Anonymous Sent on 19/09/2016

1.6 out of 5 rating

Quality of service
2 out of 5 rating
Response time
2 out of 5 rating
Professionalism
1 out of 5 rating
Value
2 out of 5 rating
Flexibility
1 out of 5 rating

We wrote an extensive review so if you don't want to read it all... here is a brief rundown

The good:
He has been photographing photos for a long time
He has experience (not sure if that matters?)

The bad:
1. He uses his contract to do the LEAST amount of work possible
2. He is NOT accommodating (I had a vision of filters, poses, locations) and he basically was not interested in helping me.
3. He is holding out RAW photos hostage and will not give them to us...even tough we paid his 3,200$$!!!!!
4. You as the client have no say in the quantity that get finished, or the selection that they finish.
5....

We wrote an extensive review so if you don't want to read it all... here is a brief rundown

The good:
He has been photographing photos for a long time
He has experience (not sure if that matters?)

The bad:
1. He uses his contract to do the LEAST amount of work possible
2. He is NOT accommodating (I had a vision of filters, poses, locations) and he basically was not interested in helping me.
3. He is holding out RAW photos hostage and will not give them to us...even tough we paid his 3,200$$!!!!!
4. You as the client have no say in the quantity that get finished, or the selection that they finish.
5. His ideas and poses are from 1999! He tries to put you in poses from old traditional looks
6. Not very artistic or talented in current 21st century looks
7. Not a very nice person

Long story:
We decided on Butterfly Photography as our wedding photographer based on a selection from their website. We had 1 engagement photo session, seemly went okay, although I wasn't overly impressed with the photos. While not bad, I found them to be "under-whelming", which truly is the theme of our experience with Butterfly.

The main photographer, seems to know his trade, arrived on time, with equipment and ready to shoot. He is a bit quirky, but once you get used to him, you can have a bit of fun with it. He and his secondary photographer took a plethora of photos, I'd say 50/50 poses we had researched and poses they typically do, probably to the tune of 1000-1200 photographs. Now, we were very particular that photos were very important to us, therefore we did a lot of research of locations and poses that we specifically wanted. The photographer was open to working with us in an effort to get the specifics we wanted, after all, it is our wedding right?

The trouble came when we got an email that the photos were almost ready, less than 2 weeks after the event. In my experience, wedding photos can take months to edit and "produce". With baited breath we waited... when the link came in, we eagerly opened it, and, as before.... So under-whelmed.

Of the 1000+ photos taken, less than 10 had been heavily edited/modified, the remainder had very little of anything done, and truly were very under-whelming. Now, with that said, the selection had some impressive work done to them (like I said, he seems to know his trade). The problem with this is, of that selection, there was only 1 that we actually wanted as an edited/manipulated photo, the rest, although nice, were not ones that we were interested in. You see, the company went ahead and edited a selection of photos, without so much as asking if there were any specific ones we may want them to work on. When we contacted the company and explained that his selection of photos weren't photos that we were interested in, the company initially indicated that this was all they would produce, as per the contract they reserved the right to select which photos they would edit. After some back and forth, the company reluctantly agreed to edit 4 more photos, as we wanted a thank you card, and to make a photobook. We provided an example of the type of finishing we were hoping for (off Instagram), and so, that's exactly what they did, for all 4 of those photos, no more, no less - they may have even just used Instagram for all we know.

So, again, dramatically under-whelmed by our wedding photos, and with little other option, we decided to offer further payment on top of the thousands we have already paid for their services. We told the photographer that we would like to make a photo book and would like to know the cost for him to finish 20 photos of our selection for us in order to make the book. He quoted $50.00 per picture.... So now, for us to finish 20 pictures of the 1000+ available, the company wanted another $1000 dollars?? If they had simply asked us originally what photos we wanted done, we could've avoided this all together - feels like a really bad cash grab now that we're literally locked in.

We solicited a friend who is in the industry to help us with the 20 edits, they reluctantly agreed, but said the JPEG quality was not high enough to enable significant edits, and therefore, would be little they could do to edit the photos to our liking. When we asked Butterfly to provide us the raw photos for editing, they indicated they would not as it is industry norm to not offer raw photos, because photographers don't like "unfinished" work being "out there"..... wait, what?!? We're trying every avenue to have them finished!? So as it stands we are at loggerheads.

Get a per picture price for additional finishing - we failed to do this, and therefore are essentially being extorted as we can't get the photos we want finish unless we pay the ransom, and we can't get the raw files to have someone else help us out, doesn't that feel like extortion?

Unfortunately we are left with a photo for our thank you card we don't like, no opportunity to make a photobook as we have insufficient quality photos (even if we used the ones we don't care for), and no raw photos in order to have someone else produce them for us.

