New York, NY - May 23, 2018 - Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood today announced a lawsuit filed in Albany County Supreme Court against wedding photographer Scott Kretschmann, owner of Kretschmann Studio, for allegedly failing to deliver wedding photographs and/or albums to at least sixteen couples, and for failing to refund substantial deposits paid by five couples whose weddings Kretschmann did not photograph.
The lawsuit alleges that from approximately 2013 through 2016, Kretschmann operated a photography studio in Saratoga Springs, through which he marketed and sold photography services and packages that typically cost between $4,000 and $6,000. Kretschmann photographed weddings and accepted full payment but repeatedly failed to deliver to couples the photographs and/or albums they had paid for. In several instances, couples did not receive any photographs or digital images from their special day, nor did Kretschmann refund their money. The Attorney General’s lawsuit alleges that Kretschmann also accepted deposits of approximately $3,000 from at least five couples, but then stopped communicating with them, forcing them to hire other photographers.
“As our lawsuit alleges, Kretschmann Studio robbed New Yorkers of memories from one of the most important events of their lives,” said Attorney General Underwood. “My office intends to hold the owner accountable – and most importantly – recover the precious wedding photos those couples paid for.”
The lawsuit seeks an order directing Kretschmann to provide the photographs, albums, and other items due to consumers and a money judgment in the amounts owed them, as well as penalties and costs totaling $5,000 per violation. The lawsuit also seeks a permanent injunction prohibiting Kretschmann from engaging in the photography business within the State of New York until he files a $100,000 performance bond.
Attorney General Underwood urges consumers who have a complaint against Scott Kretschmann or Kretschmann Studio to file a complaint online or call the Attorney General’s Consumer Helpline at 1-800-771-7755.
Assistant Attorneys General Emily Auletta and Amy Schallop are handling this investigation with assistance from Investigator Michael Fennelly, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Laura J. Levine and Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau. The Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau is overseen by Executive Deputy Attorney General for Economic Justice Manisha M. Sheth.