Back in July 2006, the Israel–Hezbollah War in Lebanon was in full swing. Some journalistic outlets published manipulated images that, with the help of a few creative bloggers, lead to the creation of the term fauxtography. Although the term is still used today to describe images that have been altered in order to serve some agenda or to hide or exaggerate the truth, the word can also be adapted to individuals that want to take advantage of uninformed people that just want to find a photographer.

Fauxtographers run the gamut from perverted guys with a camera that say they specialize in boudoir photography to unscrupulous pseudo professionals that claim to have a legitimate business while possessing no knowledge, no equipment and printing their work at any nearby pharmacy.

“Sarah,” a University of Texas psychology student who works as a part time model and asked to remain anonymous, says fauxtographers are a growing group in Austin.

“I have a profile on Model Mayhem and three out of every five guys that contact me think they’re entitled to see me naked because they own a camera,” says Sarah.

According to the model, who has done nude work in the past, many novice models fall prey to these individuals. “If a photographer doesn’t discuss what he has in mind before you meet for the shoot and then asks you to get naked, just get out of there,” she says. The model also mentioned that Austin is fertile territory for fauxtographers becase the city is seen like a hub for artists of all kinds.

Raven Layne, a local performer with the Jezebelles who also works as a model, takes her mother with her to every shoot. “It’s just a way to stay safe, to have a chaperone,” says Layne. But fauxtographers don’t only concentrate on young models: many of them target families wanting to get portraits, artists looking for headshots and high school seniors.  

So, how can you make sure that you don’t become another victim? Here are a few things you should be on the lookout for: 

1. A professional photographer usually has the equipment to go with his/her job. If your photographer shows up with a point-and-shoot camera you could get at any department store for less than 200 dollars, watch out. 

2. A real photographer will have a portfolio and/or website that he/she can show you. Both these things show that he or she takes the time to get his or her work into a medium that allows for sharing. If you can’t see a portfolio or website, you’re probably in the presence of a fauxtographer.

3. Knowledge comes with the territory. A true photographer will talk to you about places, lighting, clothing, concept, etc. Also, he or she will probably tell you about minor glitches that can be fixed via digital editing.

4. Top-notch professionals usually have a studio at home and can make prints on demand. Others use the services of professional businesses that work with professionals such as Holland Photo and Austin Photo Imaging. If your photographer is giving you prints from Sam’s or Walgreen’s, you’re probably dealing with a fauxtographer.

5. If someone approaches you at a bar and says you should be a model…you get the point.

Being a photographer is a great job that can get you involved in the arts community in Austin, allow you to enjoy the company of models and even get you into concerts. However, it is also a real job that takes skills, time and effort to do well. If you want to get the best service for your money, take the time to do some research, scan through a few portfolios and ask friends and family if they have someone they would recommend. The perfect picture is hard to come by, but that doesn’t mean you should give just any person with a camera a chance to try.

Image courtesy of Eric Kim