Iphoto update deleted my photos, help!

Okay, so yesterday I opened iPhoto. It said that in order to open iPhoto I had to update it, so I clicked update. I waited for a while, and once it was done I went to it. I realized my photos from the past couple years were gone! I didn't back up iPhoto so I have no idea what to do. I tried to do the repair database thing, but for a full day it wouldn't work, so I did a force quit. I opened iPhoto up again and the photos were still gone. They aren't in the masters folder either. I am doing the repair database once again. Do I need to get a professional IT person to help me get my photos back, or download a software? I am in need of help now. Thanks.