Analogue Film Wedding Photography…
Cleaver & Wake, Nottingham on Kodak Portra 400
Where do you even start?!
The popularity of film photography has been steadily rising (again) for decades, but I’ve really noticed over the past few years that it’s clearly seeing a boom again and has most certainly also crept back into the Wedding Industry, I’m so happy to say that many of my enquiries for 2023 and ‘24 are interested in having Film photography in some capacity at their weddings! So I figured it was important to provide some information if you’re thinking about incorporating film photography into your wedding day!
Why have film photography at your Wedding?!
Evoke a Feeling
It’s no secret that a lot of things we love in the moment can be down to hype and trends. However, analogue photography has proven time and time again that it’s certainly no fad.. All you need to do is look at a photograph and see the quality and characteristics that attach themselves to strong emotions. Something as important as Wedding Photography deserves longevity and something tangible that can take you back to the moment in an instant.
Love the Look of Film
Here’s the main one, and whether you love that nostalgic 90’s point and shoot camera look or you’re going for a more classic, elegant look of black and white. You just can’t deny that film has a certain appeal and most certainly has a ‘Look’. So it’s important to figure out what it is and why you’d like to have that as part of your wedding day.
Now we’re steadily rolling into 2024 I’m seeing a lot of photographers latching onto the popularity of film. As a result, offering the option to ‘add a roll of film’ on to their packages. Whilst I’m totally here for this as it keeps the medium alive and well, If film is something you’re absolutely certain on wanting, then go with a photographer who is well versed with film stocks, professional labs and knows what will work well on your wedding day!
Be More Intentional
Another thing to remember is that film is getting more expensive (by the day!) and with a maximum of 36 exposures on 35mm film. Unlike digital, we’re unable to rattle off tens of thousands of photos at a wedding unless you have an unlimited budget of course!
So choosing moments and being more intentional with each click of the shutter will result in more intentional photos, telling the story of your day and giving you a much more impactful set of photographs of your wedding day.
Things to Consider when choosing film photography for your Wedding.
Perfect Imperfections
If you’re thinking of having a film photographer at your wedding, no doubt you’ve already done some research, already have a love of the aesthetics of film, or maybe you’re not really sure but you LOVE the idea of it on your wedding day!
All are valid and obviously, yes you totally should consider it! And here are some things to help you make those decisions!
Less Photos than digital - Think Less is More!Embrace the imperfections of film - Don't get me wrong, film is just as reliable as digital when used correctly, though there are techniques and little quirks of cameras that enable you to fully embrace the uniqueness of film to allow for some beautiful imperfections.Embrace the imperfections that make the moments - When you're rattling off 20 frames a second on digital, it's easy to believe that every moment might be the 'perfect moment' which can actually often lose the intent and context. Whereas waiting for and timing just right gives you so much more, knowing that your photographer has picked this for a reason! Henri Cartier-Bresson famously coined this term "The Decisive Moment".Your photos taken on a little piece of history - The awesome thing about film cameras being around for the past 100 odd years is that they're all different and have something unique to offer, that's pretty magical, right?!
All in all, trust the fact that this is not new! Film has hundreds of years of development (pardon the pun) behind it, the colours and grain have a distinct look and feel that is often emulated in digital. So why not just opt for the real thing?? Your parents most definitely had their Wedding shot on film (if you’re in your 30’s like me) and so did their parents before them.. And yes, styles have changed and the weddings I shoot are much less ‘Traditional’ which reflects in the photos but to have something there to hold in the future is something that only a print can offer!
Talk to your Photographer
This one seems obvious when mentioned, but chatting to your photographer about why you’d like film and the kinds of vibe you want to create! Remember though, this doesn’t just come from the photos, it’s just a means of capturing the essence of your day!
Take a look at some film photos, decide what you like about them and then take a look at which films were used to make those photos, this will massively help when you’re describing the looks you like! Some of the most commonly used colour film stocks are Kodak Portra 400, Fujifilm Superia and Kodak Gold.
My favourite black and white films are; Kodak Tri-X, Kodak T-max 100 and Ilford HP5+.
Don’t mistake badly made photos for ‘filmic vibes’ - Just because someone picked up a cheap SLR from their local charity shop, threw a roll in, snapped away on it and decided it looks cool just because it’s on film. This kind of does a big injustice to just how INCREDIBLE film is.. It has amazing latitude, depth and resolution that can often surpass the quality of digital cameras. So you should definitely consider your options!
However, if you love that DIY, point and shoot 90’s nostalgic look.. Why not buy some reusable (Consider the environment!) point and shoot cameras, throw ‘em out to your guests and let the party photos commence!
This can be an awesome way to capture another level to your day, with guests in a more relaxed state, throwing shapes, letting their hair down. *Disclaimer though - You probably will get back a few “down the trousers” or “down the top” shots… from your inebriated pals!
I’ve also taken engagement shoots a step further for you film lovers and offering Bloom - Analogue Experience.
The most unique Pre-Wedding photoshoot you’ll probably ever experience where, you’re the ones making the photographs and learning how to Develop your film by hand.
