Film wedding photography can capture the timeless moments from your day and is all about emphasizing quality over quantity. Film wedding photography has a language of its own, which is why I wanted to create this guide that shares with you the different types of film you could choose from and why I personally recommend including film as part of your celebration.
Keep reading to learn more about film wedding photography and discover if it’s something you want to include in your wedding.
Why You Should Consider Adding Film to Your Wedding
There’s something so rich and nostalgic when it comes to film, and it’s a beautiful way to add depth and create an emotionally rich wedding gallery. One of the reasons that I adore film photography is that your film photos will feel unique to you, as every film photo looks different, is intentional, and has its own story to tell. I love that it’s something analog you create with your hands and that, as a photographer, it forces you to slow down and be present.
There are qualities to film that simply can’t be replicated digitally, from the soft tones, texture, grain, one-of-a-kind film rendering, and having the creativity to play with different streams of lighting – film is truly unique. It also evokes a deep sense of authenticity and creativity. Film images aren’t perfect, but that makes them even more special.
If you do decide that you want to include film as a part of your day when looking for a film wedding photographer, there are two important things to consider: their editing and photography style. You’ll want to make sure you’re happy with both and their film photography work before moving forward.
It’s important that you hire someone who aligns with your wedding vision, has the right expertise, pays attention to detail, and knows how to authentically tell your story.
How I capture your wedding on film
If you know that you want photos that feel timeless and cinematic, film wedding photography does exactly that. Remember, your entire wedding doesn’t have to be on film; rather, when I’m photographing weddings on film, I’m very intentional about which moments I choose to capture on film because with film, there’s no do-overs.
As a photographer, you have to fully trust yourself, as you won’t get to see the final images until after they come back from the lab. Film photography is a skill that takes time to master. It’s taught me the skill of observation, patience, and how not to overshoot to achieve the best photos possible.
I may take out my film camera to capture some of your wedding portraits, your wedding details, or the quiet, private moments that you share just with your partner. For me, some of my favorite film photos I’ve taken were not planned at all and were beautiful, unscripted moments. They were the special moments that came from the couple being fully present with each other, soaking in every second of the day, all while being surrounded by those whom they love the most.
What is Hybrid Wedding Photography?
Hybrid wedding photography is when two types of photography are done together. This could be photography and video, or, in my case, I combine digital and film photography. If you choose to work with a photographer who offers hybrid wedding photography, I truly believe that you’ll have the best of both worlds.
These days, many more photographers are blending both film and digital to document weddings in a more intentional and artistic way and to create a well-rounded, rich wedding experience and gallery. Digital photography is great for capturing the fast-moving and unpredictable parts of your wedding day, while film photography is perfect for documenting the pauses and quiet moments.
Different types of film
Not all film is the same. There is a wide range of different films and styles available to you. I always encourage you to review the different types of film that exist and find a photographer who matches your favorite style.
Here are some of the different options you could choose from:
Instant Film/Polaroid
Instant Film / Polaroid is a great choice for you if you don’t want to wait to see your images, as you’ll literally see the film develop right in front of you. It’s also a fun activity for your guests and a budget-friendly option! You could also include or opt for disposable cameras instead. While you won’t get the images right away, it’s another way you can have your guests involved to capture moments throughout your day.
35 mm and 120 Medium Format Film
35 mm and 120 medium-format film are great options for wedding photographers. Each photographer will have a preference on when to use each to support the workflow and approach for a given wedding day. They both provide beautiful imagery and, depending on the film stock used, will dictate the colors that are reflective of what the photographer is looking to accentuate.
Ready to Book Your Wedding Photographer?
I hope you found all this information on film wedding photography helpful and made your decision on whether or not to include film photography in your wedding easier. As someone who specializes in hybrid photography, I usually incorporate as much film photography as a wedding day allows, but I completely understand that film is not necessarily for everyone, and that’s okay, too!
And…if you are still looking for the perfect New York or destination wedding photographer for your celebration, I’d love to connect. Your story is one-of-a-kind, and my mission is to preserve it with care, authenticity, and intention. You can click the link here to check out my wedding photography services or get in touch here!
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