| Rachel Stephens Photography |
| Rachel Stephens Photography Sen ORiordan Rachel Stephens Photography Is A Con Artist Portland, Oregon |
| 14th of Jun, 2011 by User487019 |
I paid a deposit of $150 for a photoshoot with Rachel Stephens, I was told that I had to have my makeup done by there make up artist they use for $50-$100, I could not use my own make up artist. I arrived at the location of the shoot on time. The shoot was at a boutique hotel, I had to wait 15minutes for the hotel check in to give me access to get to the room, none of Rachel Stephens staff was available to bring a key for me to get upstairs, which caused me to be late. The makeup artist was very nice, but did a horrible job with my make up. I graciously paid for her services, but had to redo my entire make up, which I did in under 15min, it took the makeup artist 45min to do my make up. I had 18minutes to change into 3 looks, poses, change it wardrobe, stockings heels, etc. After the pictures were taken, I never got to see my images. It was a very disappointing event, Rachel was not very nice, and very rude. However at the end of the shoot, I was shown books that I could purchase my images in the amount $2400, however you had to commit to spend a minimal of $250. When I got the images 30days later, I was told my proofs would be ready in 2 weeks, I never received anything. When I got my proofs, I asked if I could pay for the images that I wanted, I was told by the manager Sean, he would call me, I did not get a call back until 2 weeks later, he was busy with other things (very unprofessional, and rude) Finally, I got a link to pay for the images via paypal. Before paying for my images, I asked for my original size images, I was told Rachel does not give the customer there original size images. A day goes by, I do not hear anything, nor did I receive my images. When I called as to when to expect my images, I was told by Sean O'Riordan they were not McDonalds, I stated ok, he seemed to be annoyed, that I was asking for my images after paying for them. Sean then went on to state that, he was not giving me my images at this point.
To date, I have not received anything! This photographer, takes nice photos which you may eventually see. Rachel Stephens Photography travels between Boston, NY, Chicago, DC, Las Vegas, and other cities.
Im sure if this experience happened to me, there are others that have had this happen. I hope this saves individuals, time, money, and frustration with dealing with this photographer. |
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| Many of the things you are complaining about were sent in writing to everyone before the shoot. You didn't have to have Rachel take your picture if you didnt like the rules. Your money was refunded I am informed. I have had my pictures taken by Rachel and everything went smooth. posting this crap on the internet is unfair. Grow up, and next time READ the contract. |
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I am co-owner
First and foremost this is a case of a disgruntled client that believes a signed contract does not apply to her. Rip Off Report instructs us to give recommendations about our business when we rebut a complaint so let me start with a breast cancer survivor from our Sirens For Survivors program where we offer photoshoots to Breast Cancer Survivors pro-bono. It can be seen at http://rachelstephensphotography.com/SFS/testimonials.html
‘Survivor’
“As tears run down my face, I can’t help but wonder how in the world I got so
lucky. For the longest time I have been thinking on writing this testimonial
for Sirens for Survivors. I wanted to say so many things that often I started
drafts in my head. I thought I would wait to write it until I had the final
product in my hands. But life not always goes as expected, a lesson that I
know all too well.
The photoshoot with Rachel was one of the highlights of my year, and I have had an
amazing year. I was declared cancer free in February. Last year, I separated
from my husband and one month later I was diagnosed with cancer. I did
everything by the books: I attended all my appointments, I got any imaginable
test done, I ate super-healthy, I did not stress, etc. I had a
bilateral mastectomy, 4 months of chemotherapy and 2 months of daily
radiation. I had a very aggressive type of cancer, invasive. It had gone from
my breast to the lymph nodes under my right arm. They removed them as well.
Early this year my latest scans showed no signs of cancer. I am thrilled!
This summer I was chosen to be a siren. I was ecstatic, seriously, ecstatic. I had been
following Rachel’s work and receiving emails from Sean with updates for a
long time. It was truly a dream come true. I had my reconstruction surgery in
August and the photo shoot in September. I cannot describe how fun it was!
