Is picture.com a scam or real?

Question

I have submitted photos before and it seems that my photos are always choosen and they always mail me a form wanting $65.00 for a coffee table book with my photo in it. Does anyone use this site or know if it's a scam or not? before a send them money.

In reply to John B, But you do receive a book with your photo in it?????

Answer 1

It is real in the sense that you do get a book, but you are basically paying for one page of a book. The only people who will ever see the book are the people who buy the book, so it is not like you are getting "discovered" as a photographer.

So, it depends on what you expect out of it.

Answer 2

It basically is a way for you to see your photo in print, but it will cost you and no one else besides a very small group will ever see it. I'm not sure scam is the correct word, but it is like those catalogues of books like "Outstanding American Students" etc. It isn't based on quality, it's based on money.

Answer 3

It's a scam to get your money, but on the other hand, you'll actually have a book with your photo in it to show everyone! That's cool. I purchased one with my poetry in it and it's just fun to show family my "published" poem. So, yes, you'll probably get the book if that's what you mean.

Answer 4

Its a scam. I can't find the website anymore, but there is actually a class-action lawsuit pending against them.

It revolves around copywrites. and such for images submitted to the site.

Answer 5

I've gotten the same thing. It's a way for them to make a pretty penny while you get to feel like your pictures in print, while, in fact, your audience is really only other people in the same position. I declined on buying it (but let them publish my photo.)