Meet Jade (22) from California and Charlotte (25) from the UK. At first glance, they seem like just two young TikTok creators sharing tips on how to sell iPhone photos to stock agencies. Both claim to be raking in serious “passive income” and surprise, surprise they’re also selling digital courses to show you how.

But look a little closer, and you’ll see they have more in common than just a side hustle. This isn’t just about stock photography. It’s a well-oiled content machine built on bold claims, recycled scripts and overpriced eBooks. Let’s get started!

How much do they claim to be earning?

Jade famously claims to earn $20,000/month, while Charlotte isn’t far behind with a reported £10,000/month (~$12,938). According to them, it’s all thanks to the magical world of “passive income,” no boss, and 3-hour weekday lunches.

Meanwhile, after 10 years and 1000s of hours and over 20,000 images and 4,000 videos I’m earning just an average of $750/month. Perhaps they’re onto something while I’m the sucker investing in so much gear and my time.

Are they working together?

Almost certainly. Here’s why with four reasons:

1. Their scripts are nearly identical

Watch a random TikTok from each account @captured.by.jade and @capturedbycharlotte. You’ll notice the same recycled claims, same pacing, even similar thumbnails. “This one photo made me $500 over the weekend that I uploaded just a few days ago” must be copy-pasted from a shared Google Doc.

2. Outrageous claims built on pathetic snapshots

This isn’t new. Back in July last year, it was proven that Jade was downloading free stock images and claiming to have made thousands from them.

👉 Here’s one of the original free downloads she claimed as her own.

Now Charlotte’s using the same tired strategy shamelessly showing snapshots that look like they were taken out a moving car window, magically earning her thousands of dollars. Sure. Of course, their portfolios are nowhere to be seen.

3. Their overpriced eBooks are sold on the same platform

Both creators are selling near-identical digital guides via Stan Store for $67/£55, offering “secrets” to stock photography success. They are probably even the same eBook!

👉 Jade’s sales page
👉 Charlotte’s sales page

Even the fake 5-star reviews are suspiciously similar.

4. Coordinated territory grab?

With TikTok’s future in the U.S. under threat, it’s hard not to see this as a global expansion strategy. Jade covers the U.S (for now) while Charlotte targets the U.K. What’s next? CapturedbyLouise in France? CapturedbyAadhya in India?

As always, I’ll be on the lookout for more scammers to shame them.

Don’t be that Sucker

I’ve already received messages from people who fell for Jade’s scam (nothing yet about Charlotte but give it time). These aren’t just misleading videos, they’re engineered funnels designed to sell you on a dream that’s powered more by affiliate revenue than actual photo sales. So buyer beware.

Hope you’ve enjoyed the above cautionary tale and I’ll be back in a few days with my March earnings report, as well as a guest-post from a talented photographer/designer.

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About Alex

I’m an eccentric guy. I am based in Lisbon, Portugal. I am on a quest to visit all corners of the world. I want to capture stock images & footage. I’ve devoted ten years to making it as a travel photographer / videographer and freelance writer. I hope to inspire others by showing an unique insight into a fascinating business model while shaming scammers.

I’m proud to have written a book about my adventures which includes tips on making it as a stock travel photographer – Brutally Honest Guide to Microstock Photography