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A Foto Video Mail & More
Categories: Shopping Photography Stores & Services Local Services Notaries Local Services Printing Services Photography Stores & Services, Notaries, Printing Services
2417 Mission St(between 21st St & 20th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 695-9999
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 7 pm
Sat 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
67 reviews for A Foto Video Mail & More
Review Highlights
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"If you need nice passport photos, don;t go anywhere else." In 29 reviews -
"...the pictures so I could pick the one I liked the best." In 3 reviews -
"Thanks Yelpers, this place is great - very friendly and..." In 4 reviews
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67 reviews in English
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Review from Paul K.
San Francisco, CA
2/14/2012
Stopped in to get something scanned - two minutes, two bucks and I left with the document on my flash drive.
THAT IS A PERFECT TRANSACTION!
All business should be this efficient and easy to deal with. -
Review from V. L.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2011
I used to think the best photographs of me were professional studio shots or tintypes. Boy, was I wrong. Who needs a fancy setup when a nameless photographer can do a better job with a digital camera in 40 seconds?
The reviews of this place are all true. Fast, courteous service. Multiple shots to choose from. A mirror. A polite photographer asking sweetly whether I found the first round of shots "workable" (I did). Twelve dollars later, I had not only the best passport photo of my life, I also had one of the best photos taken of me ever.
If I didn't already have a reason to travel, I sure do now. -
Review from Joseph S.
Mission, San Francisco, CA
5/22/2012
These guys were really good to me. I had them notarize an important document, which I then urgently needed to FedEx. I missed the pick up time (I should have known better) but they personally rushed off my envelope to have it couriered to the airport. I don't know if it will make it, but these guys did everything their power.
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Review from Branca N.
San Francisco, CA
10/6/2011
Got my passport taken today. It's the first place in SF that I went for passport pics that have a great photo lighting set up. It took 15 min and the photos look great.
I'm impressed. -
Review from Alia A.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012
Patient, professional and stellar results! I needed a passport photo and did not want to settle for a quick shot from my local Walgreens. I had actually gone and had some taken there and wasn't pleased with the results (I know, it's just a passport photo....that I'll have to look at for the next 10 years - no biggie). Anyway, I was running out of time and needed to make my way to another spot to accomplish this simple task. Referred to my first google search and came up with this establishment, liked what I read and hauled myself over there.
Making my way down mission street was a bit tricky, since I kept feeling like I had already walked by it. However, tucked between two stores that sold everything under the sun was the spot I was looking for.
When I walked in, I was taken aback by how clean, organized and welcoming it was. There were a couple of people in there but the gentleman that helped me made sure to acknowledge me. I told him that I needed passport photos and to send a package and we started with the photos.
Not only did he give me test shots but he also helped me with my hair...yes, my hair. Before you roll your eyes, let me say this - I've got the wild curly fine hair that likes to do what it wants to do. Nuff said, he was patient and kind - who never made me feel bad for trying to correct my unruly locks. Six photos later, I was happy to pick the one that I wanted and send my package all in one spot. Hooray for errands that can be accomplished in a one stop shop manner, while make a lady feel okay to be photo picky! -
Review from Zoe L.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2012
I wish the entire passport application process was as un-stressful as getting photos here! I was in and out in ten minutes, and the photographer graciously took two test shots - one as an initial look, and one after I'd fixed my hair since it looked weird in the first shot. He even gave me two free copies of my photo on top of the two I paid for. Professional, kind and speedy - highly recommended.
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Review from Deann F.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2011
Thanks to Dylan I now have a cute passport picture! He was awesome - just like everyone says.
1. Real SLR camera
2. Real backdrop
3. Primping mirror
4. Comfy chair
5. Multiple photos and angles. This was the best part. He showed me the pics on the camera to make sure I liked them and even suggested different camera angles. He gave me plenty of time to look through the pictures so I could pick the one I liked the best.
I am just so happy! Best passport experience ever. Highly recommend. -
Review from Dina G.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dylan & co are the best!
Thanks to his patience, retakes, and "turn this way" encouragement, I actually looked cute in a passport photo! And I didn't feel rushed or anything.
Great, friendly place. -
Review from Steph G.
Pacifica, CA
10/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here during the week to get a livescan expecting that it was going to take forever, but it was quick and painless. There was only one other person when I walked in and two people working,so I was helped right away. The guy helping me has obviously done the scans many times so it was all very smooth. I went to a UPS store a few years ago to get the same scan and it took FOREVER!!! I'm glad the organization I'm volunteering for recommended this place because if they hadn't i might have gone back to UPS...YUCK! If I lived closer I would definitely use this place for their other services.
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Review from Angela H.
4/9/2011
Great place for notarizing documents and passport photos! They're open until 7PM--which is AWESOME.
