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International Society of Photographers and Picture.com
Every once in a while I receive a comment on one of my old, and I mean OLD posts here at Photo Trek about the International Society of Photographers and Picture.com. I am getting these comments because a lot of people are searching to find out about this organization and what they are all about. Many of you have probably heard of them before, or possibly even entered their photo contest. I am guilty of doing that myself not too long after I got started with serious photography. My post was meant to share some of my experiences with this program and to warn others about what is going on. Feel free to refresh your memory on my original post by clicking here.
Basically, what I would like to reiterate about the ISP is that they are a stock photo organization that has found a way to build up their library of images without having to pay for them, and actually making money off of the photographer. WHAT!!!! HOW!!!!! WHY!!!!! All valid questions and ones that I started to ask myself when I got the first written response from the image that I sent in.
Wetland Awakening Photo Copyright © 2005 G. Kiser
After submitting this image to them, it was not long after that I received a letter stating that I had an artistic vision and had created a work of art. While I would not be the one to disagree with this statement, I thought that this might be a bit over the top. As I read further on, they wanted to publish my image (great!) and enter it to win the grand prize of $10,000 (GREAT!!). Then came the kicker...they wanted me to buy the book where my photograph would be published. I could even buy two of them if I wanted to...how special was that. For well over $100.00 I could have two books with MY picture in it. Off to the internet I went to learn more about this program. Here are just a few links that will show what I found.
Canon Digital Photography Forums
Of course, there are many more links that will take you to different posts about this organization. To sum it all up, this is a legal scam that the ISP has created. The premise is simple...Get people to send you their pictures for free, sell those pictures back to them, convince them to license the pictures to you so you can sell them to others. Pretty neat and pretty simple. Here is how it works.
The Competition
This is stage where Picture.com entices the young photographer into entering a photo competition. They know that every new photographer goes out looking for a chance to win and prove they have what it takes in the field. After a very quick search on the internet for photography competitions, they come across Picture.com. There is a great offer for a grand prize of $10,000 for you picture...nice payoff, and it costs nothing to enter. There are all sorts of notifications that the photographer retains all rights to the picture after submission, and it will be placed on the website for all to see. There is also the chance that it could be selected for their annual publication...a coffee table book. This deal is great, so you attach the picture to an email and submit it.
The Hook
This is where things get funny. In no time, the photographer receives the letter telling them about their artistic vision and how wonderful their photo is. They really lay it on thick, and get you pumped up about the fact that you have been selected to be in their publication, and have been entered to win the photo contest. There was an order form for me to purchase the coffee table book for about $60.00 each. I was on the phone with family before it hit me....why am I paying to get a book where my image is being used? Shouldn't I get a free copy?
Here's the deal with this stage. The ISP pays very little to have the books made, and they make just enough to sell to the photographers that place their orders. There are no extras...how many times have you seen one of these books on the shelf at your local book store? The next catch is pretty sneaky, and I've heard this story more than once. The order is placed, the money has exchanged hands, and the book is never delivered. The only way to get your money back is to return the book...but you have no book to return. Those that have gotten the book, have been terribly disappointed in seeing that their picture is only a thumbnail on a large page. They call to return the book, but can't get anyone to the phone. Or they say to send it back and they will refund the money. The book goes back and the ISP claims to have never gotten the book...no refund.
Bonus Scams
As if all this wasn't enough, the ISP will hound you with written mail as well as email telling you that your picture is so good that they want to invite you to an awards dinner where you will be awarded a trophy of sorts. All you have to do is book your trip, pay for the room, and pay for your trophy and plaque. Several hundred dollars later you will have a nice little trinket in your possession that says that you are a great photographer. You know that because everyone else in that room is a great photographer as well...their plaque says so too.
You will be invited to seminars where great photographers will be speaking. A friend of mine attended one of these and really enjoyed the experience, so I won't knock the guest speakers. They are professional photographers, and they are paid to attend and speak at these seminars. However, it has nothing to do with your picture that you were invited to this function.
You will also be offered the chance to have your photo displayed prominently at some of the functions...for a small fee. That's right, they think so much of your photo that they want to have it printed on special media and framed....but only if you will pay to have it done. That is classy!
They will also request that you sign over a license to them for your picture. That way, they can print up mugs, calendars, shirts, and so forth for your friends and family. What they don't mention is that they can now use this image wherever they want, and they can legally sell it....FOUL! You have just given away your rights to that picture.
Where does that leave you?
In the poor house, plain and simple. Your picture has now cost you nearly $1000.00...that's right, it has cost you money. Sure some are lucky enough to win the prizes, but how much do you want to bet that the "winners" are affiliated in some manner with the ISP? Not only has this venture cost you money after buying the book, going to the awards dinner, paying for your prizes, paying for the display, and paying for the seminar...you have now given away your right to collect any money off of your picture. They are all set to make a fortune off of your work, while you are left there with an empty wallet.
Is this legal...you bet. There is nothing illegal about what the ISP does. They run a photo competition and ask your permission for everything along the way. They are just really good at what they do, and they prey on the insecurities and hopes of the young photographer. With enough praise, they figure that they can swoop in and grab the money long before any eyebrows are raised. If they don't collect...that's ok, there are many more fish in the sea.
Just some interesting facts
I have heard from people that I have met here on the internet that theISP will send out the same letter about artistic vision whether you submit your favorite picture of your child, or a picture of the inside of your lens cap. They don't care what the picture is of...they are only interested in the chance to make money off of you. Several people, thinking that this scenario was not true tried it themselves. They just knew that they would not hear from the ISP about their totally dark picture. WRONG!!! Dear Mr so an so, your picture has a certain artistic vision, and your passion for photography shines through. Please send us a check so we can send you a book.
The only way to fight this is to eliminate their source for photography. Lets pass this around to all the photographers we know and maybe then the ISP and picture.com will finally fold. It is the only way to stop them, and to protect the young photographer from the burning question....Was my picture really good, or was it nothing more than a lens cap?
Written by Greg A. Kiser
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Awful isnt it! Laine xx
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I had no idea there were these kinds of scams. Thanks for the warning. All photographers, especially amateurs, should be forewarned. i'm glad you learned before you sank a lot of money into it. Shame on ISP! bea
http://journals.aol.com/bgilmore725/Wanderer/ -
I've seen the same thing over here where they ask people to write a story which they then want to publish in a book for you to buy. Best to keep away from this type of scam! Happy Easter Greg and Jennifer! Jeannette xx
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this is like the lesson you taught me on my poetry. even though i am proud to be able to say i have published poetry through noble house in the uk, it never netted me a dime, and i thank you for pointing it out to me, even though i was a little disappointed at first.
i have tried to keep up with your journal, but usually don't have internet access at home, and getting to the library is harder and harder. i have viewed all the entries that i have missed and really like the ones on kat. i love her baby birds picture. but nothing makes my pulse quicken like your photos, greg. your very soul is in each one. thank you for sharing them.
and thank you for being my friend.
i hope to get by more often.
keep shooting............
regina
http://journals.aol.com/wumzels2/SEDUCTIONOFLIFE/
4/9/08 9:45 AM