Feeling the anticipation building, going shopping, choosing outfits,
consulting what to bring to the session with my friend, everything- I mean everything
was fun. But nothing compares to the pure joy of working with Rachel.
What an amazing atmosphere! She has a beautiful vibe and a gigantic personality. I
was so nervous while Lindsey did my make-up, which by the way was perfect.
But the moment I stepped into Rachel’s territory was like being in another
world. She is funny, caring, and respectful. I felt incredibly good. She is
no kidding when she says this experience is empowering. Really, anything I
say would not be enough.
Rachel is made out of talent. I could not stop watching my gallery. Every picture was great.
I look happy as a kid, beautiful as a woman, and as complete as I ever had.
But what it surprised me the most was my eyes. Don’t get me wrong, I looked
great, but my eyes made me feel like I was really alive. What an incredible
feeling!
A couple of days before receiving my gallery, I noticed a pinhole opening in one of my
scars. An infection had developed in my right breast. We tried
antibiotics. I saw my surgeon almost daily. The infection would not
clear. Apparently the radiation damages the tissue greatly and it is very
hard to heal. It is hard to beat bacteria. The doctor had to remove my right
implant.
Life is full of surprises and it is amazing to me how things happen just in time when they
are needed. Rachel’s Sirens for Survivors program is an unselfish act of
kindness. I don’t think she realizes how far her actions go. The impact her
pictures have on me is beyond words. I just need to keep reminding me how
beautiful and happy Rachel showed me I am. It gives me the force I need to
keep going through a journey that I never imagine. I just need to see the
light in my eyes to see my strength.
See, cancer had given me so much that I would not change a thing about my situation. I am
a better mom, sister, daughter, and friend. I do not worry for little things
anymore. I try new things all the time. I live my life to the fullest. I even
fell in love again. But most of all, having cancer had made me believe again
in the good in people. We all know people around us care for us and love us.
I had a unique opportunity to confirm it. I am loved. I am alive. I had a
session with Rachel and I look awesome! I will always be grateful to you,
Rachel. It was an honor to become a Siren. “
I was going to rebut point by point though have decided that I will not give
the individual who wrote this complaint the satisfaction of defending against her
outright lies which are numerous. We have over 6, 000 facebook fans, 2000
happy clients, and one crank. As a side note she was refunded all monies
as we reserve the right not to work with someone especially an individual of
this type.
I do demand that the author prove her timeline as her session with Rachel was on 05/22/11 she was delivered her online gallery on 06/05/11 at 9:08am, hardly the 6 weeks she purports. We delivered her images per our contractual obligation. At 9:44 am on 06/05 the client writes.
"Hello S.
It was a pleasure meeting Rachel (lovely lady), I believe I committed to $250
order minimum? Is that correct (please advise) I know I had signed off, that
you could use my images, however I do not want my images used online for any
purposes.
I will go through the images very carefully again later tonight, however I do
not think, I will be able to use any of the images (will speak to my own
personal digital artist).
If Rachel does not have a problem with my own digital artist doing some editing
(Rachel will get the credit), then I would be open to using some of the images.
Please call me directly to discuss this further if something can not be worked out, than, I will not order any of the images, they
can be deleted.
Thanks,
E."
Rachel was a ‘Lovely Lady’ until the client was being compelled to live up to her signed contract and then it was “Rachel was not very nice, and very rude”. Which is it? These two provable falsehoods 'Lovely Lady' and timeline discredit every other point in the complaint, as they should.
By June 16th due to the harassing nature of this client our attorney had to write the following.
"Dear Ms. W.:
I am counsel to Rachel Stephens Photography ("RSP"). My client has informed me that you are dissatisfied with their services.
PayPal advised RSP that your payment of $90 for images was reversed at your request on June 14, shortly after it was made. Accordingly, no images were delivered.
