San Francisco Videographers Guide, San Francisco Wedding Guide Advice from OurWeddingDay.com

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San Francisco Videographers Guide

Hiring the Right Filmmaker for Your Bay Area Wedding

San Francisco’s a city that begs to be put on film. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Fisherman’s Wharf to Lombard Street, the City by the Bay’s a movie-made gem. For your Bay Area wedding, getting the right videographer is like finding the right director: You already have the set, the costumes, and the stars (you). Now you just need to get it all on film. Read on for golden tips.

Start searching for your San Francisco videographer about 9 months’ prior to your big day, and after you’ve picked the site. When looking, ask friends and relatives, as well as other vendors. Prices vary tremendously, depending on the style and size of your wedding, and the type of film you want. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000.

Unlike photographers, who rely on posed shots and periodic candids, videographers film almost continuously. A good San Francisco wedding videographer will cover your day in a discreet fashion, so his presence is barely noticeable. Many churches, however, forbid filming during the ceremony (as do some reception sites), so check ahead to avoid surprises.

Before you start interviewing, you should know that there are two general types of wedding videography; Photojournalistic (“documentary”) and Cinematic. The first style presents your day in news-like fashion, with an un-edited look that can translate to three hours of film. The second type is more like a motion picture, with heavy editing and more “direction,” and a finished product that’s about 30 to 60 minutes long.

When you’re ready to start interviewing San Francisco videographers, visit the OurWeddingDay.com San Francisco Bay Area Local Vendor Section for a great list of the best San Francisco wedding filmmakers.

When talking to San Francisco wedding videographers, ask to see a few DVDs to get a feel for their overall style. Find out what type of videography he prefers, and go over whether you want color or black and white or both. There are many extras videographers can provide, like creating a montage of “love story” clips from your courtship, piecing together clips from pre-wedding parties, even airing the ceremony at your reception site. What you purchase depends on your personal style and budget. Always get references, and contact the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

Before signing the contract, make sure the guy you interview is the same guy who shows up at your ceremony. Find out if you’ll be charged by the hour or the day, and how intrusive the cameras will be. All extras must be specified, so you don’t get billed for something you assumed was free. Finally, make sure you’re comfortable with the person you hire. He’s going to be a “guest” at your wedding, and it’s difficult to look relaxed if you don’t care for the guy who’s got a camera focused on you.

-David Toussaint