Bella Pictures Mitchell Rhodes COMPLAINT FILED BREECH OF CONTRACT, failure to perform, failure to communicate, failure to instruct client, services not rendered, breech of contractual obligation and poor satisfaction San Francisco, California

DISPUTED AMOUNT $3085.00 - COMPLAINT FILED BREECH OF CONTRACT

Better Business Bureau for San Francisco:  http://goldengate.bbb.org/

Consumer Action: www.consumer-action.org & 415-777-9635 (Consumer Complaints)

Our Story with Bella Pictures.  My fiance signed up for Bella Pictures after we had a discussion & initial meeting with Jamie Robertie, sales representative with Bella Pictures on Friday, July 30^th at 9 am in Cherry Hill, NJ (267-918-7223 & jamie.robertie@bellapictures.com).  Our initial meeting Jamie explain that Bella pictures has access to over 700 professional photographers that meet our high expectation.  Paul was very specific in our needs: 1) Pictures taken will be handed over in both RAW and JPEG format for our own use. 2) We are looking for a photographer that has an artistic approach for excellent background pictures, unique styles & suggestions, close up and candid photography.  We were not looking for a portfolio photographer.  3) Photography must be familiar with a local approach photographer style in Haddonfield, NJ with scenic shots around town which we have submitted an example to:    http://www.christopher-photography.com/ .  4)  Fun & creative with the pictures & wedding party is involved with the photographer.  5) There is lots of light and color in the photographer   Jamie Robertie agreed that Bella pictures will be able to achieve our high expectations, therefore, my fiancee signed up online.  I did not personally review any of the information or contract.  In the meantime, Pauls father was extremely sick in the hospital but were able with the confidence of Bella pictures based on the works and the promises given my Jamie Robertie.  Jamie also knew our wedding was close approaching, set for Sunday, September 19^th and continued to guarantee an excellent professional photographer with urgency.  Paul signup online on August 3^rd.  We immediately completed our personalized wedding expectations that Bella pictures provided for us online.  There were many glitches in their server online, after submitting the questionnaire, their website scripts would not take our answers per some technical difficulties that Bella pictures admitted to you.  Our online photographer and video planners were completed on August 11^th due to Bella Pictures website technical difficulties and log in problems.  Our new contact person at Bella pictures is Melissa Hill, mystory@bellapictures.com  or 888.556.7590, x5170 who is the team lead person to help us with the wedding planning process.  While she was helpful, she was never available via phone to help me and seemed to be playing phone tag with each other after I left several voice mail messages.  At one point, after we had technical difficulties with Bella pictures web site, she thought our online process hasnt been completed while we did complete the process online.  Melissa Hill delayed in getting back with a quick response (usually 1-2 business days), she did not respond after I contacted her on August 6^th, she finally responded by email on August 13^th ( 1 week later).  We were urgently waiting for our assignments, which again took approx. 6 additional days after we contacted them and the confusion about finishing our online planner due to technical difficulties.  Once again, Paul called out to them and talked to another representative Joanna.  Melissa Hill finally responded by email back to me on August 13^th, stating the assignments are underway.  She stated, I should have photographer portfolio and biophage for you to review by Wednesday of next week  Melissa Hill did not contact me after I emailed her the following week on Thursday, August 19^th, asking our assignment photographer so we can review his / her work.  Melissa Hill finally replied back at 1:46 PM. 

        I'm pleased to let you know that we have selected Alan Chien to photograph your 

wedding. He is an amazing photographer and I know he'll be a perfect fit for you

both!

His skillful eye never ceases to amaze me as he has this incredible ability to

witness the most simple moments and yet be able to capture all of the beauty,

depth and meaning in that very instant.

If you'd like to learn more about Alan and view his recent work samples, please

click here:

http://portfolios.bellapictures.com/index.php?id=b12f707f5c&action=portfolio

If you'd like to see additional samples from weddings which Alan has shot for

us, please let us know and we'll be happy to provide you with those.

Once you have approved your assignment, Alan will contact you to set up your

meeting with him to discuss your photography styles and preferences in depth.

You will also have a check-in call with him.

I reviewed that assignment given to us by Melissa Hill and our assignment grossly misrepresented our high expectation and we were displeased.  The photographer was a cheaper priced individually that our actually paid price.  We immediately responded back on Thursday evening requesting a reassignment stating that we were unhappy with the choice of photography.  We do NOT approve of the assignment and under contract that Bellapictures will find another photographer.  The photographer does not meet our expectation as stated below.

I have talked to your Bellapictures representative Kevin Kelly at ext. 5093 on Thursday evening, August 19^th and informing that I am requesting a reassignment.  When he initially looked into our account, he stated that we did not complete the online questionnaire, which aggravated Paul after we have been thru the process.  He stated there would be no problem doing a reassignment via telephone call that Bellapictures has over 700 photographers ready to go.  I have fully explained why I do not like Alan Yung-En Chien style approach or the quality of his shots which I believe misrepresented our questionnaire of style that was submitted by us to meet our expectations.  In addition, Paul called the photographer and could not understand his accent.  Alan will not be a good fit at our wedding.  He usually does oriental and Indian style weddings in Philadelphia.  We wanted someone local to Haddonfield, New Jersey per our request that was familiar with our town, scenic (artistic) photography shots and our ethic background.

The best photographer we found is a local guy in Haddonfield, NJ

http://www.christopher-photography.com/

Unlike the photographer above, Christopher photographer is:

1) Fun & Creative with the pictures & wedding party is involved with the photographer.

2) There is lots of light and color in the photographer

3) We like close-ups

4) Candid shots, not portfolio

5) Background shots are more artistic and unique (ex background: brick wall, red door, forest background) and the couples are glowing.

This is a good example of want we are looking for.