Photographer develops bad reputation for not finishing job, say Winnipeg women

Two Winnipeg women want to warn others about using a local photographer they say took their money, but didn't finish the job.

Yolanna Yerexfound photographer Brent Andrew Marshall on Facebook sincethey had friends in common. Marshall messaged herto be a friend on Facebook and askedif she was interested in gettingpictures taken.

"I was flattered. I thought it was about time to get some new photos. We finally set up a time in [October 2015]and did the shoot after a few cancellations on his part," said Yerex,"I paid him $150 at that point. He sent me some low resolution picturesthat I couldn't use."

Yerex saidMarshall told her she would have to pay another $100 to get high resolution. In April of this year, she sent him the money by internet transfer. Yerexsaidshe never got the pictures. When she put a negative review on his business Facebook page, he blocked her.

"Then he told me he had a family illness and an emergency. I believed him and gave him more time. He eventually wrote back saying he would only send the photos if I removed all negative comments and reviews," said Yerex, adding she refused to do that.

"I told him I would complain to the media and the Better Business Bureau, and possibly small claims. It costs $50 to place a claim, it's not the point," said Yerex.

"I want my photos frankly. I would like to get them.They were really good."

Wedding photos never taken

Jenna Gordon has given up trying to get back the $1,000 she saidMarshall owes her from her wedding three years ago.

"We gavehim $1,000 deposit for what was supposed to be a bill total of$2,000.He gave us a couple of unedited pictures of our engagement, and then a week before the wedding we couldn't reach him. Then we get this call from his brother saying Marshall was having surgery and that his brother would do the shoot. We didn't know this guy or anything about him," said Gordon.

Gordonmanaged to find another photographer. When she tried to get the money back from Marshall,he said he was keeping the money because he had done the engagement photo. Gordon wanted to take legal action, but decided against it.

"We have two young kids and it was too stressful and it was too much time. We gave up. It wasn't worth the fight and the stress," said Gordon, adding Marshall blocked herhusband on Facebook.

Criminal record

Marshallhasmore than 35convictions between 2005 and 2013 including: theft, fraud, possessing property obtained by crime, assault, failing to comply with a no contact order and beingunlawfully in a dwelling.

In 2003, an Alberta court ordered Marshallto pay more than $1,100 to a couple who had hired him as a photographer.

In May of2014, court records show aWinnipeg woman said Marshall stole money, her credit card and hercar.Court records show Marshall denies the claims andsaid hehad been in a romantic relationship with the woman and lived together until October 2013.

Jenna Gordon said she thought Marshall was quirky, but is shocked to learn he has a criminal record.

"It almost makes me kind of happy we didn't pursue taking him to court," she said."I don't want anything more to do with him."

BBB rating

The Better Business Bureau has three complaints on file forMarshall. His business is not accredited and has a rating of D+.

Marshall told CBChe was still working in Winnipeg and was recovering from surgery.He refused to comment on the women's claims.