The Artistic Journey That Changed How I Photograph Weddings
For me, film isn’t just a format — it’s a feeling.
When I first introduced film into my wedding workflow, it wasn’t because I thought it was trendy. It was because something in me craved a slower, more intentional pace. I wanted to feel the weight of each frame, to pause in the quiet and wait for the moment to reveal itself.
Over time, shooting film didn’t just change how I documented weddings. It changed how I approached digital, too. I stopped chasing quantity and started chasing presence — connection, emotion, soul. Now, I shoot hybrid (digital + film) at nearly every wedding. Each medium has a purpose. And knowing when to use each has brought more depth, warmth, and honesty to the galleries I deliver.
What Is Film Wedding Photography?
Film wedding photography uses analog film rolls (like 35mm or medium format) instead of digital sensors to capture images. These images are developed and scanned by a film lab, producing dreamy tones, soft grain, and an unmistakable timelessness.
It’s an art form — unpredictable in the best ways.
What Is Digital Wedding Photography?
Digital photography captures images using electronic sensors, allowing immediate preview, quicker edits, and a more flexible workflow. It’s efficient, adaptable, and incredibly high-resolution.
Most modern photographers shoot digital (or hybrid) because of the control it provides in fast-paced wedding settings.
Film vs. Digital: Aesthetic Differences
Film:
- Soft grain, pastel or muted tones
- Natural skin tones and a nostalgic feel
- Beautiful highlight retention (especially in bright sunlight)
- Timeless and romantic aesthetic
Digital:
- Crisp, high-resolution detail
- More editing flexibility
- True-to-life color rendering
- Adaptable to low-light and challenging conditions
Each has its beauty. Film is poetry. Digital is precision.
Why I Still Choose to Shoot Film
There’s something sacred about not knowing if the shot worked.
That moment when you wait weeks for your scans to come back — and you hold your breath before opening the email. It brings back the excitement I felt when I first picked up a camera. That intentionality has slowed me down in all the right ways. Now, even when I’m shooting digital, I treat each frame like it matters.
Film made me fall in love with photography again.
When Film Works Best on a Wedding Day
I love to sprinkle in film throughout the day — in moments where emotion takes center stage, where light is soft and the energy is still. Some examples include:
- Getting ready candids
- Outdoor portraits during golden hour
- Romantic couple moments away from the crowd
- Ceremony wide shots with dreamy light
Film isn’t ideal for dark receptions or fast-paced moments where speed is everything — but for everything else, it shines.
Pros and Cons of Film vs. Digital
| Aspect | Film | Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic | Soft, romantic, nostalgic | Sharp, vibrant, true-to-life |
| Flexibility | Limited exposures, slower pace | Unlimited shots, faster-paced |
| Cost | More expensive (rolls, lab scans) | More budget-friendly after equipment |
| Turnaround | Longer (scans after development) | Faster preview and delivery |
| Editing Control | Limited, based on film stock + scan | Highly customizable in post |
| Emotional Impact | Deeply intentional, artistic | Responsive and adaptive |
Can’t Decide? A Hybrid Photographer Might Be Right for You
As a hybrid photographer, I use both film and digital to create wedding galleries that feel layered and rich. I let the moment and lighting dictate which medium I use.
It’s never about choosing one over the other. It’s about choosing what feels right for your story.
Final Thoughts: Follow What Resonates
You don’t have to be a film buff to appreciate the way it captures a kiss or a glance. And you don’t have to choose between efficiency and emotion.
If you’re drawn to the soulfulness of film but still want the reliability of digital, look for a hybrid photographer who offers both — someone who knows when to slow down and when to move quickly.
At the end of the day, your wedding photos should reflect who you are, not just how things looked — and both film and digital can do that beautifully, in their own way.
Want to Add Film to Your Wedding Package?
Let’s talk. I’d love to help you design a photography collection that blends digital ease with the depth of film — effortlessly.
Read the Comments +