Photo Trek

Thought I would just take a quick minute to share some of my experiences with Picture.com.  You see, like many other photographers out there, I submitted a picture to them online hoping to see how I did in a contest.  A few months after submitting the photo, I received a letter from the International Library of Photography stating that I had been selected as a finalist for the grand prize and my photo would be published in their publication.  I was offered up to two copies of the book for my own use before they were made available for sale.  I believe the price was $65 each.

This came across as a very generic form letter talking about artistic vision and wonderful accomplishments of an amateur photographer.  I became a bit skeptical about sending them my money.  I did a search on both Picture.com and the International Library of Photography.  I went through about a dozen sites which all said pretty much the same thing.  This is a scam! I read stories about sending money for the books and never getting them.  Those that got them and did not like them were instructed to send them back for refunds...which they never got.  It should also be noted that the pictures printed in the book are but thumbnail images.

A very interesting point that was made was that Picture.com is a stock photography supplier.  They hold the contest to get countless photo entries which they try to have you license to them.  By licensing the picture to them, you are releasing your copyright to them so they can resell your image... and owe the photographer nothing. 

As if all this is not bad enough, after they realize you are not going to bite they send a letter, and emails notifying you of a symposium they are inviting you to attend.  It is here that you will be awarded with your prizes for being amateur photographer of the year.  You get a silver bowl ($200 value) and a plaque.  Of course, the cost for admission to this awards symposium is several hundred dollars.   Realizing that this may be a bit expensive for folks (considering they are asking you to pay for your own awards banquet), they give you an out.  If you are unable to attend, you can pay them close to $100 for them to display your photo with your name attached.  They also request again you release the rights to your photo and license it to them.

With this last letter, I again went to searching to see what folks are saying about this evolution of the contest.  I came upon a very good thread describing other's experiences with Picture.com and the ISP.  It sums up most of my research quite well.

The only reason I am taking the time to share this experience with you is not because I retain any hatred for the ISP or Picture.com, I just want to warn other photographers before they go the same route I did.  These people prey on photographers' hope of being published and winning awards for their work.  They try to get you hooked on their program by telling you things like "you have a special and unique artistic vision" and "you should be proud of your accomplishments".  Believe me, this is the same thing they have said to entries of lens caps, and blank white sheets of paper.

Here are some links to some good points of reference.

http://www.acecam.com/photography/11077.html

http://www.acecam.com/photography/11079.html

http://www.acecam.com/photography/11087.html

http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.asp?threadID=8171

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372098

http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=86882&forum_id=2

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=253907

Update as of 10-02-2007

I think I have successfully been removed from the ISP's mailing list.  It has been 7-8 months now since I have heard from them.  However, they are apparently still alive and well and doing their thing.  I am glad to see that more and more people are doing their research before paying the money that these folks are wanting.  I'm surprised that they haven't changed their angle yet. 

Update as of 12-13-2007

I guess I'm still on their mailing list and still eligible for prizes.  Here is the last email that was sent to me stating that I have been selected as a finalist for a large prize.  As is the norm, I have to pay to go to see if I have won anything.  Again, this is how they make their money.  Here is the email in its entirety so that it can be compared to other emails sent to other photographers out there.   It is a form email.

