Studio Guti’s ‘1,000 Poses for Photography’ (Hardcover Not Included)

A TINA.org reader said she went against her better judgment for the sake of a birthday present for her husband, who had expressed interest in the book above after, she suspected, seeing it advertised on social media.

“I said I didn’t like buying things from businesses I haven’t heard of before,” she said, referring to the online photography school, Studio Guti, which sells the book on its website for $49, “and that often there will be something disappointing about the experience. However, it was his birthday so I went ahead and ordered this product for him.”

She should have trusted her instincts. Because instead of a hardcover book like the one pictured on Studio Guti’s website, which also shows images of pages you can flip through, she received a link for a digital download. In other words, “1,000 Poses for Photography” is an e-book.

Our reader said she didn’t notice the book was categorized on the product page (under the “Add to cart” button, in an easy-to-miss location) as a “digital book.” She said she wouldn’t have paid $49 if she knew it was an e-book, which is understandable as photos can look different on paper than they do on a screen.

But “1,000 Poses for Photography” isn’t the only e-book pictured with a hardcover on the online school’s website. In fact, all of the digital books on the site have a hardcover and none cost less than $29.

The takeaway for consumers? Sometimes you have to trust your gut, but more important, always read the fine print.

TINA.org reached out to Studio Guti for comment. Check back for updates.

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