Metro Photography / Apple Models
Reviews and Complaints

Orange aka Apple models and Metrophotography same business. I talked to Andrea from Orange models, and then the saleswoman in the studio called herself Sarah even though I heard other people calling her Andrea and when she was out of office smone looked in and said Andrea is not here. Lol they are not that professional. Many things during the shoot make you think that something is wrong but the thought that you are special and chosen to be a model and nothing bad can happen is very overwhelming

I to was scammed by this company, I didn't get my money back and my daughter has not had any work. I found them very pushy and didn't want me to wait for my husband to come back from parking the car before I made a decision. It now seems that someone else has been scammed and is on judge ringer, although the company has not been mentioned it's definitely them.

Just to let you know I had a similar experience a few weeks back with my son. We went for the shoot and we fell for it paying £850 for photos and a portfolio. I contacted trading standards and they agreed it was dodgy I then emailed metro and told them why I think they are fleecing people and how disgusting it is. I said I wanted my money back as they were in breach since we'd still not received the printed portfolio (no surprise there) and if not I'd pursue them with trading standards and also use some of my media contacts to out them. It worked and I got an email back saying they would refund me my money which I didn't believe until I checked with the bank and they had paid the full amount back! Don't give up as it's possible to get your money back!

Hi, I was almost tricked by the same company, Metro Photography! alright, they sound amazing! Though when you do part with the cash and handing a large amount over to them? Alarm Bells start to ring in your head? I was told by Apple Models to attend a Test Shoot with Metro Photography last year, I was told by Apple Models to pay a fee of £50! This was to secure my Appointment? I was also told by them, that I will receive my fee after attending my Test Shoot? I did not receive my refund of £50?

When I was at Metro Photography, they had introduced the team to me. including the photographer, after I had done the shoot with the photographer, I spoke to a guy called Jack? He discussed all packages to me, said that I had passed the Test, and would need to hand over £1, 450 for my Photo's and Web Folio? I was shocked to find out how much I was charged? I said to Jack, I would think about it, he said to me, what is to think about? I said, I have not got that kind of Money on me? He said " Can you borrow a credit or debit card from a family member or friend? I said, no? " I said to him, I could ask my Mum? He said, great! I had thought about it, and said no? I have changed my mind? Recently, I received a email from them, saying that they will be in touch with their Solicitor, I'm still waiting ?

Reviewer13781-Apple and Metro have a wonderful and convincing way of making you believe what they say is real and that you will be a model! I think a lot of people who have had this experience are really very angry I know I am and I will be doing what I can to prevent them from doing this to people. Please message me if you would like to do more. Good luck in your pursuit to be a model xx

I purchased a number of photos and a web portfolio from Metro Photography a couple of years ago, only a few weeks ago did I decide to see whether I could use it and get anywhere in the modelling industry, so I emailed them just asking whether I could access my website, myself, they replied with an email basically asking for an extra £50 just to update it, after me declining to pay it because it should already fully belong to me, they have suddenly decided to delete it, I have a receipt from them saying I bought the web portfolio and the modelling images, do you think I have a case if I was to try and take them to court about this? Please get back to me, I don't just want to let this go and for them to keep getting away with scamming and bullying people. Thanks

I have just escorted a friend for a photo shoot to orange models. After being in the industry for a number of years I have plenty of understanding on how it works.
You have to ask yourself, the make up artists, the hair stylist, the photographer, the building, the receptionist, the staff, the time (need I go on)... How do you expect them to be paid? How much do you think it would cost for the shoot? Well it's costing you nothing.
The Costs come after, or do you expect that for free also?
I find it really hard to read such negative comments. It is after all, a business...
As I have said I have been in the industry for some time and I have been through the mill with plenty of companies however I believe my friend has landed on her feet at orange models. Completely professional from start to finish, and the cost is no different from the next company that conduct the process in exactly the same way. I have been in some slums, had some awful images and I have been treated terribley by some companies. I would recommend orange models without a shadow of a doubt.
We are so happy with the images! and the follow on care she has received so far.
Nothing in life is free and anyone serious about furthering there career knows that investment is the key!

Am still haveing trouble with my bank trying to get some money back from this scam by Apple models devastated

oh my god I just signed up for a package last week you mean it was a sscam?

