Brendan Schoon

Yesterday I received an email from Photo Laureates concerning the fact that I was selected as one of the best photographers of 2008. Which sounds pretty good, but in matter of fact to good to be true! One of my redbubble friends, Claire Farley , (I really owe her something right now) googled Photo Laureates and came to an awful conclusion. Photo Laureates is a true SCAM. So be aware, don’t submit your work and make the same mistake as I did! Click here to see the proof of the SCAM!

My email to Claire

Dear Claire,

Thank you so much for leaving that link about the fake challenge. I was really surprised about the win and lucky me I was so exited I didn’t read the email very good. I thought the book and the plaque were send to me without any payments and that other people could order the same book as well.

I truly appreciate you googled Photo Laureates for me. I wasn’t aware of those SCAM challenges, it all sounded so good and the site looked pretty real. But after some good research on the site, you’ll find some unusual things as names and other stuff. Snoop Dogg is one our editors etc. I’m really blaming myself I didn’t noticed the SCAM. Also when I agreed with the terms of agreement I thought isn’t that a little bit short for a term of agreement? But the stupid me clicked the button and uploaded his picture.

The only thing that I’m worried about now is they do have my original picture in full size. It has happened to me before that one of my pictures got stolen and used in a photography challenge. So I hope they won’t steal my pictures for that kind of use.

I will try to find out how I can block this site for other people who just want to enter their work in a challenge for more experience and feedback. I think this, “fake company”, isn’t legal at all and I will try to find out how and if I can take any legal actions against them. Faking photography challenges and asking people to buy books, plaques and biographies which are not existing is a really bad thing. I will try to get my work off that site as quick as possible.

Again I learned something on the Internet, don’t submit your work at any challenge without reading the terms of agreement and googling them up. Also challenges with free entries are suspicious when the winner’s prize is such a high number.

Once again I would like to thank you for your kindness and helping me out and getting me out of that “to good to be true” dream. I think I’m not such a good photographer to deserve such a great title. Just 19 years old, at the beginning of my life and carrying such a title is no good!

All the best,

Brendan

Fake Email Photo Laureates

Dear Brendan,

The editorial team of Photography Laureates has conducted a detailed examination of the best photographs submitted to us in the last months. We have decided to publish in an Anthology the very best photographers and the most exceptional pictures we have encountered.

We would like to congratulate you for being selected for publication as part of our highly acclaimed Photography Anthology. As such, you are a finalist for the $6500 prize. As a Laureate and talented photographer, you now have access to several networking opportunities aimed at exposing you to the photography community.

Your photograph was selected out of hundreds of competing entries and you will be published along with other talented photographers.

_{Image is clickable}

Your photograph, Banff National Park, Moraine Lake, was selected for its light mix and general composition and will be published in our acclaimed “Best Of 2008 Photography”, Deluxe, 8.5” X 11”, Hard bound, 300 pages Special Edition anthology.

Our Hard Bound Deluxe Anthologies have over 300 pages of leading photographs from Selected Laureates as well as several sections on photography techniques written by leading experts. They make terrific coffee table books and treasured gifts to friends and family! Your photograph will be published in this anthology along with your name and biography.

Every aspect of the publication and design of this leading edition, the Best of 2008 Photography Anthology, reflects the quality craftsmanship that went into the production of this special edition.

It is also our pleasure to commemorate the publication of your photograph with a Limited Edition Certificate in your name, printed on a high quality Walnut wood finished Plaque. The plaque measures 10.5’’ X 13’’. As one of our photography laureates, your plaque will feature your name and Photograph as well as a Certificate of Achievement.