SUPER 8 WEDDING FILM VIDEOGRAPHY
SUPER 8 WEDDING FILM | COLORADO WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY | NOSTALGIC WEDDING FILM | SUPER 8 FILM Q&A
WHAT IS SUPER 8 FILM?
Super 8 film is a vintage-style motion picture format that was first introduced in the 1960s by Kodak to take the hassle out of loading film. Unlike digital video, Super 8 wedding film videography has a nostalgic, grainy texture and soft focus that gives your wedding footage a dreamy, cinematic feel—like something out of an old home movie or old indie films.
One roll of film is only about 3 minutes long, sometimes a tad shorter. It’s not like our phones or digital video cameras where we get as many attempts as we want. Super 8 requires you to be very intentional with what you capture. Honestly, the raw authentic-ness is really what draws me in to this artistic medium.
It’s perfect for couples who want their love story captured in a timeless, artistic way. You can watch a variety of super film to get a feel for it here.
HOW LONG IS A SUPER 8 VIDEO FOR WEDDINGS?
Super 8 wedding film videography length ranges greatly between video/film makers, but I offer 4-6 and 8-10 minute long highlight videos of my couples day and all of the raw footage that comes along with their day. That ranges anywhere from 9 minutes to 20 minutes. The raw footage can’t manipulated in any way other than the highlight video provided, but my couples deserve to have all the footage of those sweet sweet memories that make the vintage feel of Super 8 so special.
HOW MUCH DOES SUPER 8 USUALLY COST?
Being that I’ve just started offering Super 8 as a stand alone service or alongside wedding photography, it ranges anywhere from 1500-5000. Any full-day shooting, additional coverage, location and photography included, price increases depending on demand and supplies.
Due to the nature of the film, there’s additional effort involved with purchasing the right film for your day, sending it out, having it processed and developed and any post-production I do on my end. It’s certainly different than shooting digitally. Which brings me to my next question….
HOW DOES THE PRICE OF DIGITAL VIDEOGRAPHY COMPARE TO SUPER 8 VIDEOGRAPHY?
Super 8 film videography is generally more affordable than full-day digital videography, but it also offers a different experience. Since each roll of film captures only a few minutes of footage, Super 8 is used more intentionally—to highlight key moments rather than documenting an entire day with audio and multiple cameras. The cost reflects the film, processing and artistry involved in creating something one-of-a-kind and I truly believe you film the day through a different lens as an artist as opposes to hours of footage, trying to be condensed.
CAN WE TAKE SUPER 8 FILM TO OUR ELOPEMENT? EVEN AT SUNRISE AND SUNSET?
Absolutely! Super 8 film is perfect for elopements, whether you’re exchanging vows on a mountaintop at sunrise or sharing a quiet moment at sunset. Just keep in mind that film performs best with good natural light, so I would plan to shoot in the most opportune times. Super 8 does offer many different films that work in different like situations (bright light, indoor, reception, etc..) I’ll work to maximize the magic of the moment!
ARE SUPER 8 CAMERA RELIABLE?
Super 8 cameras are from the 60’s, which adds to their charm but also means they can be unpredictable at times. You can buy them on ebay, etsy, you never know what you’re really getting when it comes time to put it in action. While my camera comes from a professional servicing company that specializes in Super 8 cameras. I take every precaution to ensure everything runs smoothly, part of the Super 8 experience is embracing its imperfections—light leaks, soft focus, and occasional quirks all add to the film’s character. That said, I test my gear before shoots and have backup plans in place to make sure your memories are captured beautifully.
HOW DO WE RECEIVE OUR SUPER 8 FILM?
Super 8 is a little different that shooting a wedding with digital video. Also coming from the digital world, I have to practice patience. I can’t access the video after I shoot it. After your wedding, elopement or session, I have to send the film to a lab to be processed and scanned. I also will typically send out the film from whatever city I’m in BEFORE I head back to Colorado. Once I receive the footage, I edit your highlight video, add music, upload the video and raw footage and send it in an online gallery to you. You’ll receive a link with a PIN to download and share with all your family and friends.
HOW WILL WE WATCH OUR VIDEO IF IT’S DONE ON FILM?
It’ll be pretty easy. The link I send over allow you to watch the video from your computer at home or your phone.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO WE HAVE TO BOOK SUPER 8 VIDEOGRAPHY?
If you’re looking to book Super 8 film for your wedding, then I would say just as soon as your other wedding vendors. Typically 6 months to a year in advance to ensure I have availability for your day.
If you’ve already booked me to photograph your wedding day, but decided you really do want this fun, raw, “don’t fake it” form of video in addition to your wedding day coverage, I need at least a few weeks in advance to make sure I have all of the supplies I need to cover your day.
CAN WE MIX DIGITAL VIDEOGRAPHY AND SUPER 8?
This is where I say that I stay in my lane. I’m not a 4k digital wedding videographer. Super 8 film creates a nostalgic aesthetic that’s hard to replicate with digital cameras. The grain, the soft focus, and the timeless vibe of Super 8 are what make it so special—it’s more about capturing an emotional, cinematic experience than documenting every single moment in high-definition.
While mixing digital video with Super 8 could give a more “complete” visual story, it can also detract from the authenticity of the Super 8 footage and sometimes create a disjointed viewing experience.
Plus, since I don’t carry multiple cameras to shoot video if I’m capturing your wedding photography, it allows me to focus entirely on your photography and the Super 8 film (because it’s also on my body) without juggling equipment during key moments. So in short, nope thank you! I’m happy to recommend great digital videography vendors that I love to work with. You also have the option to hire them and super 8 coverage as well as photography for your wedding day.
