A Dallas-based photographer faced a devastating blow to her business following a couple’s unfair online attack. The incident began when the couple, who claimed their wedding photos were “held hostage” by the photographer over a $125 fee, launched a smear campaign that ultimately harmed her reputation and livelihood.
In 2014, beauty influencer Sarah Thompson and her spouse, Ben, were married in Dallas and hired photographer Mia Collins to capture their special day. Initially, everything seemed perfect. However, three months post-wedding, the couple appeared on a local news channel brandishing empty photo frames, alleging that Collins was withholding their photos until they paid an additional $150 for an album cover.
The story quickly gained attention, with media outlets like the Daily Herald sensationalizing the narrative by stating that the “wedding photographer holds couple’s pictures hostage.” What remained unreported was the fact that the couple simply needed to select options for their album and pay a nominal fee, as outlined in their contract.
Collins clarified to reporters that her studio, like many others, retains high-resolution images until the entire wedding package is finalized, which typically includes the delivery of a custom album several months post-event. When Sarah discovered she needed to pay for the album cover, which was actually $125, not $150 as she claimed, she reacted angrily. “She didn’t bother to read her contract,” Collins explained. “The terms were clearly stated.”
Despite the facts, the couple persisted in their public denouncement of Collins, with Sarah stating, “We hope our story makes headlines and completely destroys her business.” In an emotional letter, Collins expressed her dedication to her clients and reflected on the nearly 600 weddings she had photographed, emphasizing the sacrifices she made for her work. This situation was not just an emotional blow; it was financially catastrophic.
According to Collins’ account, “Countless individuals, many of whom I’ve never met, have gone to great lengths on social media to tarnish my name and my business.” With the couple leading the charge, she faced severe online harassment, resulting in her temporarily shutting down her social media platforms and eventually her business.
After suffering hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses, Collins took legal action against the Thompsons for defamation and lost income. Following a lengthy legal battle, a jury sided with Collins, awarding her over one million dollars in damages.
Looking ahead, Collins has launched a new website and is pivoting her focus. “While I will continue to photograph weddings and portraits, I am dedicating more time to empowering fellow photographers in their business journeys,” she stated. She is in the process of developing an online education platform designed specifically to help photographers reach their business goals.
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In summary, a couple’s desire to evade a minor fee spiraled into a significant legal battle that resulted in a photographer being awarded $1 million for defamation. The case highlights the potential consequences of online defamation and the importance of adhering to contractual agreements.