My boyfriend got his passport photos taken here about 8 months ago. He paid about $20-30 for 6 photos and an electronic copy sent to him by email. The photos came are great. I came here about two months ago to get my passport photos done as well--about $35 bucks for 6 photos and an emailed electronic copy. Both experiences took 15 minutes MAX. They're also willing to do this stuff close to COB, which is very very very much appreciated.
I've also gotten a couple documents notarized here. At first, the guy there thought we had to get the notarized signatures ($10 per signature for any document). After providing more details, he actually recommended we get just the notarized stamp (only $10 for both documents instead of paying $10 per signature). Basically, he recommended the cheaper route. Just for that--the honesty and integrity of his services--this will be my go-to place in the Mission for these types of services.
If you're planning to get an electronic copy of the passport photos, make sure they don't overprice it. It's not listed anywhere how much an electronic copy actually costs, so I think that's why there was a range in prices when I got my passport photos done vs. my boyfriend (my boyfriend went back again recently and almost got charged $50ish. But we told him we paid much lower before so he got charged $40ish instead).
Overall, I think this place is great! I would highly recommend it! -
Review from Aniko N.
Pacifica, CA
11/8/2011
I love this place. My passport photo looks great comparing to the one I took at the studio. So recommendated
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Review from Shal S.
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2011
Absolutely recommended...it took me all but 5 mins since i walked in to walk out with my 4 passport photos.
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Review from Alan C.
Pacifica, CA
10/25/2010
Great shop for passport photos. I needed some for my non-US passport, which is a different size. No worries, they had all the measurements already templated, unlike my local Pacifica Walgreens which sent me back and forth 3 times before telling me they couldn't do it after all. Bastards!
A Foto Video Mail and More couldn't have been more different. From go to whoa was less than 10 minutes, they gave me some extras that were left over, and the bloke I dealt with was polite, efficient and friendly.
I thoroughly recommend these guys. -
Review from Ravena F.
11/16/2007
Because of the stupid, evil, I'd-rather-stab-myself-in-the-eyeballs-than-deal-w ith-this-agency's bureaucracy at the California State Speech Language & Audiology Board, I had to get re-fingerprinted on a different form in order to get my license. (Why they couldn't tell me that I needed to use this form when they first received my application is beyond me.) I need that license in order to work. While I've enjoyed sitting around on my ass this past month, waiting for my paperwork to go through, my bank account has not. So the prospect of waiting around another whole month makes me more than a little anxious. Anything that can help expedite this process certainly helps me chill.
After calling around various live scan places, this was the only one I found that could take me the same day. Yup, this afternoon, I walked right in, they took me immediately, faxed the paperwork to the board and I was out of there in 10 minutes. I would like to send these guys to work for the state to teach those dunderheads a few things in matters of efficiency.
Fingerprinting: $81
Fax: $2
They also do lots of other things there - passport photos, notary and other miscellaneous paper-worky type things. -
Review from Marsha Z.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2008
This very unassuming storefront on busy Mission St. offers the usual mailing, fingerprinting, and notary services. Run by friendly, professional folks, A Foto also serves as a great place to have a few passport photos snapped.
Not only do they offer a deal on photos (4 for $15), they really do want to make sure you're completely satisfied with the results; mirrors are available to adjust yourself pre-pose, and they even make suggestions for the best shot. Granted, it's only a photo, but it's a photo you'll have to live with for years to come.
My one gripe is that after several shots to choose from, I'm still not totally satisfied with my picture. But I can't blame them for that.
It's not their fault they can't cure ugly.Listed in: F.O.Y. - Found On Yelp
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Review from Jane A.
San Francisco, CA
8/1/2009
More great reviews for this place are probably repetitive, so I'll just say I got my $10.75 passport photos from the very nice owner of the shop, and I was in and out in under 10 minutes. Oh, and it was a great photo too.
**UPDATE** I also ended up going here to have LiveScan fingerprints done, and again, I was done in under 10 minutes.Listed in: Mission/Valencia, Getting down to business
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Review from Jill D.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2010
Thank you Yelp for bringing me here.
The day before, i went to Walgreen's thinking, how bad could they be? OMG Walgreen's was bad. Really bad. At Walgreen's, they take a photo of yo under florescent lights, with a cheap camera. Walgreen's staff then lighten the photo so that the background is white. The final result? You will look jaundiced, faded and ugly. That was my experience.
I decided to try again at A Foto. What a great experience! The man who helped me was very nice, took the photos with a decent Sony SLR camera, and let me choose which shot from the 12 or so that he took. The photos were terrific. He even gave me an extra photo for free as I mentioned Yelp. How's that for service?
If you need nice passport photos, don;t go anywhere else! -
Review from Nicole N.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2008
Easy peasy quick and breezy! We needed our passport photos taken and that's what we got! Service was friendly, the process was quick and easy, and the cost was affordable! 2 passport photos for $10 or 4 for $14!
