A pet photographer is in hot water this week after other photographers noticed that many of his photos were actually composites in which animals were digitally inserted into gorgeous landscapes captured by other photographers (see sample photo below).
Photo Stealers, the online “wall of shame” dedicated to exposing photographers sharing others’ work as their own, first reported that New Zealand pet photographer Ben Sheehan was being called out by other photographers and also blocking those who were trying to bring his composites to light on social media.
Photo Stealers notes that Sheehan’s story is similar to the 2019 controversy surrounding Australian photographer Lisa Saad, who was found to have long used others’ photos without credit in composites that helped her win numerous international awards as well as become ambassadors for brands such as Ilford, Manfrotto, Epson, and Tamron.
Like Saad, Sheehan has also submitted composite images to photo contests. He has been a finalist in the Dog Photography Awards (his entry has since been revoked, Photo Stealers reports), and he has won a number of top prizes in GuruShots’ contests.
If you are interested in Photography, Video Production, Audio Production and studio recording, Drone Technology, Radio and TV Production, Marketing, Public Relations or Social Media, consider the Digital Video Technology Program at Florida Panhandle Technical College in Chipley, now enrolling Florida and Alabama students for the 2021-2022 school year, and financial aid is available.
A total-immersion program featuring hands-on work, studio experience and field trips, dual-enrolled high school students may attend at no cost, for half of each school day in their Junior and Senior year.
Interested students and adults should contact Florida Panhandle Technical College, drop by Student Services at 757 Hoyt Street in Downtown Chipley, visit the FPTC website at www.FPTC.edu or call 850-638-1180 extension 317 on Monday through Friday from 8AM until 3PM.