Why does an empty speech bubble appear when I attempt to send/receive images via iMessage on my iPhone?

Hi haley.moz,

Thanks for visiting Apple Support Communities.

It sounds like you can't send or receive images via iMessage to some contacts, and you only see an empty speech bubble. You've tried some good steps including restarting your iPhone and turning iMessages off and back on.

Next, try these tips from If you can't send or receive messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

Check your device settings

1. Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to Settings > Messages and make sure that iMessage, Send as SMS, or MMS Messaging is turned on (whichever method you're trying to use). Learn about the different types of messages you can send.
   

Restart your device and check for updates

1. Restart your device.
2. Check for a carrier settings update.
3. Check for an iOS software update.

Sign out and back in to iMessage and FaceTime

1. Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive, tap your Apple ID, then tap Sign Out.
2. Go to Settings > FaceTime, tap your Apple ID, then tap Sign Out.
3. On your iPhone first, sign back in to iMessage and Facetime.
4. Sign back in to iMessage and Facetime on your other devices.

Reset your network settings

Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Back up and restore your device

Use iTunes or iCloud to back up your content, then restore your device.

All the best.