Customers able to pick up pictures after family portrait studio closes

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Hundreds of people are now able to pick up photos they weren’t sure they would ever be able to see after a family portrait company stopped operations nationwide earlier this month, including its Las Vegas location.

Thanks to the help of the property owner and leasing agent, people were able to get the photos they paid for several weeks ago at Portrait Innovations.

"The landlord myself and the management team 100 percent want to get these back in the hands of the owners,” said Penny Mendlovic, Vice President of Retail Brokerage services at CBRE, as she let in a former Portrait Innovations customer Tuesday.

The locked doors were opened because the landlord as well as Mendlovic, the leasing agent, say they’re now in possession of the pictures after the packers were abandoned.

RELATED | Family portrait studio closes nationwide, local customers' pictures left locked inside

Both are trying to get the photos back in the hands of those who ordered them.

Customers were shocked to find the photo store shut its doors for good at the beginning of the year without any warning.

"They sent a letter to the landlord that they are regretfully not able to get out of their financial debt or reorganize any type of financial restructure that they are declaring bankruptcy,” said Mendlovic.

Now a new sign is on the window with a phone number, giving customers hope they can finally pick up their precious memories.

Just like Paul Stone, who was able to collect his packet Tuesday afternoon.

"So excited,” said Stone as Mendlovic handed him his pictures. ”Aww, there we go.”

I better Trujillo has also been a longtime customer at Portrait Innovations.

After finding out the business closed, she wasn’t sure what would happen with her recent photos, until she stopped by Tuesday.

"Three generations,” she said while seeing her family portrait for the first time.

"I am very thankful,” said Trujillo. “This is something that I know a lot of customers have paid and they have pictures and memories that we can't go back and take."

There are still hundreds of pictures and portraits left to be picked up.

"Not just birthdays and Christmas,” said Mendlovic. ”You can see graduation."

But Mendlovic assures families she is here to get these priceless images into the right hands.

"They’re memories,” she said. “They’re valuable and we're going to do whatever we can to get it back to everybody."

If you are still trying to get hold of your pictures, you can contact Mendlovic at (702) 768-4818.

There will also be an open door event on Sunday, Jan. 26, from noon to 3:00 p.m. for people to stop by and pick up their portraits.

All you have to do is bring your ID.