Photo Laureates photolaureates.org Company is a fraud and scam... BEWARE: do not buy books from them! Los Angeles, California

After entering my photo in a photo contest with photolaureates.org, they contacted me with several emails congratulating me and telling me that they would like to publish my work in their coffee table book that they publish annually. Here are several snippets from their emails:

"Your photograph _____ was selected for its asymmetric composition and light mix used throughout... and will be published in our acclaimed 'Best of 2008 Photography', deluxe, hard bound, 300 pages Special Edition anthology."

"I have the pleasure to let you that our Editorial Team has nominated you, _____, as one of the few photographers to be eligible for membership within the Exclusive and Private Laureates Society of Photography. After reviewing and debating your photography, we believe that you will be able to contribute significantly to events and activities within our Exclusive Photography Society. Our World renowned Photography Society identifies, awards and promotes new Photography Talent. _____, you have here a truly unique and exciting opportunity to develop your photography artistry, meet photographers and get known. Based on your photography submissions, our editors all agreed that you have the talent and skill set required to be successful within our Society. Do not miss out on this opportunity.... _____, not everybody has the privilege to join our Exclusive Society. We maintain a strong reputation and strong standards for recognizing and promoting new photography talent. Thanks to your membership, your photography will be accessible by tens of thousands of reviewers from all over the world. You will get international recognition by joining the Laureates Society of Photography."

"We would like to congratulate you for being selected for publication as part of our highly acclaimed Photography Anthology. You now also have access to several networking opportunities aimed at exposing you to the photography community."

Whatever you do, do not pay them a penny. They will never send you a book. They don't publish books; they scam up-and-coming photographers. After you contact them to tell them that you still have not received a book, Sol, their so-called customer service rep, will contact you and assure you that your book is on its way. Everything the tell you is bogus, right down to the refund guarantee policy that they offer: "If product has not been delivered withing 6 weeks, 100% will refunded."

THIS ORGANIZATION IS A SCAM!