Court rules for Shawn Stoebener in photo controversy

Shawn Stoebener wants to refocus his photography career and believes a recent ruling in Allegheny County Court could help repair his sullied image.

A three-member arbitration board decided Monday that Stoebener not be held liable in three cases where couples didn't receive most or all of their wedding photograph orders.

Stoebener shot the weddings for Stoebener Studios, which was located along Lock Street in Tarentum.

Instead, the board ruled that studio owners Bob and Bernadette Stoebener, Shawn's parents, pay more than $15,000 to the couples.

In all, seven couples have sued the Stoebeners. Four more arbitration hearings are set for late this month or early June.

Shawn Stoebener expects to be exonerated in the remaining lawsuits.

"There should be no difference in the rest of the cases," he said. "The reason is that the signature on the checks to Stoebener Studios belongs to Bob."

Shawn Stoebener said that despite what his father has said, his father is the one who owns the business, collected money from the weddings and has control of the photos.

"I never purchased the business from Bob because he wanted more money than it was worth," Stoebener said.

Bob Stoebener has argued the opposite. He told the Valley News Dispatch in November that Shawn Stoebener had been in control of the business since the beginning of last year.

Bob Stoebener claimed to be a victim in the situation as much as the brides.

He did not return a phone call for comment Thursday. Neither did his attorney, Ed Voelker Jr.

Shawn Stoebener said his father's decision to not deliver the wedding photos irreparably damaged the Stoebener name.

Stoebener said he was operating a business under the name Shawn Stoebener Photography but has been advised to change it because of association with the lawsuits.

"Once Bob has ruined the name like this," Stoebener said, "there really is no turning back."

Stoebener said that despite his recent problems, he has been able to build a small client list.

"I've had the privilege of working with 20 brides and grooms under my own name," he said. "But, I could've booked 10 to 15 more weddings if it weren't for all of this."

Meantime, it remains unclear if the couples who've gone through the arbitration process will get their wedding orders.

Rachael Domer, 23, of Alexandria, Va., said she's been given no indication she'll get anything in the way of photos. She and her husband, Doug, were awarded $5,250 through the arbitration.

"I was really happy with what we came up with in terms of getting our money refunded, but I don't think we're going to get our proofs," she said. "I'm hoping that, later on, I can work out a deal with (Bob) Stoebener."

The Domers were married July 21 in Pittsburgh. Shawn Stoebener shot their wedding.

Domer said she enjoyed working with Stoebener and added that she'd work with him again if she could.

"I love Shawn and think he's a great photographer," Domer said. "Honestly, now that he has his own business, I would recommend him to someone."