35mm film wedding photography - why I love it
“TL;DR: 35mm film brings a softness, depth, and timeless quality to wedding photography that digital can’t quite replicate. It’s imperfect in the best possible way - and that’s why I love it.”
WHY I SHOOT FILM ALONGSIDE DIGITAL
Digital photography is brilliant — sharp, flexible, and fast. But film has a magic all of its own. There’s something about the way it renders colour, the softness of the focus, and the way it handles light that feels more nostalgic, more tangible.
THE TEXTURE OF FILM
Film grain isn’t noise — it’s character. It adds depth and emotion to an image in a way that feels authentic and timeless. There’s no instant preview, no immediate deletion. Each frame is more considered, and that intention comes through in the final photograph.Most couples aren’t used to being photographed professionally, so it’s normal to feel a little awkward at first. An engagement shoot is a relaxed, no-pressure way to get used to my style of working and how it feels to be in front of the lens. By the wedding day, you’ll already know what to expect, and that comfort shows in your wedding photographs.
HOW FILM CHANGES THE PACE
Shooting film slows me down — in a good way. It makes me more intentional with composition, timing, and light. That slower pace often means the moments I capture are more honest and less self-conscious.
WHEN I USE IT ON A WEDDING DAY
I don’t shoot the whole day on film although I can if you want full hybrid coverage (and add a second photographer - there are times when digital is just the practical choice), but I love weaving film images into the gallery. They often shine during couple portraits, quiet in-between moments, or when the light is particularly beautiful.
Want film photography woven into your wedding day coverage? Get in touch.
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