Perks:
- a cool saddle took the place of a boring stool
- vanity mirror where you can check your teeth and practice your poses
- brush and comb...if you dare :)Listed in: Ma hood!
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Review from Jess R.
4/13/2009
This place is the best...
I needed a passport photo, so Yelp told me to come here.
I walked in, the location is pretty big, and when I got there around 230 on a Monday, it was empty. Hassan warmly greeted me and within just a couple of minutes we were taking photos for my passport. The best part was after the images were taken, he handed me the camera to flip through and pick out the one I liked the best. When I didn't like any of them, I shyly asked if we could take one more. We took a few more, and again he let me pick. Yay! I still look stupid straight on, but this isn't a myspace picture, so its ok.
The turn around time was less than five minutes to print them. In the meantime, he was really nice and made interesting small talk.
It was $10 + tax for my 2 passport photos, and he threw in two more just because...
Conclusion - Fast, friendly, and cheap service! Wowza! I wish I had a reason to come here more often and give them my business! -
Review from Shayna N.
Chicago, IL
4/19/2008
These guys were great!
They scanned 25 images for less than $20 - high quality, professionally done - and got it back to me on a burned CD in less than 24 hours.
(kinko's had quoted me at $6 per scan plus another $5 to burn it onto a CD- $130)
yeah - I'll got back here in a heart beat. -
Review from Danielle A.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2008
In some movie there is a line "if you look anything like your passport photo you aren't well enough to travel". Well this place proves it wrong, since they let me take several pictures until I was happy. He even had advice on how to pose so I don't look like a total dork (I only kinda look like a dork, but I don't think they are miracle workers)!
The price is totally reasonable at $10 for 2 (gave me even more of a deal since I mentioned yelp). Its also easy...in and out in like 5-10 minutes. Great place for passport pics! -
Review from Jenny K.
San Francisco, CA
3/4/2007
I needed to get my fingerprints live-scanned for an application, and I needed to get them done ASAP. On a list I found through the DOJ, A Foto was one of few that actually allowed you to schedule an appointment in advance so you wouldn't have to wait around AND they open at 7am. To my relief, when I called to schedule a 7am appointment on a Monday morning, the guy told me they were also open on Sundays. Yay! I would meet my deadline!!
They moved across the street, still on Mission and just off 21st Street, and the place is still kind of a mess since they are getting settled still.
The guy who scanned my fingerprints knew his stuff and he got me in an out in about half an hour. Not bad, especially since it was within 12 hours of talking on the phone with the dude.
If you need your fingerprints done, I highly recommend A Foto Video Center! -
Review from rick h.
San Diego, CA
3/5/2010
Always quick and helpful.
They are concerned about what yelpers think too.
When I mentioned I saw them on Yelp, they mentioned their "3-star" they got this week. Just because they didn't take 15 photos? Really?
I have never had more than 2 taken anywhere...and I have been dealing with this stuff a lot lately.
They get my business always, and I have used them several times.
Ink Fingerprints, Passport photos. -
Review from Suzanne K.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2012
These guys notarized a contract for me. Their service was prompt, friendly, and I didn't get any weird unnecessary questions (a problem I ran into with other local notaries). They even have photocopiers and UPS/Fedex drop boxes right there, so I could copy and send my contract right when we were done. I'd definitely go here again if I needed something else notarized.
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Review from Natalie D.
San Francisco, CA
8/16/2011
This place is great. Came here on a Friday afternoon a few months ago for the very important and momentous occasion of getting our dom par papers notarized. The owner was so kind and gracious, really treated it like it was a special event, allowed our maid of honor/friend to take photos (not of the other names in the notary book of course) and even said "You may now kiss the bride". The truth is, I was a little nervous about who would be helping us with this task, as you just never know what kind of personal beliefs people have, but we were treated with respect and kindness. Thanks!
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Review from Laura S.
Western Addition/NOPA, San Francisco, CA
8/18/2011
Don't ever use this place. They are rude! Rude! Rude! I needed a notary and this man put me through hell. Don't use them.
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Review from Nelson A.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2007
Need a notary on Saturday? Need to do a DHL dropoff? Need to get yourself fingerprinted for some reason? I saw a lot of people in here, and as far as I can tell, none of them were doing anything involving video.
I had to wait a while because they only had a single person on staff on Saturday, so I wasn't amazed.
In reality, they get docked a full star because the guy (who did everything including notarize my stuff) tried to convince me that it's impossible to send a package on Saturday and have it delivered on Monday. He is a DHL dealer, so he wanted me to use DHL and have it picked up on Monday. Unfortunately for him, I know better.
Other than that little (not so white) lie, it's a good place.