I agree, I went to the shoot myself and had some of the worst makeup and hairdos in my life, I have been shown my photos only after I made payment for a platinum package (GBP1950)and I was told its doesn't matter that I don't like them, as she (the saleswoman) "knows better what the industry needs". Lol. I believed her even though I thought that the best thing to do with most photos would be to delete them. None of the people I saw in the studio appears on the Metrophotography website under Staff. The photographer and makeup people are probably just trainees who practice what they learnt on a short-term course. Both Orange models and Metrophotography 's websites are down and inaccessible most of the time, especially weekends and evenings. In Google search you can see positive reviews about them on first pages, if you go further you can get to real stuff about the scammers. My advice to all wannabe models would be - read what you sign, do not sign contracts on the premises as you will not have automatic cooling off period unless you are absolutely sure you wont regret it, always think about the payment you are about to do and do not let anyone pressurise you, if they tell you that your pictures will be deleted upon your exit from the studio be alerted straight away, no one has the right to force you into anything in this dishonest way, and the last and not least - know yourself and don't just believe anyone who sings your praises

I have found out that Orange Models are part of this scheme and I will be looking into it further. Lying to people on a personal level like their image to make money is morally wrong as it is. I will be searching deeper into this. I'm coming Eric.

Hi Guys, I also attended a photo shoot with this company, same procedure i contacted Apple Models, this was back in December 2015 i believe, Apple models then sent me for a photo shoot with Metro Photography, the women i believe i spoke to was Kay Saunders and i believe she was one of the managers, and she told me what was going to happen on the day, but again like everyone else i was pressured into purchasing the photos but sensed something wasn't quite right, luckily enough i only decided to take one photo, so the deposit of 50.00 i used that to take the photo . I f i had done my research properly i would never of went, it all started by me getting a phone call from Apple Models telling me, that i had a good look so they arranged the photo shoot for me with metro photography .i will never use them again . I remember another occasion i applied to orange Models, and again they said i would have to go for a photo shoot with Metro Photography, but once they mentioned Metro, that was it i never bothered . I still never give up i am always trying, but i have done my research, and will never pay any agency who asks me for money . be careful guys .but good luck . Alex

Sold me a dream and then ripped me off for 1300 pounds. Everyone whos had issues with this company please please please contact Trading Standards! Something needs to be done about these horrid scams.

Has anyone actually succeeded to getting their money back since? I have gone through the same ordeal and am trying to recover £800. I didn't want to give any more money and haven't yet got my portfolio. I have contacted CAB and written a letter. Metro Photography have sent me a text to call them about it but I am going to speak to CAB again before I do so. I'm afraid to speak to them incase they put legal pressure on me to abide and Im a student who cant afford a lawsuit. The only reason I invested in the first place was to get out of my financial difficulties. Can they actually file a lawsuit on me if I choose not to pay?

I also have gone through the same scenario photo shoot flagged into handing money over total scammers they need bringing to justice every one should turn up and boycott the place, £300 down I'm gutted

I really wish I had seen this a few days ago! Needless to say I have been scammed too, and now face having the pay 4 monthly instalments of £293, to those who said they got their money back how did you go about this ? I actually emailed customer services asking if I can change my package to the £500, for 10 photos deal as I do actually want some of the photos.
The only reason I went ahead with signing in the agreement was because they told me if I did not pay a deposit they would delete all of my photos. There were also some loop holes, Orange Models never told me that since I was 19 I needed a parent present and when I showed up I was repeatedly asked where my parent was and was almost told I would not be allowed my deposit back.
I have read that some people simply cancelled their credit cards and they stopped sending them emails. If anyone has any stories or would like to give me some advice please please email me on ChiNwabuoku@live.co.uk, I will respond instantly ! Also to the commenter above I have heard of London Fashion Models and have a 'test shoot' with them next week. Needless to say after this ordeal I will simply show up with my mother, do the shoot and decline any portfolio options afterwards and walk away happily with my deposit. If anyone can be of any help at all PLEASE contact me!

Good news for all of us. The Times published and article yesterday - Saturday all about Apple and Orange Models. ALL BAD. Take a look. The article is damming and trading standards will now investigate. The Times have handed over all their evidence. Watch this space things will now move forward. The other papers will get wind of this and hopefully take it all the way. Metro will also be investigated and we might now get our money back.
Has anyone heard of London Fashion Models? Are they also involved in a scam. Please let me know. Thanks.

I would also like to add that Metro photography and apple models are con artists. They lie and cheat vulnerable people by telling them they are just what the modeling world is looking for. Julian conned me out of a large sum of money and my son is distraught that I lost this money trying to get him on the modeling ladder. Julian told us that my son had won one of ten places on a contract with Apple models and that work was guaranteed with his looks and natural ability. We thought the photo shoot went well until we showed the portfolio to several other companies - genuine ones - and they all said the photos were terrible - and a total rip off. The quality of the photos was terrible, the shots poor and the composition terrible and as for the lighting - well no words can describe just how bad it is. A two year old could take better pictures than the supposed vogue expert. We have emailed and called Apple models literally hundreds of times - no luck and no work. DO NOT USE THESE TWO COMPANIES UNDER AND CIRCUMSTANCES. THEY WILL NOT FIND YOU WORK AND YOU WILL LOOSE ANY MONEY THAT YOU GIVE TO THEM. THE MONEY THEY MAKE IS GAINED DISHONESTLY AND SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO STOP THIS. I WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE THEM. DO NOT ALL INTO THE TRAP WE DID. PLEASE LOOK ELSEWHERE. THERE ARE GENUINE COMPANIES OUT THERE THAT WILL HELP YOU REALISE YOUR DREAMS BUT NOT METRO PHOTOGRAPHY OR APPLE MODELS

