Oklahoma wedding photographer accused of ‘ghosting’ following ceremonies

OKLAHOMA City (KFOR) – A wedding day is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life. But recently married couples have been achieving out to Information 4 in droves, professing a local photographer left them higher and dry at the altar with very little to show from the major working day.

Capturing the photograph perfect marriage is an artwork, and local photographer Lindsey Nichole has very a next.

“Her flier just variety of caught out to me,” said Candace Crus. “[She] experienced some of the improved charges, so I achieved out to her.”

“Clicked on her website page, liked her do the job,” extra Kelsey Portillo.

“Her photos have been gorgeous, her costs ended up affordable,” claimed Callie Maddox. “So, I was like, ‘Ok, yeah let’s do it.’”

Candace, Kelsey and Callie experienced weddings in many occasions in the course of 2021.

They just about every compensated involving $1,200 to $2,100 for Lindsey’s products and services, and say in early shoots the photographer was prompt and punctual with shipping and delivery.

“The engagement shoot went excellent,” reported Kelsey. “She despatched me back my photographs in like, 2 weeks. She was pretty speedy about it.”

“We scheduled the engagement images,” mentioned Candace. “Turnaround time was incredible. I acquired them back again so fast.”

But as for mementos from the large day alone, all 3 say delivery was strike or overlook.

“All I have right now is photos of the reception,” said Kelsey, although she has considering that gained far more photos due to the fact our interview.

“She explained to me 6-8 weeks,” reported Callie, who was married in April. “Then right after the 8 7 days mark I texted her like, ‘Why? What’s likely on?”

KFOR has been hunting into Lindsey Nichole for some time. Complaints surrounding the business have been pouring into the ‘In Your Corner’ idea line for various months.

Looking up information on Lindsey’s company although is challenging, as it isn’t stated with the point out.

The business’ Google entry, which was filled with very poor opinions, has disappeared.

Her former studio in Bethany was locked up tight when Information 4 compensated a stop by, with a small claims go well with taped to the front doorway for unpaid rent.

Erica Valadaz, another regional photographer, had just lately rented out the studio house for two classes.

“[Lindsey] in fact texted me two several hours prior to when I meant to meet my shopper below. Then informed me that the landlords have been transforming the locks on the constructing,” Erica stated. “It finished up costing me twice as a great deal simply because I had to guide a distinct studio to supply for my clientele.”

Lindsey promised Erica a refund, but to this working day has not followed via.

“I’ve texted her, no reaction. I have despatched my request for a refund,” she stated. “She blocked me on Venmo.”

Information 4 attempted to arrive at Lindsey at her house, but no luck.

Cellular phone phone calls had been also not returned, and neither ended up textual content or Instagram messages.

Lindsey though may be flirting with state tax fraud. In addition to electronic copies, the couples we spoke with were being established to obtain physical prints.

Some prospects also signed up for personalised flash drives.

“In my deal, I was meant to receive a customized engraved USB with 30 prints,” reported Candace. “Was intended to come in a personalize box I imagine.”

Even though electronic copies are great, the Point out Tax Fee tells News 4 bodily merchandise and pictures are “subject to profits and use tax” and failure to pay out could direct to fines.

Cassandra Sweetman, General public Information and Press Liaison for the Fee, sent Information 4 the subsequent assertion:

“Under the Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC 710:65-19-260), fees linked with the sale of digital photos and video clips that are transferred electronically are not topic to profits and use tax. Pictures delivered in a tangible format together with any involved expert services are matter to income and use tax. Penalty for failure to file starts at 10{5b4d37f3b561c14bd186647c61229400cd4722d6fb37730c64ddff077a6b66c6} of the tax thanks and the desire is 15{5b4d37f3b561c14bd186647c61229400cd4722d6fb37730c64ddff077a6b66c6} of the tax because of every 12 months.”

CASSANDRA SWEETMAN, Press LIAISON, Condition TAX Fee

Although the consumers News 4 spoke with have gained some of their pics, they all say it’s a fraction of what they assumed they were being paying for.

Various far more on the net claim to have been deserted all collectively without having acquiring anything at all.

“It’s quite annoying, I have sort of just presented up on seeking to get just about anything out of her any more,” explained Callie. “I’m just hoping that no one else hires her.”

In Your Corner bottom line, critiques are your lifeline for products and services like these. Customers should check out as many web sites as attainable, such as any problems with the Much better Organization Bureau.