Anyone contacted by this guy who wants to buy a 4 hour photo session?

[princessmocha]

I am not sure if this is the correct place to post this. Abel, please move it if it's not, thanks!

I was contacted by a guy few days ago, asking about the price for a 4 hours portrait session on 02/14, as a gift to his girlfriend. He said that he asked around and my studio "came highly recommended" by someone I don't really recognize.
He wants to do 1.5 hour of outdoor session and 2 hours of studio session.
I felt a bit weird about this when I received his 1st email, so I quoted him a pretty high price, just wanted to see how he would react to the price. He did reply and showed interests on having the session booked. SO I started looking around for studio rental.
Last night, I received an email from a TPF member, wanting to know if I know any studio for rent. We got into talking and chatting, and found out we were both contacted by this same guy. Both of us feel weird about this whole thing.
So I decided to post this here, to see if we are the only two or there are more photographers were also contacted by this same guy. We are trying to figure out what he's up to.

thanks!

[jesswhs1323]

I think I was first caught of guard by him being from Cali so I too quoted him a pretty high price for the session. I get scam mail frequently so I just treated it as such.
He also was very interested in sending pictures of both him and his 'model' girlfriend. Why does he want to send pictures... like he has to prove himself to me or something... and if his girlfriend is a Dallad model... wouldnt she know many potographers to do the shoot?
This guy calls me multiple times a day asking various questions.... The whole situation just strikes me as ODD!

[princessmocha]

Jessica, I am really glad you--the fellow TPF member -- and I got into talking.
I am pretty sure this is a scam...but why? and what is he trying to get? I am curious.....hmmmm

[Bobby C 01TA]

you are both female thats why!! lol But seriously.. that doesnt sound right and it does sound like a scam.. princess..Were you contacted by phone at all?? Are any of your ads on Craigslist??

[princessmocha]

Originally Posted by Bobby C 01TA

you are both female thats why!! lol But seriously.. that doesnt sound right and it does sound like a scam.. princess..Were you contacted by phone at all?? Are any of your ads on Craigslist??

He sent me email at first, wanting me to give him a call to discuss about the session, I didn't call him back because I saw the signature in his email stated CALIFORNIA. I did reply to his email, asking him if he's aware that I am a Dallas photographer. He replied saying that he and his girl friend are living in Dallas and the photo shoot is going to be in Dallas. Then I called him, and that was the only phone conversation we had. My chinese accent probably scared him a little bit, which is why he didn't bug me with tons of phone calls
And no, I didn't post any ad. on craigslist.
I don't want to take this job but I am dying to find out what he's up to

[jesswhs1323]

It feels wrong... I just dont know HOW it is a scam... and what he is getting out of it.

[Bobby C 01TA]

Well I can understand your curiousity because now I'm wondering what he's up to! lol. I have some new and old friends from Cali that have been in Dallas for a couple yrs but stil use their Cali number so that wouldnt be the strange part to me but it doesnt sound right. But ya, dont take the job if you dont have a good vibe about it.. or, if he's for real, I can hang out around the area to make sure everything is ok! I need some spy shots anyway!

[Concisus Cognatus]

Some people researching getting into a given business market use this ploy as a method of getting a feel for what potential competitors pricing is like.

[nash]

I grew up working in my uncle's photo studio in Dallas. He was once offered a high amount to rent his studio for the weekend. When he went down to check on the studio, the photographer was doing a nude shoot for a magazine. I have no way of knowing what this guy is doing, but you never know. (I realize that some people might not object to this, but in my uncle's case he was only told that it would be a portrait shoot. That's my point.) Or it might be someone testing the market. Or a scam.

[yubbie2]

Have him meet you somewhere public (ie: Starbucks) to discuss details in person. You can even make up something about how he has to sign paperwork... just to give you a 1-on-1 feel for what his motive may be and to scope him out.

[PhotosbyHollyWood]

ummm.... be weary of gift cheques, or any kind of payment...IF you do decide to do this (which it does not) make sure you PRIVETLY talk to the bank about the currency you are trying to cash...

been there done that one... not this scam but the FAKE gift cheques... thank god I went to my bank that KNOWS me they were counterfeit and they said they would have hauled anyone else off... but they knew that I was taken by a scam!

beware!!!

[jesswhs1323]

scary!

[CaptainTom]

going into it with "eyes wide open" is a good start.

What is the worst outcome ? You might spend 4 hours shooting portraits and not getting paid ! No delivery of photos until the check clears. Cash is better.

Meet ahead of time, get a feel for whatever they want. Maybe he wants nudes, maybe he is tattooed from head to toe. Maybe he is a complete nut case. ??

[jesswhs1323]

Well he sent many pictures....for some weird reason. IF the pictures are real they are both a good looking, clean cut couple. The do want 'implied nudes'. I am just worried about 'the nut case' possibility! lol

[Jeff_Green]

You better bring an escort! Maybe you and the Princess should team up on this one!!

Keep us informed!