Are Apple models and Orange models the same company? Because, I had a similar experience to many others on here.
Admittedly, I knew nothing about how the modelling industry worked so I was somewhat impressed with Orange as they seemed highly reputable. Furthermore, their reviews had consistently been overwhelmingly positive. This reinforced my view of them as a legitimate agency. After submitting some photographs to their website, I received an email from the agency who informed me that they liked my look and that I had potential as a model. They told me that I should get in contact with one of their co-workers, called 'Chico' order to progress. Although, I was a bit tentative, I was excited at the prospect of being accepted as one of their Clients so I contacted him later that week

My correspondence with 'Chico' was successful. He was (perhaps superficially) charming, engaging and friendly. He flattered my appearance and personality and he even ended up “hoping” that I was taken on by ‘Orange’ because he “felt I deserved it”. He gave me an initial appointment date of 25/02/2016 although he later changed it to 06/03/2016 claiming he had made a mistake. He informed me this on our second call ( I did not get paid till the very next day and he called me to arrange the payment of the supposedly free £50 deposit). Although this was the first of many red flags, I ignored this feeling, believing that I was being nervous and judgemental. I also received an email informing me that I would be required to purchase a portfolio, required by all models if they wanted to progress in the modelling world (however, they told me not to worry about it until the day of the shoot).

On the day of the shoot, I was understandably apprehensive: Chico had informed me that the make-up artists and photographers that would be working on me had previously worked with magazines such as Vogue and GQ and TV Shows such as Britain’s Next Top Model and The X Factor, so I wanted to look and feel my best.

My first impressions of Hammersley House were honestly disappointing. The building appeared rather shabby and not at all what I would expect from a top modelling "Platform" although the inside was better presented; however I put these thoughts out of my mind and tried to focus on the career heights I could reach from my association with Orange.

The male receptionist greeted my father and I in a respectful and friendly manner although he asked me if my application was made through Orange or Apple. He later informed my father that he had to leave for the time being given that there was very little room in the building and I was also old enough to be there on my own. We were then ready to move onto makeup and my first shoot.

The makeup and hairstyles I received were frankly disappointing and the photos were extremely unflattering as a result. I was provided with second-hand jeans and jewellery on top of the outfits I had brought. The photographer and one of my hairstylists were Eastern European and seemed to have little command of English. The quality of their work suggested to me that they were not qualified photographers. The same goes for my makeup artist who possessed limited skills and seemed only recently qualified, if at all. Photo shoots were taken both indoors and outside in the cold. At the time, however, I believed that this was merely standard procedure.

After this ordeal, I was told to speak to the manager named Ade. They wanted to speak to both myself and my father even though they had sent him away and he was unsure of the time I would be ready to go. So it was Ade and I alone in a darkened office for roughly an hour. He informed me that I had been successful, but I could not progress without a suitable portfolio, which cost close to £2000. Although Ade appeared friendly, in hindsight, I would suggest that he used flattery and coercion in order to get me to acquiesce with his view. Although he emphasised that it was entirely my decision, he did make it seem as though I was silly to even consider turning the offer down over price. The darkened room which was lit only by the glow of his computer screen did not help matters. Given that I am on a student budget, it would have been impossible for me to accept the offer. So he offered me a “deal” in which I would start by paying the smallest price £150 (the £50 being my booking deposit) and then build it up through bank transfer over a period of three months. However, this was still too much for me. He barely gave me any time to consider and when I asked if I could leave the room to have time alone to think about it, he asked me why, then refused saying that the decision had to be made that day or else my photographs would be destroyed. When he began to stress how much more I could be earning as a model and all but saying that I would be stupid to miss out on this opportunity, I signed the contract. Although the photos were unflattering and I hated the situation I was in, I viewed it as a stepping stone to a modelling career. Additionally, I felt pressured and rushed into making a hasty poorly-thought out decision. Ade then informed me that I would not receive the photos until the money had been paid in full. So I was left, to return home with an empty Portfolio case.

I have since been in contact with my bank and cancelled the recurring payments, but of course, this is not enough as I am still bound to Metro Photography by contract which may be enforced by court of law. Through research online, we discovered that a law had been passed in 2015 that states that a contract signed on a proprietor’s business premises does not allow for a 14 day cooling-off period and can not be cancelled. I am unsure as to what steps to take now.

Hello, I was totally scammed also in 2014. They went through my suitcase and robbed my jewellery. I was told so many lies and convinced to spend a fortune on so called amazing shots. This company should be ### down.

Hello, please also message me or add me to your facebook group that i have the experience with others