Why You Should Include Film in Your Wedding Photography Package
In the age of digital photography, where instant results and high-resolution images are the norm, the idea of shooting on film might seem nostalgic or even unnecessary. However, incorporating film into your wedding photography package is not only a nod to timeless traditions but also an artistic choice that can bring a unique, dreamy quality to your wedding photos. The charm of film photography lies in its distinct character—grainy textures, soft tones, and a nostalgic aesthetic that digital photos often can’t replicate.
If you’re unsure whether or not you’d like to include film in your wedding or elopement day package, here are a few things to think about.
1. Timeless, Classic Aesthetic
One of the main reasons couples opt for film is the timeless quality it brings to their wedding photos. Film photography has been around for decades, and despite advances in technology, its classic appeal remains undeniable. When you look at a film photo, you instantly feel the warmth and richness of the image. The colors are often more muted and softer than their digital counterparts, creating an ethereal and romantic feel that perfectly complements the emotion and significance of a wedding day.
Film’s natural grain and texture also contribute to its unique charm. Unlike the smooth, polished look of digital, film has a slightly imperfect, organic quality that adds depth and character to your photos. For couples who want their wedding album to have a vintage, elegant, or timeless feel, film photography is the perfect choice.
2. Unique, Unreplicable Results
While digital photography allows for near-limitless editing possibilities, there’s something special about the one-of-a-kind nature of film photography. Each shot on film is unique, and the final image is often influenced by factors such as lighting, the type of film used, and even the developing process. This unpredictability is part of film’s allure, as it produces photos with a distinctive look that can’t be precisely replicated by digital filters or editing.
Film photographers must carefully consider each shot, taking their time to compose and expose the image correctly, as film offers far fewer opportunities for rapid-fire shots than digital cameras. This thoughtful approach results in carefully crafted images that stand out from the standard wedding photography fare. Including film in your photography package ensures you’ll have a blend of traditional digital images and artistic, unpredictable film shots that capture the essence of your day in a distinctive way.
3. Perfect for Intimate Moments and Details
Film photography has a way of capturing the intimacy and emotion of a moment that digital often can’t match. The slow, deliberate process of shooting on film encourages a different approach to photography, one that focuses on storytelling and savoring each moment. This makes film ideal for capturing the quiet, intimate parts of your wedding day—the stolen glances, the tender touches, the raw emotions.
Details like your bouquet, rings, or handwritten vows also take on a whole new depth when shot on film. The soft tones and rich textures elevate these small details into works of art, giving them a timeless quality that complements the larger, more formal moments of the day.
4. Beautiful Skin Tones and Colors
One of the most celebrated aspects of film photography is its ability to render beautiful, natural skin tones. Many photographers and couples appreciate how film handles light and color, particularly in outdoor and natural light settings. Film tends to soften harsh lighting and adds warmth to images, making it perfect for capturing golden hour portraits, sunset ceremonies, or outdoor receptions.
Film’s natural color palette is another reason couples love incorporating it into their wedding photography. The colors are often more muted and less saturated than digital, creating a soft, romantic atmosphere that suits weddings beautifully. If you’re envisioning your wedding photos with dreamy pastel hues, soft greens, or warm earthy tones, film photography can help bring that vision to life.
5. Adds Variety to Your Wedding Album
Incorporating film alongside digital photography in your wedding package gives you the best of both worlds. While digital photography provides sharp, high-resolution images that capture every detail of your day, film offers a softer, more artistic counterpart. The juxtaposition of digital’s crisp clarity and film’s vintage aesthetic adds variety and texture to your wedding album, making it more dynamic and visually interesting.
By choosing a photographer who shoots both mediums, you can ensure that your wedding album will be a rich tapestry of different styles. You’ll have the clean, modern look of digital photos alongside the timeless, romantic feel of film, creating a comprehensive collection of memories that reflects both the joy and emotion of your day.
6. The Slow and Intentional Process of Film
Film photography requires a more mindful approach, which can also enhance the experience of your wedding day. Since film rolls are limited, photographers can’t take hundreds of shots without thinking, as they might with a digital camera. Each frame counts, and this slower process encourages a more intentional style of shooting, where the photographer carefully composes each shot.
As a result, film photography often brings out more authentic moments and emotions, as the couple and photographer are more present in the moment. The slower pace also means less disruption during the day—there’s no rapid clicking of a shutter, just quiet, deliberate capturing of each frame.
7. Heirloom Quality
Film photography harkens back to an era when photos were printed and treasured as keepsakes. By including film in your wedding photography package, you’re investing in photos that will last a lifetime. Film images have a special, tangible quality that digital photos can sometimes lack. When printed on high-quality paper, film photos have an almost painterly effect that can be passed down through generations as an heirloom.
How I Incorporate Film into My Weddings and Elopements
How many rolls of film I go through in a day depends on how the day unfolds, and when I’m able to spot just the right moments to incorporate film. No matter what, you can expect at least one full roll (36 photos) to make its way into your album.
All film photos are scanned and you’ll receive your film photos just like you will your digital ones: in an online gallery, where you’ll be able to download and print your images. I may do some very minor editing, but generally you can expect them to be delivered very close to how I receive them – sometimes perfect, and sometimes imperfectly perfect.
Every film photographer has a unique perspective and style, but I always shoot on Portra 400, which delivers slightly warm, slightly muted, timeless, luxurious photos. I bring my SLR film camera with me, as well as a point-and-shoot both for back-up and more fun, very nostalgic vibes.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to incorporate film photography into your wedding package, I’d love to chat! As a wedding photographer specializing in both digital and film, I can help create a collection of images that perfectly captures your love story. Let’s connect!