Our memories are literally being held hostage by our paid contractor.... We are now actually considering small claims court in order to at least get the raw files so we can make our damn photo book of our wedding!

Would I recommend Butterfly - no, not with the amount of photographers out there. If you do go down this road, look at the contract in detail and get everything in writing. Their contract is very one sided weighted to their benefit, and leaves the client very little room to move if unsatisfied - and well, the bill is paid, so what can you do? I mean, after all, it's only your wedding right?

Butterfly Photography and Photo Booth Rentals's reply:

Thank you for providing us a detailed review. It is unfortunate you felt that you did not get your monies worth with my photography services. I try my very best, within reason, to make clients happy. With that said, I feel it is necessary to clarify some of the points you raise in your review. Many of the points are partial truths, distorted or taken out of context. I will respond below to the points that are not correct. Before I provide my response I have to say that I am a bit surprised by your review. When I contacted you after the wedding you said “ Thanks again we for sure need to meet at some point for...

Heather Sent on 18/09/2016

3 out of 5 rating

Quality of service
3 out of 5 rating
Response time
4 out of 5 rating
Professionalism
3 out of 5 rating
Value
3 out of 5 rating
Flexibility
2 out of 5 rating

I found Butterfly photography looking on google, but I wish I had waited. During the engagement photos everything was great (with only 2 people) and I was happy with the way my photos turned out. On my wedding day I felt completely let down. Rosalines attitude that day was harsh and abrupt. I felt like every photo was a production and it was causing tension with the bridal party. I felt like I didn't get all of the photos I would have liked to.

I am most dissappointed by the photobooth. I actually regret paying for it. Rosaline refused to set up equipment before photos which meant we had to wait until after photography was done for the...

I found Butterfly photography looking on google, but I wish I had waited. During the engagement photos everything was great (with only 2 people) and I was happy with the way my photos turned out. On my wedding day I felt completely let down. Rosalines attitude that day was harsh and abrupt. I felt like every photo was a production and it was causing tension with the bridal party. I felt like I didn't get all of the photos I would have liked to.

I am most dissappointed by the photobooth. I actually regret paying for it. Rosaline refused to set up equipment before photos which meant we had to wait until after photography was done for the night to set up the photo booth, which she did not tell me before I paid my deposit. She was very demanding the moment people walked out of the photobooth to give props back, not even giving guests a chance to do it without being asked. I understand not wanting to lose items, but people are having fun and not instantly thinking about putting things down. A LOT of my guests were complaining that she was being rude. It caused the photobooth to hardly even be used, with the line often being empty, therefore my regret in spending money on it. I at one point watched Rosaline chase a family member around the ballroom because he forgot to take his hat off. Later she even GRABBED my brother in law, which is never ok!!!

When I emailed her after the wedding to give some constructive feedback for the future she emailed me back with a long list of excuses which made me incredibly frsutrated (ex. "we have guests colliding into one another which could lead to injury", "sometimes guests are unable to see where they are going because they are wearing props", "sometimes guests feel claustrophobic" and so on. Her response to grabbing my BIL was that he was unsteady, yet other guests saw and that was not the case. Her responses made me feel like she didnt even care that her client was unhappy and that she took no resposibility for her own actions/behavior.

Butterfly Photography and Photo Booth Rentals's reply:

Hi Heather,

Thank you for your review. I am sorry you were unhappy with the photo booth set up time. You received a discount for the photo booth because the photo booth services would be after photography. This was explained to you in a email that "The photo booth deal I gave you would mean that the photo booth would have to start after my photography shift is over. I would most likely have to do set up during dinner when there isn't any activities happening OR if you have time for me to set up right after the photography shift is over. " Because you had speeches during dinner, setting up the photo booth during dinner was...

Alana Sent on 20/09/2015

5 out of 5 rating

Quality of service
5 out of 5 rating
Response time
5 out of 5 rating
Professionalism
5 out of 5 rating
Value
5 out of 5 rating
Flexibility
5 out of 5 rating

We hired Martin at Butterfly Photography for 9 hours on our wedding day. We planned an outdoor wedding and Martin scouted some fantastic locations to realize our vision of nature pictures downtown. He listened to our ideals and we have now received our edited photos within 3 weeks - quick turnaround time and beautiful images. What really stands out are the amazing candid moments. We barely noticed him taking photos at the ceremony and reception; he makes you feel comfortable and kept the whole day flowing right on schedule. Our wedding day ended up being the stormiest day of the year, and one of the only rain days in the summer. Martin rose to the occasion, scouted amazing new...

