Before I start/edit this review, I want to point out that this is my opinion so read at your own discretion.

There were a couple good reviews online about this business so we took the chance with our special event and we definitely paid for it (literally). I have three words: timely, professional, and effort.

This business was recommended by the hotel we had our event at (which should be a good indication of this business’s reputation). To the business’s credit, they offered a chance to suggest music before editing the raw footage. Though I didn’t respond soon enough (trying to figure out what music to choose based on what I did not see on the video), I missed my opportunity. The business mainly used music from the event… fair enough. But, like the person’s comment below, it takes months to receive the DVD. I was not physically involved in the contract for the services, but if a business says it will take months to get a video-edited version of an event, I would have declined and went elsewhere.

Professionalism covers many things such as interaction with the customer, quality of products, standing behind the product, etc. (I can’t speak to the interaction before/during the event, but I can for after-the-fact). When I received the DVD, the business attached a letter stating: “If you discover any unacceptable mistakes or technical problems with the DVDs please contact us immediately”. So I did in the time frame specified. I pointed out a few things, but really only one that was a technical problem. One of the songs used during the event was dubbed over for a better sound instead of using speakers (good idea if dubbed over correctly). I never demanded, but asked for the business to fix the technical error and their response was: “I am afraid that I will not edit this project a second time unless you are willing to pay me to do so. I have already spent a considerable amount of time on it for a relatively small return.” The first edit was to make the DVD from raw footage. The second edit would have been to correct the problem. My question is, why attach a letter with the DVD to inform the business of “technical problems” if nothing is going to be done about it? Hundreds of dollars were spent for a quality video and I would expect a professional product. Maybe I got a bad DVD or maybe it was an error on their part. I will never know.

Finally, I guess effort is something you have to pay to get. Asking about the status of the DVD, the response was: “I would expect that I can start editing it when I have finished the current project. I would estimate delivery in about three weeks, hopefully less.” Umm… “start editing”? What? Anyways, it may have been in the contract that this is how the business operates… fair enough, as we can’t change the past to go with another business. However, it would have taken three weeks to edit/send out the DVD and that would have been good effort… if we had gotten it within a few weeks of the event.

I would recommend finding a similar business who cares about the quality of their products because that is just good practice. Also, I asked how much it would cost to fix the technical problem and the response was: “this project is complete and I do not intend to [do] any further editing. Thank you.” To the business’s last credit, I did say it was a great (not breath-taking) video IF the correction to the technical error was made, but I guess it wasn’t technical enough to fix. Luckily, we have a friend that does video editing and we will get it fixed.

My opinion: I do not recommend this business.

I searched for videographers for months! I had a medium size budget for video. I wanted the best I could get with the money I had. Ian had the best quality videos out of the many videographers I met with. I like his style of video shooting. He has great prices, and is willing to design a package for your needs. Him and his wife both shoot the weddings, which is great. This guarantees that combined they will not miss a moment. They are so kind, and I enjoyed working with them. I highly recommend Ian Howell Video!

We chose Ian Howell Video after speaking to several videographers and watching several demo DVDs. He and his wife film the wedding and reception, so you get footage from several different angles. Their prices are very reasonable. And they are both very friendly and personable. The only negative thing is that it can take months to receive your wedding video. But I would rather wait for a great video then settle for an ok video now. I can't wait to get our video. I know it will be amazing. So I highly recommend Ian Howell Video to any bride.

Rude and unprofessional. DO NOT use this videographer.