Update 8/4/07:
I was contacted by the proprietor of the establishment who promised that it was a lack of clear information, and he promises to not do it again. I'll bump him a half star for that kind of responsiveness. -
Review from T G.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2011
The one man show and owner (unfortunately did not get his name) provided a thorough and EXCELLENT Live Scan for me. (Live Scan digitally captures an individual's fingerprints so that they may be transmitted electronically to the State of California Department of Justice and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Notary Public candidates are required to get one done in order to become a commissioned NP)
My Live Scan took longer than normal (20 minutes??) My fingertips were dry enought that the equipment could not accurately scan 100% of surface of fingertip on the first and up to 3rd/4th try. (A warning to NP candidates: make sure hands and fingertips are smooth/well hydrated and not dry and cracked prior to Live Scan)
The owner patiently tried multiple times to get accurate fingerprints for all fingers by trying numerous techniques (slowly rolling fingertip over scan left to right and vice versa, etc) in order to get a Live Scan that will not be rejected by the FBI. He did that while solely & simultaneously juggling four other customers in his shop, maintaining good humor & a helpful attitude).
Just so you know, he did not have to make multiple attempts. Legally he is obligated to try only three times regardless if the fingerprint was successfully and wholly read by equipment. Because of his efforts and integrity, he ensured my Live Scan was promptly approved & processed by the FBI within one business day.
(As a side note, I had previously visited his shop a few weeks prior to day of actual Live Scan when hands were severely dry & cracked. I was told by him to come back after hands were hydrated. He had even suggested a couple of ways to hydrate them! He did not want to take my money knowing that my Live Scan would be rejected. Unlike the first merchant who did and caused MAJOR delays to this whole process!)
I will be returning to him should I need other like services. -
Review from Michelle M.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2009
Fast, friendly, and affordable!
I had passport pictures taken here which were crisp and ready in only a few minutes. He even let me take a peak at the photos for approval before printing them out.
Another great referral from Yelpers. -
Review from Thomas K.
San Francisco, CA
7/14/2009
I only needed to send a fax, so I wasn't exactly challenging the staff, but still, they did everything right, so they warrant a 5 star rating. There were two people working when I came in. I was immediately greeted, and assisted. They also do copies, notary...etc. Also, oddly enough, they seem to be a T-Mobile dealership. While that's a kind of strange partnership, if it works, it works.
I'll definitely be back for my copy/office-y needs. -
Review from Miho O.
San Francisco, CA
3/5/2008
I needed 8 x Passport Photos. They charged only $22.00 +tax.
I like that. -
Review from Willo O.
San Francisco, CA
4/21/2011
Recommended by a friend, I went to A Foto for new passport pics. This guy was great. He let me get ready, and suggested a few sitting positions - which really helped, his suggestions won for best photo! - and I was out the door in 10 minutes flat. Awesome! Highly recommended.
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Review from Amber Y.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2011
This place totally lived up to its rating. As other reviewers mentioned, it's definitely a hole-in-the-wall kind of place - basically just a long room with copiers, computers, etc. along each wall - but it suits the purpose just fine. The man who helped me get my passport photos was very kind and took about 4 shots, then another few when none of the first ones really turned out all that great. Overall, exactly what I would hope for.
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Review from alexis l.
San Francisco, CA
6/27/2011
This place was as good as everyone else here has explained. Easy, fast, and affordable.
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Review from Edie H.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2010
Fast cheap passport photos. They have a mirror for prephoto primping/prepping, and the guy took several (on a digital camera) and let me pick. Ready within 3 minutes, and $12 for 2. And they take credit cards! Sorry Walgreens, never again.
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Review from Benjy W.
San Francisco, CA
2/10/2008
I feel that I shouldn't spend more time on this review than it took me to get my passport photos done at A Foto Video. To achieve this goaI, I will have to cut this review sho...
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Review from stacy c.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2011
I usually do not like photos of myself... I was pretty discouraged after 3 attempts to get passport photos at two different Walgreens. This place had me in an out under 5 minutes, with a photo that I liked! They had a much better camera than Walgreens, plus they took 10 photos and let me choose the one I liked best. If I didn't like any, they would have taken more!
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Review from Audra E.
San Francisco, CA
4/30/2006
This place is a hole in the wall but delivers top service, if you want fingerprints done (say for immigration or whatever), passport photos, or notary. The owner is super nice and seems to have regular customers in the area. They also offer live scan fingerprinting - only one of three in the city. He's the only one that is open on both Saturday and Sunday.
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Review from Anamarie P.
San Francisco, CA
10/13/2011
This place is great. Clean, fast, nice guy. Passport photos- he took 5 and let us choose. Livescan, notary also available.
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Review from Eddie C.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2006
I went to get a document notarized. I was in and out within 5 minutes. Owner was super nice and even gave me a free copy of my notarized document. $10 for most notary services.