PayPal also advised my client that yesterday (June 15) you also reversed your May 18 PayPal payment of the session fee. Our files indicate that, not only did you attend the photo session where Ms. Stephens rendered services to you, you indicated in writing that you were pleased with
your session.
Although your actions are in breach of your agreement with RSP, RSP will refund your session fee and delete your images from its files. It is regrettable that this situation did not meet expectations on either end.
I trust that this serves to resolve this matter.
If you have any further questions, please direct them to me or have your attorney contact me. Kindly refrain from contacting Ms. Stephens or RSP directly.
Please note that any false or misleading statements made by you to any third parties (including Internet postings) concerning my client are likely to damage my client's business and constitute libel. In such an event, my client will pursue all available remedies at law or
equity.
The foregoing is not intended as a recitation of all of the facts in this matter. This letter shall not be deemed a waiver of any of my client's rights or remedies. "
As Co-owner of Rachel Stephens Photography for women I encourage you to read this 1 complaint against our business then check out our FB Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/rachelstephensphotographyforwomen read what other clients are saying and make an educated decision.
Here are the testimonials from our everyday clients of the Non-Grifter persuasion.
http://www.rachelstephensphotography.com/#/page/3f60/testimonials/
You can also see Video Testimonials here
http://www.youtube.com/user/rachelstephensphotog#p/u |
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Mam, you obviously deluded yourself about the expectations of your side of the contract with RSP.
At no point in the contract does it say it is the responsibility of the staff of RSP to assure that YOU are on time to the shoot. It also does not say that you will be shown your proofs at the shoot. It specifically states you will be sent a link to your proofs after the shoot.
The obvious fact of your post is that you are indeed the insecure female that Rachel's team tries desperately to empower. You unfortunately were not open to such help. |
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That's awesome that some people had a "wonderfully, moving experience that caused tears to run down their face", but the fact is not everyone is going to be happy with the experience.
Take my case, I've been waiting for RSP to come to the Phoenix area for over a year. When I read they were going to be here, I immediately requested information on how I could be part of the "experience".
I was sent an automated email asking me to fill out a form with my name, email address and CC information with the instructions "we will be sending out three emails to tell you what our company is about and if after reading the information, you choose to book with Rachel, your card will be charged $250 for your session".
Ok, sounds legit. Most companies do this; hotels, credit score companies, online movie streaming, etc. Don't want the service, cancel the info.
So I read the info- $250 for Mini-Siren session, $500 for full session, extra $150 for significant other, yada yada. No mention of having to pay $150 for hair and makeup. They ask you to tip, but geezus, not that much! Oh, and they pretty much threaten you with small claims if you don't buy pictures. But they don't mention that they are going to cost you two grand. Yes they say you have to buy at least the minimun, but dang! Better take out a loan to get your pictures done. And honey, if I don't like the pictures you take, I'm not paying for them. Sorry. But every honest, legit company states that if you don't like, don't pay. I don't care if Rachel was born with a camera in her hands. I don't care if she is right up there with Monet and Picasso in terms of glorious pictures. If I think I look like crap in the pictures, I'm not going to buy them.
And unfortunately, in their "contract" they pretty much tell you they don't care if you look like the elephant woman, you're still obligated to buy or they're going to sue you.
So no thanks, I will not do business with a couple of bullies. And for the women who got their pictures done, and love them, awesome sauce for you. But this is my opinion and I'm entitled to it. And I still want my money back considering I NEVER signed a contract, all I did was fill out a form to reserve a spot. If hotels ran business the way you two do, they would be out of business because people would be afraid to book if they knew the hotels would steal their money regardless. And since I notified you THREE WEEKS before the event that I wasn't able to attend, I'm entitled to my money back. Don't worry, I'm sure you'll find some other RSP groupie to take my place. |
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I forgot to mention, they charged my card for the $250 BEFORE I even filled out the contract or even had a chance to read the emails. So basically they're saying your going to be screwed either way. And after calling and emailing them three days in a row, with no response, I finally just filed a fraud report with my bank.
Totally unprofessional RSP. |
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