Hi all!. I just want to share with the group a disturbing encounter I had with a peer of ours…read more Stephanie Newkirk (or Stephanie Cochrane as she also goes by) and I connected on a Tampa photography board. I had arranged to do a very special shoot with her to celebrate my six months sobriety after 14 years of battling alcoholism. We did the shoot on a Tuesday and she assured me that photographs would be ready within 24 to 48 hours. During this time she made me sign a waiver, and she also put together an extensive list of questions that she would like me to do for HER photography business vlog about MY sobriety. She gave me homework! After five days, the images were still not ready and when she finally sent me the gallery -- the images were marked with "PROOF" ALL OVER THEM (the shoot was unpaid for both of us and a trade for talent). I have done countless TFPs at this point with many photographers and though they use stamps and things to ensure that their work is given due credit (as is only right) they do not make it a habit of destroying images from the viewer let alone the model in the creative process. This shoot was so VERY important to me and obviously was very sentimental. She knew my sobervesary was on a Thursday (and I have no problem with being patient), photoshoot was on a Tuesday and still the following Monday she is holding my images hostage. She insisted upon a phone call to which she told me that this was her process and that she would destroy the images rather than go back-and-forth with me. As a person with autism and ADHD, it's very hard for me to see past imperfections and small details. When I asked her to do this, she was completely adamant that she would not accommodate my request. I still have not been in receipt of any of the images and I refuse to beg for them anymore as it's not only demeaning, but it's very hurtful to think that art that you created -- and that you put more than decade into actually accomplishing) -- someone would just take away for no reason other than just be hurtful. Because what other motive is there for even making such a threat? I thought that I would come forward with this because as I've worked with so many great artists collaborators in the community, this seems to go against everything that we stand for. From I've observed, this is a place for creative expression and not one person I've met seems in the habit of stealing, being underhanded and trying to pass off work as not their own. Now, maybe that's just my experience but I haven't seen that. We work together and make these so that we can express, and I just feel really taken advantage of and disappointed. So I come to the group and I also want to ensure that no one ever has to work with this photographer again. Because if she will destroy my six month sobriety photo shoot what does this woman hold sacred?

Stephanie was super fun to shoot under...she was simple with everything, a jokester, and even…read moreprovided a pop-up change tent. I left the new experience she gave me with greater confidence and just wanting to continue new things.

The studio has such a relaxed, friendly vibe that you immediately forget you're about to be…read morephotographed. The photographer is incredibly patient and professional, yet makes the session feel fun and natural -- no stiff poses, no "say cheese" nonsense. The photos themselves are amazing. Every shot captures genuine smiles and personality, whether it's a family session, a beach backdrop, or just everyday moments. You leave with images that look effortless but feel full of character. From start to finish, the experience is smooth and enjoyable. The staff make you feel comfortable, guide you through poses naturally, and ensure the end result is something you'll actually want to display. Highly recommend for anyone wanting professional photos without the awkwardness of a traditional studio.

I cannot emphasize enough the photographic skill and creativity of Richel Lavette. I recently…read morehosted a once-in-a-lifetime fraternity "Chartering" event that included both an early afternoon initiation, as well as a 190 person celebratory banquet including dinner, numerous guest speakers and awards to be presented. She handled both events professionally and with a great eye for framing, lighting and spontaneity. Richel Lavette is the consummate professional photographer. Her skill set includes image set up, proper lighting, images that tell a story, taking charge of large group photos with incredible tact, and looking for the small details that make a good image even better. Ms. Lavette can see what others do not. Her experience, and speed in finding the right images tell an unparalleled story. She requires initial input from the client, and once she understands the priorities, Richel can work independently with little to no supervision. But, beyond her obvious skills as a photographer, she has a strong work ethic and is always ready to capture a spontaneous moment that some photographers simply do not see. Her people skills are outstanding, and is always encouraging people to smile, and have fun while being photographed. Her greatest skills? The ability to listen, interpret, and deliver spectacular results. Lavette Photo Studios is an excellent photo studio, and I give Richel, and her studio my highest recommendations. She earned it.

Gerardo has helped us many times, from product photography, videos of products and events, to new…read moreprofile photos and family photos. He truly makes sure we are happy with every detail and makes it fun. Thank you Gerardo!!

