Hey there, I am sure you stopped by this blog to find out about film photography on a wedding day. I will be the first to tell you that I am not a film photographer. Do I shoot with film on a wedding day? Absolutely. Do I shoot only with film? NOOOO! I’m what you’d call a hybrid photographer.

What is Hybrid Photography?

Being a hybrid photographer means I carry both digital and film cameras. My two professional Sony cameras are my primary tools because of the flexibility they offer. Digital cameras allow me to shoot a nearly unlimited number of photos, so I can capture every moment without worrying about running out of film or missing that perfect shot. Each SD card holds about 3,000 images, and while I don’t usually reach that number on a wedding day, I know I have the freedom to shoot without limitations.

But let’s get into the heart of why I also bring along a couple of film cameras—my Pentax 654n and Contax G2. They create images that are simply… timeless. Film has a certain character that just can’t be replicated with digital photography.

The Beauty of Film Photography on Your Wedding Day

There’s something undeniably unique about film. The images are sharp yet soft, detailed yet nostalgic. Film doesn’t have to be ultra-sharp to tell your story. It has a quality that brings out the emotion of the moment, and the subtle grain gives a texture that digital images just don’t have. It’s this character that’s drawn couples back to film, even in a digital age.

For example, imagine holding a photograph that’s been printed directly from a film negative. You can see and feel the memory, in a way that’s often more tangible than with digital images. Film feels timeless because, well, it is.

Sharpness vs. Feel: Understanding the Difference

Film can absolutely be sharp—often just as sharp as digital images when you’re up close. But it’s more than that. Film offers a warmth and a softness that can evoke a memory rather than just capture a scene. This is why it’s perfect for certain parts of the wedding day: capturing emotions in a way that’s artistic and true to the moment. When film images are printed, they offer a depth and texture that’s more touchable, more nostalgic, and completely unique.

The Process of Shooting Film on Your Wedding Day

A roll of film gives you only 24 to 37 exposures, which means every single shot matters. The photographer has to be intentional and careful with each frame. Once the image is captured, there’s no reviewing it, no quick fixes. Each shot is truly one-of-a-kind.

That’s part of what I love about shooting film on a wedding day—it makes me slow down and savor each frame, whether it’s a quiet moment during the ceremony or the couple’s first look. I’m fully engaged with each shot, knowing I can’t instantly see the outcome. It’s a return to a time when each photograph was a piece of art.

How I Incorporate Film Into a Wedding

Let me tell you how I make it work. I bring just one roll of film to a wedding, which I use for selected moments: putting on the dress, the first dance, some portraits. Out of 24 frames, I’ll usually get around 12-15 solid images worth delivering. And sometimes, those “happy accidents” that happen with film end up being the most beautiful, unexpected captures of the day.

Once the wedding is over, I take the roll to a local film developer, Schillers, where they scan it for me. I don’t deliver these film images in the digital gallery along with the rest of the wedding photos. Instead, I print them on my Canon Pro 200 printer to give to the couple as physical prints.

Why I Keep Film Images for Print Only

Why don’t I send these film images as part of the digital gallery? Because I believe there’s something special about holding the print in your hands. A printed photo has a quality that’s just different from a digital image on a screen, and I want my couples to experience that. There’s something nostalgic and personal about film, and it’s even more meaningful when it’s printed. This way, the couple has a physical memory they can cherish, display, and even pass down.

Is Film Photography Right for Your Wedding?

So, should you hire a film photographer? Here are some questions to consider:

Do you want printed images? If having physical prints is important to you, film photography can create those timeless, tangible pieces that digital doesn’t always capture in the same way.

Do you want that film look? Film has a distinct aesthetic—soft, warm, a bit grainy—that can give your photos a unique, nostalgic feel.

Are you okay with fewer images? Because film is limited by the number of exposures on each roll, you won’t get as many film images as you would digital ones. A hybrid approach might give you the best of both worlds.

The Rise of Film in Wedding Photography

Film is experiencing a resurgence, especially as couples look for ways to make their weddings unique and personal. More photographers, even well-known professionals, are offering film as part of their packages, seeing it as a way to connect couples to a piece of the past. If you’re drawn to that look and feel, finding a photographer who can deliver a hybrid approach is a great option.

Final Thoughts: Making Memories Tangible

In the end, whether you choose a fully film photographer, a hybrid like me, or stick with digital, think about what you want to feel when you look at your wedding photos years from now. Do you want that classic, timeless look? Then film might be perfect for you.

My role as a hybrid photographer is to give you the best of both worlds. With digital, I can capture every fleeting moment of your day, ensuring nothing is missed. With film, I can create those cherished, nostalgic prints that capture your day in a way that’s as unique as your love story.