diff --git a/src/app/(app)/photos/page.tsx b/src/app/(app)/photos/page.tsx
index b367f14..813a3fc 100644
--- a/src/app/(app)/photos/page.tsx
+++ b/src/app/(app)/photos/page.tsx
@@ -69,13 +69,13 @@ export default function PhotosPage() {
   const current = lightbox ? lightbox.events[lightbox.index] : null;
 
   async function deletePhoto(eventId: string) {
-    const res = await fetch(`/api/events/${eventId}`);
-    const ev = await res.json();
-    const existingMeta = ev.metadata ?? {};
+    const ev = allEvents.find((e) => e.id === eventId);
+    const existingMeta: Record<string, unknown> = ev ? { ...ev.metadata } : {};
+    delete existingMeta.photo;
     await fetch(`/api/events/${eventId}`, {
       method: "PATCH",
       headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
-      body: JSON.stringify({ metadata: { ...existingMeta, photo: null } }),
+      body: JSON.stringify({ metadata: existingMeta }),
     });
     qc.invalidateQueries({ queryKey: ["photo-events", selectedBaby?.id] });
     setLightbox(null);