Videos

Let’s say you receive a phone call from a gallery in London, offering to include your photographs in an upcoming exhibition of work by “emerging international artists.” Best yet, the caller from this gallery claims to have visited your website and says she was “really impressed” with your images.

Wow! That’s a serious ego boost that sounds almost too good to be true. Unfortunately it was, as you can see in the precautionary video below from photographer Mathieu Stern who says he almost lost $1,000 before he wised up and realized the call was nothing more than a scam.

These types of "pay to play" galleries, often called "Vanity Galleries," prey on the vanity of unwitting photographers in Europe and here in the U.S. They offer a fee-based exhibition opportunity in a rental gallery site, and proudly note that they don’t charge commissions on the photos you sell. Best yet, the “deal” includes promotional services, installation, and an opening night reception.

Because he’s an experienced photographer and a savvy guy, the Paris-based Stern did a quick Google search, which revealed everything he needed to know to avoid what could have been a very expensive and time consuming mistake. Watch the video below and learn about Stern's frustrating experience with this alleged vanity gallery on London's Brick Lane.

You can find more videos on Stern's website, and be sure to look at a helpful portrait tutorial of his we shared recently, with seven tips for getting your model to smile. And don't forget to watch an earlier Shutterbug video with one pro's tips on the proper way to get your photos displayed in a gallery.