Why I Love Incorporating Film Into My Wedding Photography Process
As you start planning your wedding, you may be wondering about the different photography options available to you. While digital photography has become the default in recent years, some wedding photographers still shoot with film in addition to digital equipment.
You might wonder why. Shooting wedding photography with film is significantly more expensive, it requires a slower process and the technology is older. As one such photographer, I’m happy to share why I love incorporating film into my own wedding day process. While I don’t completely shoot on film, I do enjoy incorporating it when I feel the conditions are right. Here are a few reasons why:
Film provides a unique look and feel. Film has a distinct aesthetic that is hard to replicate with digital photography. It has a softer, more organic look that some people find more romantic and timeless. Film also tends to have a wider dynamic range, meaning that it can capture more detail in both the highlights and shadows of a photograph. Digital cameras have improved here considerable in the last few years, but there’s still some difference to the discerning eye.
Film forces photographers to be more intentional. Because film is a physical medium, each photo taken has a cost associated with it, photographers have to be more mindful of the shots they take. I can't just snap endless photos with film and sort through them later; every shot counts. This forces photographers to be more selective and thoughtful about the compositions they create, resulting in more intentional and purposeful photographs.
Film has a timeless quality while digital technology is constantly evolving. The files from digital cameras, for example have to be processed with computer software to manipulate them to get the look a particular photographer wants. Sometimes photographers may even edit them to look like film, but it’s still not going to look exactly as a film image would . Film, on the other hand, has a more vintage and timeless look that transcends a particular trend and can be passed down and enjoyed for generations to come while fitting in with images from any period.
Film also adds an element of surprise. With digital photography, you can see the the image right away. With film, you have to trust your process and wait for the negatives to be developed and scanned, which adds an element of surprise and anticipation. It's like opening a present on Christmas morning!
Of course, there are also many advantages to digital photography, and I find that for much of a wedding day it is the preferred option due to limited time, lighting conditions, ability to offer a sneak peak, etc. So I use both film and digital equipment to get the best of both worlds.
Ultimately, the choice between film and digital comes down to personal preference and the look and feel that you want for your wedding photographs. I love adding in a bit of film to give me a beautiful reference point to match and round out wedding galleries with a timeless option.
