First, I'd like to be clear that the following review has nothing to do with the quality of Lizz's work. I never made it to my boudoir shoot, as I had some personal issues arise in my life. That being said, I have to say that I am incredibly di...sappointed with the way in which Lizz handled my concerns.
Prior to booking my session, I met with Lizz for a consultation and I expressed from the start that this was a very large expense for me. After meeting, I was excited to proceed and Lizz quickly requested a $400 deposit (over 50% of my total package) and sent me a contract. I received the email on a Friday afternoon and was told the contract must be received by that Monday. The first red flag: almost immediately after my deposit cleared, Lizz started becoming less responsive to my emails. I had to send multiple follow up emails (a week or two apart) in order to obtain information that she promised to send me upon receipt of my deposit.
Fast forward to two weeks after I scheduled my appointment . . . I emailed Lizz and stated that I had run into a bit of a personal predicament and asked to speak with her. Long story short, my grandfather became hospitalized and we were informed that his Veteran’s benefits would not cover the 24 hour care he needed; therefore, he could no longer financially assist me with the wedding as planned. I was very concerned, as I no longer had the funds available to proceed with the shoot and I need to recoup ANY of my deposit back. I explained that to Lizz I understood that I signed a contract; however, these unforeseen difficulties arose and I had to request to cancel my appointment (two weeks after scheduling and two months prior to the date of my scheduled photoshoot). I explained the situation and Lizz told me there was nothing she could do to reimburse me. I begged her, through tears, to consider refunding even half of my $400 deposit, as I recognize she has a business to run as well.
Lizz stated: “I book appointments 6 months in advance and now I can’t fill the appointment slot you booked.” Upon considering this information, I offered to take a gamble. I asked, "On the off-chance that you are able to re-book my appointment date, will you reconsider giving me just a portion of my deposit back?" Lizz replied: "No, that has nothing to do with your contract." Despite my distress, I was repeatedly told that I would not receive a penny of my deposit back and I was offered the sole option to extend the date of my photoshoot.
I explained that I no longer had a desire to complete the shoot, as I no longer felt safe and/or comfortable coming to my appointment. Lizz replied: "I can't allow other people's problems to become my problems." Although I understand this, I believe that individual circumstances must be considered on a case by case basis. Just the smallest bit of kindness can go a very long way (especially during the holiday season). Wedding planning is a stressful enough time for a bride, without additional family and financial troubles.
To add insult to injury, my mother individually reached out to Lizz later that day. My mother chose to calmly share with Lizz some additional details that I did not disclose, hoping to help enlighten her to the full picture of my current circumstances (including some of my own trauma history and the loss of my younger brother earlier this year). Lizz's response (prior to hanging up on my mother mid-sentence): "You're not going to change my decision. The money is already gone."
I am deeply disappointed in the way this situation was handled. It's clear at this point that I have no choice but to accept the fact that I have lost a substantial portion of my small wedding savings. I understand that my posting this review does not change that; however, I would never have scheduled this appointment if I knew from the start the type of person I would be dealing with. A boudoir photo session is a tremendously intimate experience, one which can leave the consumer feeling physically and emotionally vulnerable. Personally, I feel incredibly hurt and taken advantage of. I would not recommend this photographer, as I would not wish this type of callous and cold-heartedness on anyone.