Johnny Thompson & Crystal Brunner-Thompson are one of many couples affected by the closure of Glasser Images. Photo submitted
JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Johnny and Crystal Thompson are just one of many sharing their experiences and how the abrupt closing of Glasser Images in Bismarck has affected them.
The Bismarck-based photography company has been faced with more than 175 complaints after the business closed its doors, leaving some customers with thousands of dollars in losses. In an email sent to clients, it was reported that refunds would not be issued.
“Due to closing, if there is anything paid, we will not be able to provide any refunds. For this, we cannot apologize enough,” an email stated.
Crystal says they had their wedding August 13th and hired the business to handle the photography for their big day.
“We got some sneak peeks, but haven’t received our full gallery,” she stated. “We had eight hours of photography. We were able to reach out to our individual photographers, but they don’t have backups of our photos and said they gave their SD cards to the studio.”
With Glasser Images closed, they no longer have a way of obtaining their wedding day photos.
“At this point we don’t even care about what we paid for. We just want our images and we have no way of knowing what to do next or who to contact. It seems as if there are a lot of people rallying for those who have to find new photographers, but not a lot of people on our side or giving advice to the people who have already had their weddings or events and are unable to obtain any raw images even,” Crystal explained.
Crystal shared that she’s no stranger to having lost memories, detailing a time her parents house in Arizona had everything stolen including her baby book and all family photos.
“I have barely anything of my childhood,” she stated. “I’ve been able to obtain a photo here and there from family members. But no real photos to give my children of our past memories. Photos of my parents are gone. Photos of my deceased grandparents are gone.”
She added that she’s devastated with no solution in sight.
“These are our memories,” she pointed out. “No amount of free or discounted photo shoots to re-do this day will give us those feelings and the day back.”
Crystal stated it’s very generous of people to offer, but they shouldn’t give their time to put a bandaid over the issue.
“He [Jack Glasser] has nothing to gain at this point and should turn over photos and products people have paid for that he is in possession of,” she ended.
The former business has since released an email stating the reason for the abrupt closure.
The past and ongoing effects from the pandemic have caused irreparable damage that has forced this decision to happen extremely rapidly and immediately,” it stated.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Glasser Images received a $245,000 paycheck protection program loan in April, 2020 and another in $257,500 in January 2021 from Starion Bank to help with payroll, utilities and rent. Glasser Images had more than 60 employees and sub-contractors listed before the website was taken down.