why add film photography to your wedding day?

because it is trendy of course - but really, why do we love it?

Film photography is something that is hard to explain. I cherish all the photos I have taken on my wide collection of film cameras. There is something about the that is nostalgic, happy, emotional - they hug you the way you wouldn’t have though an image could. Now picture that on your wedding day.

In the last two years I have started offering 35mm film add on for wedding day coverage. This is not full film coverage, it is supplemental. Meaning the wedding day is full digital coverage, and that sweet film camera makes small appearances as the day goes on.

The nature of how we photograph using film makes it undoubtably unique. We don’t have unlimited exposures like we do with digital. This lends to a more honest, raw, documentary, unplanned, editorial look. One that feels real, and tells a story.

SO, why opt to add some film photography to your wedding day?

you feel instant nostalgia, forever timeless

Film photos remind us of our childhood (depending on your age lol), but if not ours, our parents, grandparents, photos we have seen in books, and archives. They live on in a different way. The a fleeting memory printed by light on film. When we look at them we feel them.

every photo has more intention

With the above is true, it lends to the intention behind each moment documented on film. While they are perfectly imperfect, and am significantly more picky about how my limited number of exposures are used. I pause more and observe event more specifically for moments that “deserve” to be captured on film. The moment may not be curated but the capturing of it is extremely intentional.

it is more honest, less perfect curation

When we work with digital it allows us to choose the best photo of 10 of the same thing. Film is a little more real, you have a limited number of exposures in a roll (anywhere from 10-36 usually), while we are intentional about how we use those exposures, I like to take generally one shot of something and continue on documenting. This lends to a more honest, real depiction of the day.

chemistry may give you a surprise

In the end film requires light and chemicals, and a little machine in your had to make it all turn into something. All cameras, event the same model have their own quirks and looks. That is why we love film. Sometimes light may have access in a way we did not intend, and give us something unexpected. Other times we may double expose and end up with abstract art.

(These reasons and more is why I always cover with 2 or more film cameras given that film is not always predictable.)

it is art - the colors, the light, the vibe

We all know and love it - and I think that is because it is a little piece of art. Nothing looks like film, nothing is perfectly grainy and heart hugging, nothing tells the story of light the way that films does. It is beautiful, always.

If film is something that speaks to you, and it fits your budget, I cannot recommend it enough! I would love to chat more about how to incorporate film into your wedding day OR any other session. I know I do most of my personal photographing (kids, life, etc) in film these days! Lean into the dreamy!

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