Customers say they’ve waited years to get photos back from Omaha photographer

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Milestone events are usually captured by a professional photographer, and not just weddings. There’s an important celebration for young women in Latin culture, and several families in south Omaha paid for photos they’ve yet to receive.

A special dress highlights a 15th birthday quinceañera.

“It’s very important,” said Nelida Diaz. “It’s an event that’s only one time. One thing, one time in your life. You’re not going to relive that.”

So, Nelida, a proud mother, says she paid photographer Carlos Valdez to capture the memories.

“$2,600 and what did I get? Nothing, except one picture,” Nelida said.

A 24-by-36 portrait, but not the photo book, three hundred pictures, two DVD videos and other contracted items. So Nelida and another customer went looking for more at a studio where hey signed contracts.

That business, Expresiones Photography, has an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau.

“Just the same issues the customers are having, we’re having,” said Jim Hegarty with BBB. “The company is not responsive to these complaints and they involve thousands of dollars.”

Noemi Iniguez is 17 now. She says she’s waited two years for her quinceañera pictures.

“It’s like I won’t be able to look back on any of that and see the photos I got to take with my family and my court,” Noemi said. “It’s just like, all gone.”

“You pay a lot of money and you expect something,” said her brother, Juan Iniguez. “We didn’t even take videos or pictures that day because we thought he was going to turn it in.”

But there is hope in a message received by 6 News from someone once listed with Expresiones Photography. It says “I can assure you the photos will be delivered to the people.”

“It’s not the first time he’s said it,” one customer said.

6 News talked to photographer Carlos Valdez, who says his customers will get their money’s worth when he’s recovered. From what, he won’t say.

Nelida hopes a small claims court lawsuit will provide answers, if not photos.

“He says he’s back up by a doctor’s paperwork and he can’t deliver photos and videos to families because he’s really sick,” Nelida said. “I want to see those papers. I want to see proof that he’s sick.”

A south Omaha community leader says several other customers have complained on social media about paying for photos and not having them delivered. Some of them have waited up to three years.

“Let’s ask everybody if you were in this situation