Central New York Wedding Photographer Faces Court Action

Attorney General Spitzer today announced he has won a temporary restraining order against a Central New York wedding photographer who has failed to deliver promised photos and albums to newlyweds.

The lawsuit filed against Rupert M. Kinzelman of Clinton, owner of R&R Photography in Auburn, and Beaver Hill Photography in Brookfield, alleges that he took deposits from hopeful customers and failed to deliver promised bridal portraits and wedding photographs.

The temporary restraining order approved by Justice Thomas J. Murphy of the State Supreme Court of Onondaga County stops Kinzelman from disposing of any business records, photographs, and videos and freezes his bank accounts. It also requires Kinzelman to provide copies of all such records and photos to the Attorney General’s Office within 72 hours.

In one case, a woman complained that she had spent nearly two years attempting to contact R&R Photography to receive her photographs. During that time, she discovered that, although she had never received her wedding album, it had been completed, and was being displayed by the photographer at bridal shows.

Spitzer is asking the court to force Kinzelman to deliver ordered photographs, negatives and albums and to pay for damages and refunds to consumers. The lawsuit also asks the court to prohibit Kinzelman from engaging in the photography business until he files a $50,000 performance bond with the Attorney General’s office and to levy civil penalties for each violation of State law.

This case was handled by Assistant Attorney General In Charge Winthrop H. Thurlow and Assistant Attorney General Betsy Sawyer of the Syracuse Regional Office.

The trial date for this case was set for May 28, 1999.

Individuals who believe they have been victims of Kinzelman and his photography businesses are encouraged to call the Attorney General’s consumer hotline at (800) 771-7755.