Imagine . . . "The winner of $10,000 and our next Photographer of the Year is Gregory Kiser!" Dear Gregory, There is great news, and I want to be the first person to tell you. You are nominated for this year's Amateur Photographer of the Year Competition and the International Open Photography Contest, both held at our 2008 Convention. It was not hard at all to choose this year's nominees. Your talent and dedication to photography makes you an obvious choice. The 2008 International Society of Photographers Convention and Symposium will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 27-30, 2008 at the Riviera Hotel and Casino. We are just now putting the finishing touches on what is sure to be the biggest photography celebration of the year. Gregory, I want you to know that I am reserving a place for you at this year's event. Our panel of judges looks forward to seeing you and your very best photography in this year's competition. As a nominee for this year's Photographer of the Year award, you will be presented with a newly designed, imported lead crystal trophy honoring your outstanding achievements in photography. You could be the winner of one of the two $10,000.00 Grand Prizes that will be announced live on Sunday, March 30, 2008. Viva Las Vegas! Our host hotel is once again the historic Riviera Hotel and Casino, located on the famed Las Vegas Strip. During the past 50 years, they have hosted entertainment legends such as Bob Hope, Whitney Houston, and Jerry Seinfeld, making it one of Las Vegas's most celebrated hotels. Our planning staff chose the Riviera because of their luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and most of all, their affordable rates. The Riviera has offered our members an unbelievable discount over their published rates. In addition to the fabulous entertainment starring funny man and Emmy-Winning Comedian John Paden, a tribute to Elvis Presley, and our very own ISP house band, the International Society of Photographers welcomes photographic celebrities from around the world to enlighten us with seminars, workshops, and lectures. Celebrity photographer Bob Gruen, Time Magazine photojournalist Robert Nickelsberg, Professor Catherine Angel, and fashion and runway photographer Billy Pegram, along with other outstanding educators, will lead seminars on topics such as the business of photography, improving your eye for photography, photography methods, and more. Special Early Bird Savings Wow, what a weekend planned just for you! As always, we encourage all Photographer of the Year nominees to bring friends and family to the convention so they can share your love of photography and have a great time with you in Las Vegas. We are offering you a special limited time, early bird discount for you and your guest(s) of $50.00 off the registration. We must limit this special offer to a maximum of four of your guests. To redeem this great offer, you have to register no later than December 31, 2007. This is sure to be an event you do not want to miss. You may go here to register onlineor call me today at 410-363-4800 ext. 102 to reserve your place at this historic event. Sincerely, Craig Foster Convention Chairperson   P.S. Gregory, space is limited. To book your hotel room, call the Riviera Hotel and Casino at 800-634-6753 and be sure to mention the International Society of Photographers Convention when you call to take advantage of our discounted room rates. And don't forget about the great early bird registration fee if you register before December 31, 2007. See you in Vegas!

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• #15 Comment from crzyimagination4 
  6/6/08 8:19 PM | Permalink

  I recentally was duped into thinking that my son was a nomination for the america's most beautiful contest and that he would be presented in a wonderful book. At first I couldn't figure out why they were asking for me to send them money, if Bryce my son had won this place in this "awesome" book.
  But I guess, as a new mom I just wanted a coffee table display of my son, winning something, and getting put into this book.
  So not only did I send the money for this book, but (oh yes I went all out) I sent the money for the s&h and I OVER NIGHTED IT!!!
  I can't believe I was so STUPID!
  To ANY OTHER PARENT reading this, PLEASE don't make the same mistake..... IT'S ALL A SCAM!!!!
  
  A VERY ANGRY MOM WHO WANTS HER $100 BACK!!!!
• #14 Comment from yarushb 
  3/24/08 10:31 PM | Permalink

   
  
   My daughter enter this contest she is (18 years old ) She had told me about it .
  She is so excited about how far her picture has gone .( Top 5 ) With all the B.S.
  When they wanted Money for her to receive her winnings.
  Is what made me look in to this , What type of contest need's money to give you your prize.
  If it was for S/H well I guess But when there asking for an amount that covers the cost of what you are winning.
  Let me guess 2x2= 65000
  What makes me so P-OFF
  I have to break the news to my Daughter it's going to break her heart and make her cry.
  
  
  
• #13 Comment from radar446Entry Author 
  3/21/08 2:15 AM | Permalink

  A more up to date entry about the ISP can be found here.... http://journals.aol.com/radar446/PhotoTrek/entries/2008/03/21/international-society-of-photographers-and-picture.com/2040
  
  Greg
• #12 Comment from radar446Entry Author 
  3/18/08 6:23 PM | Permalink

  For those that are adding comments, thank you so much.  Each comment is yet another testimony to how many people are affected by this program.  I try to respond to each comment left, but too many times, there is not a good email left with the comment.  Please feel free to leave an email here if you wish, as I would really like to respond to each comment.
  
  Thanks,
  Greg
• #11 Comment from az13west 
  3/18/08 12:44 PM | Permalink

  Well, I got hooked into it too.  
  Promises and offers....the only thing I couldnt put right in my head was .... with all the promises and offers - THEY WANTED MONEY!!
  How many are duped into thinking this is reputable I cant even imagine.  
  I am glad I didn't let my ego overwhelm my good sense and make me another victim.  
  Thanks for solidly injecting your experience to provide others the information that you have gone thru.  You did answer and confirm to me just what I was suspicious of.
  I am happy no money was spent on ISP or picture.com
  Whenever I doubt something or have a "funny" feeling about a company I go to the internet and put in a search, it has proven to offer me a wealth of information every time.  With the internet at just a stones throw away its rather peculiar to me why others havent figured it out yet.  
  Thanks!!