I am writing this review because after my dealings with Sidelight Curtain Company and James Butler, I felt like I really only had two choices, I could file a lawsuit and help only myself or I could write a review and try to help others. I cannot speak to the quality of Sidelight Curtain Companys product but I can speak to the ethics and professionalism of James Butler and his company. Here is my story, take from it what you will:
I was contacted by Mr. Butler from a Craigslist posting regarding photography services. He was
interested in having some pictures taken for use on his website as well as on his Amazon store, etc. I told him that it wasnt my specialty but that I could do it and arranged for him to bring me
samples of his fabric, rods, and curtain accessories. I stated that the project would probably take
about 4 hours and that I billed $150 an hour, he was fine with this so I got to work.
I spent the first two hours of the project arranging, shooting, re-shooting, and sending samples of the shots to Mr. Butler and his wife, Maria. Something was wrong with the shots each time so I decided after two hours to call it a wash and told Mr. Butler that I didnt think it was working out and to come get his materials and that I wouldnt charge him anything.
James Butler and his wife practically begged me over a series of emails to continue working and that, in fact, there were usable shots that I had taken. Against my better judgment I agreed to continue working and spent the next two hours arranging, shooting, and reshooting the rods and accessories for their website. I sent samples of the shots to Sidelight and was told that the shots looked great and we can definitely use these. I told him I was glad he could use the shots
and that he could come get his stuff and the charge was only going to be $300
for the two hours.
Of course, this is where the problems started. Apparently, Mr. Butler was under the impression that all of my time was going to be free because I had offered not to charge him for the first two hours. I explained to him that because he asked me to continue and told me he could use the pictures I had taken, I only billed him for the last two hours of my time.
It was around this time that Mr. Butler informed me that they had found another photographer to do their whole session for $150, no matter how long it took. I told him that was no problem and
that he could come pick up his materials, pay me, and have the pictures (40 or so WITH a full copyright release) he said he could use and he eventually agreed.
Unfortunately, Mr. Butler never had any intention of paying me. He showed up to collect his materials and demanded to see and approve the pictures (that he had already seen). This was obviously a thinly veiled excuse not to pay me since he had found someone cheaper. I informed him
that he had already seen and approved the pictures via email and he became upset and took his materials and left without paying a dime. My husband tried to stop him and ask for
payment and he became dramatic and called the police saying we were holding him against his will, which was a lie of course.
In his haste, he left behind a refrigerator door that had curtain rods mounted to it with some curtain samples, I still havent figured out what to do with that yet! After he left, we called the police and filed a report since Mr. Butler essentially stole from me.
Throughout the entire process, Mr. Butler kept stating that he was fair and honest. It is my
experience that people that feel as though they have to constantly remind you of this fact are not only trying to convince you, but themselves as well.
Obviously, Mr. Butler and Sidelight Curtain Company did not treat me fairly at all.
After this review is published, I fully expect Mr. Butler to fabricate some type of review about me but unfortunately for him, I have the advantage of truth on my side. Each point in this review is 100% verifiable from the numerous emails he sent me and I would advise any potential partners or customers to tread carefully. Buyer Beware!
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