Chicagoland photographer question... pls help!?

Question

Anyone worked with Art photography studio in Naperville? The owner is Peter Roberts. I'm having a bit of a problem with them, and I'm wondering if anyone has worked with them.
Here's the story- My husband and I married July 31, '05. Andy and Tobias from the AFS took beautiful pictures, deciding on what to order was really hard. We finally submitted the order in late Jan. Checks have been cashed, yet its july and NO PICTURES. I called him a week ago and he said things like "are you sure you submitted them in January?" and "Are you sure you haven't picked any part of the order up?" and "I have orders placed in March back already.". Then he said he was out of the office and that I should call him back the next week. My husband has called him 2X this week, getting the answering machine both times. I'm starting to freak out a little bit-my family and friends have been hounding us for pics they paid for months ago. Not to mention my best friend has booked them for her wedding in Nov. HELP!!

Answer 1

First off, your friend should definitely cancel them for her wedding.

Second. Why don't you go to his studio? If he is avoiding your calls, have someone else call pretending to set up an appointment to discuss a booking and ask what hours he will be there. Then you and your husband show up with the cancelled check. When you go to the studio and aren't satisfied with the results, tell him you will call the police and make a 'theft of services' police report to have him arrested. You paid. He took the money. You received no product. It is a theft. In Chicago, if it is over $300.00 it is a felony. Not sure what the amount is in Naperville but probably close to the same.
Throw 'felony' in his face and see how fast he responds. I'm sure you paid more than $300.00. Tell him you want your pictures in a week. You will pick them up and if he does not have them you will file the report. File a report with the Better Business Bureau. When your friend cancels. Tell her to make sure to tell them why. Because of the 'theft' to you. File a complaint with the States Attorney's Office. And finally, if still no luck, file a 'pro se' lawsuit against him to get yours and your friends money back.

Good Luck.