Michael Jensen began his career as a professional videographer in 1989.  Since then Jensen Films has grown to be one of the premier Wedding and Event video production companies in America...

Mike, How did you begin your career as a Professional Wedding Videographer?

I had planned on a career as a commercial photographer, following in the footsteps of my Father, Grandfather, and Uncles, who were all successful photographers. I took a video production class at Consumnes River College after getting my B.A. and was hooked. I shot my first wedding video at Harrah's Lake Tahoe for $15.

You've shot over 900 weddings in your career. Don't you ever get bored of shooting weddings every week? Some locations you have shot over 30 times?

Each wedding takes on a life of it’s own. Every couple is different- it's always been a thrill to capture what is often the most important day of their lives. I'm passionate about delivering a unique finished product that my clients will be proud to share with their family and friends and enjoy for years to come.

Have the International Awards for your wedding work been the highlight of your career?

I was very honored to get them, but no. The highlight of my career has been the couples that have thought enough of my work to change their wedding dates in order to acquire my services. I can't think of any greater honor.

How would you describe your shooting and editing style?

Both Cinematic and Documentary. I shoot a lot of digital tape because weddings are so spontaneous. The real challenge is to be shooting in the right place at the right time. I also use creative filtering, camera angles and composition to capture stunning romantic footage. Pam sometimes seems a little embarrassed to claim me as her husband when I come in to the reception from the photo shoot with soiled knees and leaves in my hair. But getting that fabulous shot of the bride is worth it!

What do couples say when they’ve seen their finished videos for the first time?

I really wish I had the time to sit with each couple during their first viewing. When I talk to them later I most often hear:
- "It was wonderful, just like watching a movie."
- "I hardly remember you at my wedding." (I take that as a compliment-our style is very unobtrusive.) and
- "Your wedding video was the best investment of our wedding." (We commonly hear this from grooms or dads who initially thought video was just an expensive and overpriced afterthought.)

What is the single most important thing you would tell a bride to look for as she searches for a wedding videographer?

Certainly, there are a number of things brides need to weigh in choosing a videographer: price, personality, experience, equipment, and reputation to name a few. But foremost, I would encourage her to seek out an experienced, creative wedding videographer who has the vision to capture for the bride all that she has prepared for, hoped for and dreamed her wedding day would be.