We hired Martin at Butterfly Photography for 9 hours on our wedding day. We planned an outdoor wedding and Martin scouted some fantastic locations to realize our vision of nature pictures downtown. He listened to our ideals and we have now received our edited photos within 3 weeks - quick turnaround time and beautiful images. What really stands out are the amazing candid moments. We barely noticed him taking photos at the ceremony and reception; he makes you feel comfortable and kept the whole day flowing right on schedule. Our wedding day ended up being the stormiest day of the year, and one of the only rain days in the summer. Martin rose to the occasion, scouted amazing new locations and even brought Rosaline with him to deal with the rain challenges. She was a complete blessing, pausing to adjust my dress or quickly coordinating people for photos. The images are more than we had hoped for and we highly recommend Butterfly Photography. Outstanding value with very competitive rates, a WOW experience and a team you enjoy working with and having there on your wedding day.

Anonymous Sent on 31/07/2015

5 out of 5 rating

Quality of service
5 out of 5 rating
Response time
5 out of 5 rating
Professionalism
5 out of 5 rating
Value
5 out of 5 rating
Flexibility
5 out of 5 rating

What an amazing photographer! Rosaline was incredibly professional, personable, and punctual. She answered emails and questions immediately and offered perfect suggestions for photo locations. She helped calm the nerves of the anxious bride on more than one occasion, and made everyone feel comfortable on the day of the wedding. She captured not only fantastic portrait shots, but beautiful candid ones as well. We couldn’t have asked for better service from her and her photography partner. They were wonderful and the turn around for receiving the photos was quicker than expected – which is a bonus!
We also used the Photo Booth service and it was a huge success! The guests loved it and it was busy all night. There...

What an amazing photographer! Rosaline was incredibly professional, personable, and punctual. She answered emails and questions immediately and offered perfect suggestions for photo locations. She helped calm the nerves of the anxious bride on more than one occasion, and made everyone feel comfortable on the day of the wedding. She captured not only fantastic portrait shots, but beautiful candid ones as well. We couldn’t have asked for better service from her and her photography partner. They were wonderful and the turn around for receiving the photos was quicker than expected – which is a bonus!
We also used the Photo Booth service and it was a huge success! The guests loved it and it was busy all night. There were a variety of props for guests to choose from, and EVERYONE, from 7-82 years of age, enjoyed it. I loved that we got an electronic copy of all of the photos - the best part was that they weren’t just copies of the photo strips, but of each individual photo as well.
Thank you Rosaline for a wonderful experience!

Laura Sent on 13/07/2015

5 out of 5 rating

Quality of service
5 out of 5 rating
Response time
5 out of 5 rating
Professionalism
5 out of 5 rating
Value
5 out of 5 rating
Flexibility
5 out of 5 rating

We were so delighted to work with Martin! He is professional and punctual, extremely personable (all our family and friends loved him). He managed to get photos from all angles and we didn't even notice him moving around (it's like he's a ninja). Looking at our photos, you would think we had several photographers shooting the same scene. He has an extremely artistic eye - we love every photo! We took pictures at Capilano suspension bridge on the busiest Saturday. Martin managed to get beautiful shots without anyone in the background. His confidence and skills really shone through as he asked tourists to move, wait and stand aside. We couldn't have picked a better person to record our memories. Thank you Martin and Butterfly Photography! - L & J

Anonymous Sent on 11/05/2015

5 out of 5 rating

Quality of service
5 out of 5 rating
Response time
5 out of 5 rating
Professionalism
5 out of 5 rating
Value
5 out of 5 rating
Flexibility
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing photographer! very organized and ready to go. Very quick turn around for photos.

Jocelyn Sent on 25/11/2014

5 out of 5 rating

Quality of service
5 out of 5 rating
Response time
5 out of 5 rating
Professionalism
5 out of 5 rating
Value
5 out of 5 rating
Flexibility
5 out of 5 rating

Butterfly Photography provided us with memories that we will cherish forever. Martin and his wife did such an amazing job on our photos. I was really nervous of being in front of the camera but Martin has a way of making you feel completely comfortable. They were always very professional and on time. I highly recommend using Butterfly Photography for any special occasion.

Quentin & Jocelyn.

Jordana Sent on 04/09/2014

5 out of 5 rating

Quality of service
5 out of 5 rating
Response time
5 out of 5 rating
Professionalism
5 out of 5 rating
Value
5 out of 5 rating
Flexibility
5 out of 5 rating

We highly recommend any newly engaged couple to use Butterfly Photography to photograph their wedding. We had the pleasure of working with Rosealine who was an absolute superstar. She was able to capture so many amazing moments throughout the wedding day from the ladies getting ready to the ceremony to the bridal party and lastly to the reception. We felt very confident that Rosealine would do a great job as she has photographed many different weddings at our venue. She showed us many past examples of her work and it was an aspect that made us both feel calm for the day of the wedding as she had an intimate knowledge of the location and was able to suggest...

