We truly love supporting Black-owned businesses--big or small. We believe in the culture, and we believe in uplifting our own because the culture represents us, and we represent it. That's what makes writing this so painful. I never imagined I would have to leave a negative review, especially about someone who looks like me. But after everything we've been through, my heart is heavy, and this experience has left us genuinely broken.
The photo shoot itself started beautifully. The atmosphere was warm, the energy was good, and for a moment, it felt like we were creating something meaningful. This was our first professional photo shoot--my girlfriend was pregnant with our first child together. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. A moment filled with excitement, hope, and love. Something we were so proud of. Something we trusted this photographer to help us preserve forever.
But without warning, everything shifted.
Although we were still scheduled for another 20 minutes, we suddenly felt rushed out because she had a podcast to attend immediately after. The joy disappeared, and so did the professionalism. What began as a cherished experience quickly turned into discomfort and confusion. Promises were made--but never kept.
For over two and a half months, we have been reaching out, trying to receive the photos we paid for. During that time, our baby was born. That chapter of our lives has already passed. There is no redo. No second chance. What should have been a beautiful memory now feels permanently tainted.
We paid her full price without hesitation. We did not negotiate or haggle. We trusted her as an artist and respected her worth. In return, we asked only for what was promised. The images we requested were never delivered. The edits we were assured would be done were never made. Our calls and emails went unanswered.
At one point, I called from a different number. She answered. She told me she would edit the photos as soon as she got home and make them "look great." Fifteen days passed after that call. Still nothing.
When I expressed how unprofessional this was and asked for a full refund, she refused.
My girlfriend is heartbroken. What should have been one of the happiest moments of her life--her first pregnancy, her first maternity shoot--has turned into a constant reminder of disappointment. We see other maternity photos from her clients, and it hurts. Not out of jealousy, but grief. Everyone else received their memories. We're still begging for ours.
We feel ignored. We feel taken advantage of. And what hurts the most is that this pain comes from someone within our own community--someone we wanted to support, trust, and uplift.
This experience has left us feeling defeated and deeply saddened. No one should have to chase someone for something they already paid for. No one should have their most meaningful moments held hostage. And no family should walk away from such a special time feeling this broken read more
