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...

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.

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

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 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.