Fenwick Wedding Photographer, Kent)

 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2709041585597&set=a.2709006744726.94954.1843576163&type=3&l=2b3c3934b7&theater

A genuine moment of closeness between the couple, shown in both facial expression and body language

Example of bad storybook wedding photo capturing the moment (Photo 3 Solutions, Kent)

http://the-kent-wedding-photographer.co.uk/images/portfolio_colour/archbishops_palace_maidstone.JPG

Looks uncomfortable, bride and groom look stiff and posed, the lauch forced

Quality analysis of storybook wedding photographers in Kent

What make a good wedding photo? Part One

Good composition

A good wedding photographer will have a good 'eye' for a photo. Composition is about what's included in the image - and often more importantly, what's not. It includes where the main subject is located in the image (central, to the side or corner - all give different effects), the angle the subject is taken from, whether there are natural lines that lead towards the main focus of the photo.

Example of good storybook wedding photography composition:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2464976084112&set=a.2464972204015.88945.1843576163&type=3&l=941d1191b1&theater 


Nice subtle symmetry, close angle makes us feel part of it, clear view of the action

 

Example of bad wedding photography composition:

http://the-kent-wedding-photographer.co.uk/images/portfolio_bw/IMG_4350.JPG

Dull angle, lots of distraction in the background, can't see the detail of what's happening

Good colour balance

Colour plays a critical role in how a picture comes across. Obviously when it comes to portrait and wedding photography, black and white and sepis options are popular, but skillde colour manipulation is about much more than simply clicking 'convert to black and white'. There are many shades of black and whote, sometimes with hints or elements of colour. Some shades give a vintage feel, others drama or glossiness. If using full colour, balancing warmth, tints, vibrancy and saturation can make the difference between a dull or jarring colour balance and a fresh image that really 'pops'.

 

Example of good storybook wedding photography colour balance:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2583262641202&set=a.2583249240867.91929.1843576163&type=3&l=bc846e87c3&theater

Warm, rich colours without being glary, detail in white and black areas, no blow-outs

 

Example of bad wedding photography colour balance:

http://the-kent-wedding-photographer.co.uk/images/portfolio_colour/kent_wedding_photo_2.JPG

White completely blown out, black areas completely lost, generally glary

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.

Models 3 Modelling Agency Scam - Photo 3 Solutions in disguise

Photo 3 Solutions make a big song and dance of being 'whistleblowers' of fake modelling agencies, so it's extremely interesting when you find out they have their own 'modelling agency' - Models 3.

It seems Photo 3 Solutions know so much about model scams because they are running one themselves.

As well as warning aspring models against paying a deposit and then demanding one themselves, Photo 3 Solutions are actually posing as a model agency.

Running a model agency is a full time job for a team of expert people, so it's hard to believe a sole trader with a 'professional' photography business has time to act as an agent for models as well.

Photo 3 Kent Wedding Photographer

One of the services Photo 3 provides is Wedding Photography.

From someone who calls themselves a 'professional' photographer and charges upwards of £1000, you would expect work of very high quality - but a look at the galleries shows that this is sadly not the case.

Wedding photography is an extremely challenging and specialist area, with high pressure and very small windows of opportunity to get perfect images that will be cherished memories for a lifetime.

Professional wedding photographers dedicate their professions to perfecting their craft and learning all the tricks and techniques needed to provide a polished service.

However, Photo 3 Solutions seems to dabble in everything from wedding photography to model portfolios to topless photography.

Do you really want your wedding shot by a glamour photographer?
Finally - the proof is in the pudding. The Photo 3 Solutions wedding gallery doesn't demonstrate the level of quality you'd expect for the sort of prices they're charging. Perhaps for a budget solution for a few hundred, they might be appropriate - but if you're going to spend thousands of pounds on a wedding photographer in Kent - you should look for a true professional.

Here are some suggestions for professional wedding photographers in Kent:

http://www.davidfenwick.co.uk (prices start at £500)
http://www.helenbattphotography.com/
http://www.pjphoto.co.uk

Photo 3 Solutions Booking Fee

Photo 3 Models present themselves as a modelling scam whistleblower, but perhaps the reason they  point and shout so loudly, is because they don't want anybody looking too closely at them.

They warn aspiring models that they shouldn't be paying any upfront fees for a model portfolio shoot, however they state:
We ask for a £75 booking fee to confirm your shoot. 

Why are they doing exactly what they're warning against?

Because taking a booking fee for a photoshoot is absolutely standard practice, to guard against the loss of earnings and costs incurred from no-shows.

So, what is their position? Do they think that taking a deposit is bad practise or not? And if they do, why are they doing it?