We highly recommend any newly engaged couple to use Butterfly Photography to photograph their wedding. We had the pleasure of working with Rosealine who was an absolute superstar. She was able to capture so many amazing moments throughout the wedding day from the ladies getting ready to the ceremony to the bridal party and lastly to the reception. We felt very confident that Rosealine would do a great job as she has photographed many different weddings at our venue. She showed us many past examples of her work and it was an aspect that made us both feel calm for the day of the wedding as she had an intimate knowledge of the location and was able to suggest the best spots to capture the moment. The quality of the photographs were amazing. She was able to make us look like models! Every photo was extremely flattering and we couldn't have asked for a better photographer. Rosealine was extremely down to earth, professional, and punctual. If we had any questions, Rosealine was able to answer in a prompt manner and was extremely helpful in helping to determine locations, poses and timing to help pull off our big day. We are extremely satisfied with the quality of our photographs and could not be happier to have such amazing photos to look at to remember our special day!

Also, we used the photo booth option from Butterfly Photography for our wedding day. The service was excellent and it was a huge hit amongst our guests. They had a large variety of props and costumes to create a fun atmosphere. We were also very impressed that our guests were able to receive copies of their photos right away and that the bride and groom were also able to have an electronic copy of the photos as well. It allows us to see how much fun our guests were having as well when we were busy with other aspects of the wedding. We definitely recommend hiring Butterfly Photography for any future weddings. Thank you so much Rosealine & Martin!!

Anonymous Sent on 01/09/2014

5 out of 5 rating

Quality of service
5 out of 5 rating
Response time
5 out of 5 rating
Professionalism
5 out of 5 rating
Value
5 out of 5 rating
Flexibility
5 out of 5 rating

We spent a lot of time researching wedding photographers before we finally decided on Butterfly Photography. We fell in love with their photojournalism style and really liked that their work looked natural and that the photos weren't too edited- they didn't need to be! After reviewing their portfolio online, we set up a meeting right away. Martin was easy going and responsive to all of our questions and the booking and payment process was easy and seamless. We booked them both for 10 hours on our wedding day and for a one hour engagement session. Martin and Rosaline were both very professional throughout our engagement and wedding photography sessions and we were always made to feel at ease, we...

We spent a lot of time researching wedding photographers before we finally decided on Butterfly Photography. We fell in love with their photojournalism style and really liked that their work looked natural and that the photos weren't too edited- they didn't need to be! After reviewing their portfolio online, we set up a meeting right away. Martin was easy going and responsive to all of our questions and the booking and payment process was easy and seamless. We booked them both for 10 hours on our wedding day and for a one hour engagement session. Martin and Rosaline were both very professional throughout our engagement and wedding photography sessions and we were always made to feel at ease, we were able to act natural and be ourselves and never felt too posed.

Unfortunately, we had unexpected rain on our wedding day and we really appreciated that they could adjust to the change of plans quickly and that they both kept positive attitudes and a sense of humour throughout the chaotic times, they even had umbrellas just in case! We received our photos (over 1000!) just a couple weeks later, while on our honeymoon and it was wonderful to relive the moments and remember just how amazing the day was.

We would highly recommend Butterfly photography to any couple getting married. We loved our photos, both the portraits and the candid's, and couldn't have asked for anything more. I recommend giving them creative freedom and not trying to recreate your pinterest posts or friends wedding photos on the day of, we did just that and they didn't disappoint! We can't wait to see our album!

We also had the photo booth for 2 hours- this was a great addition to the wedding (especially during music/band breaks) and we highly recommend this as well.

Sherri Sent on 29/08/2014

5 out of 5 rating

Quality of service
5 out of 5 rating
Response time
5 out of 5 rating
Professionalism
5 out of 5 rating
Value
5 out of 5 rating
Flexibility
5 out of 5 rating

We highly recommend Butterfly Photography for anyone wanting beautiful photography accompanied with professional, friendly service. Martin did a wonderful job of photographing our recent wedding. We are thrilled with his fabulous photos! He made us look great! We have never, ever looked so good....thanks to Martin! Martin's friendly, fun personality added so much to our special day. He was such a delight to work with and we shared a lot of laughs and great conversation with him throughout the wedding day. Martin has been so prompt and conscientious about answering our emails and answering any questions. He truly cares about his clients. We look forward to enjoying our wedding album and the special moments he captured for us for years to come! Thanks so much, Martin!

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