Gerardo is fantastic! He takes the time to understand exactly what you are looking for and to help…read moreyou prepare perfectly for your session. He's got great fashion advice, so you look your best in your photos. His eye for how color and texture show up on film is magic! And he's fun Highly recommend!!

it is difficult for me to offer even one star for this service. My family was recently blessed to…read morehave five generations. Due to the fact that I have mobility issues, four of my family members took time from work and traveled thousands of miles so we could capture five generation photos. I hired Black Pineapple Photography to capture the photos. We were to receive our digital photos approximately two to three weeks after the shoot. What I received two weeks later was an email from Liz, proprietor of Black Pineapple Photography. The email stated that my money had been refunded and the photos from our family shoot were permanently lost. WHAT? LOST? An email, not even the courtesy of a phone call or any explanation as to what had occurred. You can imagine the disappointment my family members and I experienced. Two days after the receipt of the email and after my granddaughter called Liz and complained I received a phone call with an explanation. Apparently the photographer, who took the pictures, did not change the SIM card following our shoot and shot another event over our session. Beware, as that photographer still is used by this company. There is no way to recover the photos. This error, the lost employment time, air fare, lodging and car rental expenses were great. Needless to say we cannot capture this time again or recoupe the expenses. "Beware of Black Pineapple Photography".

If you take the chance of using this photographer make sure you do not allow them to assign you to…read more"Claudia" Unfortunately she was careless and "lost" our 5 generation photos and didn't even have the decency to let us know herself or any kind of apology nothing. She left it to the owner of the company Elizabeth to have to handle her negligence. I am giving 2 stars ONLY because I do believe Elizabeth was profoundly apologetic and did attempt to recover the photos. Unfortunately a company is only as good as the employees you have working for you and having Claudia there is not it. Beware if you actually want your photos after they are taken.

Awesome photographer! Very professional and made us all feel comfortable, picture quality looked…read morevery nice , definitely would hire again ! Kudos!

Max was awesome I seriously could not recommend him enough! He went above and beyond with every…read moreopportunity he was given. I realized I didn't book him long enough and he was very flexible with me and his time and I appreciated that so much. His talent, his passion and he's energy is everything we could've asked for and more! 10/10 experience

Amazing photos! Flexible to work with and had great tips and tricks. Huge value for the price…read more Thank you Jessica! It was a pleasure to work with you!

Jessica was really nice and did a great job on our son's graduation photos. Will be going back to…read moreher for a family photo soon.

Crist and Hannah from We The Blackwells are so awesome and fun!! They are down-to-Earth people that…read moreput out a great vibe. We are so happy that we had them do the photography and videography for our wedding! They keep the mood light while at the same time keeping the work professional. We The Blackwells were so easy to work with and the pictures turned out better than we could have hoped. We sent them inspo pics ahead of time for the aesthetic we were going for and they knocked it out of the park. Communication with them was perfect from the moment we reached out to them to inquire about their services. I highly recommend reaching out to We The Blackwells for your photography and videography needs!

We had the pleasure of having Crist and his team as our photographers for our engagement shoot and…read moreour wedding along with being the videographers as well! Crist made my husband and I feel so confident in front of the camera. To say we were in awe of the results is an understatement. They were extremely communicative and put mine and my husband's requests and needs before anyone else's in the moments of craziness. I cannot recommend them enough!

To get this out of the way I have to say their photos are gorgeous and if that is all that matters…read moreyou will be happy with their services. Their way of treating people though made for a really struggle working with them. It's taken a while to write this review because I had such a bad experience. They lied to me multiple times. The female photographer talked down to me, like she was better than me consistently. Not how you want to feel or be treated on your special day (or any day really). Very disappointed with the experience I had with them as a whole not matter how their photos turned out.

Becky and Summer are the absolute best! They did my wedding photos during and after. They…read morediscussed with us ahead of time which family portraits we wanted so that it didn't take forever and they took charge and told everyone what poses to do. I've been in too many weddings where the photos are so unorganized and you end up wasting way too much time doing them. Not only are they awesome and great to work with, but the pictures came out soooo good and in only 3 weeks!!! I can't say enough good about them!