If you’re seeking a distinct vintage vibe, take a step back in time with film photography for Virginia weddings!

Have you ever rummaged around in the albums and old shoeboxes in your parent’s attic, flicking through the fading yet magical photos of your distant relatives? Have you experienced the feeling of holding something precious and timeless in your hand — a photo you know was considered and cherished? Have you ever thought about how this is a feeling that you just don’t get with a digital photo, no matter how artfully taken?

There’s something incredibly special about traditional film photography. The tiny number of negatives per reel, the looong wait to get the photos developed and sent back, the fact that you have to think — always! — before pressing the shutter, rather than unconsciously snapping away. 

No matter how advanced our digital cameras and filters get, nothing can quite replicate that feeling of anticipation and the treasured, heirloom vibe these photos have.

Do Wedding Photographers Still Use Film?

Professional photographers of all types still choose to work with film — whether for travel and wildlife photography, or — yes — for wedding film photography. Admittedly, it is increasingly rare – and not all photographers have the right equipment. 

For me, though, the nostalgia of old-school 35mm film is so beautifully suited to a ceremony that you will be reminiscing over for the rest of your lives. This is why it’s so important for me to be able to offer that to the couples I work with.

What Is The Difference Between Film and Digital Wedding Photography?

All kinds of instant filters and fancy editing software claim to recreate the effect of film these days — but they never quite capture that authentic look. Every digital image is made up of pixels, but film is comprised of grain, those soft speckles that give your photos an old-fashioned feel and capture the warmth and emotion of your wedding day. So if you’re keen on film-style wedding photography in Virginia — you just can’t beat the real thing!

When it comes to your wedding or elopement, I have digital and analog cameras that I switch between throughout the day. With digital, I can see the results straight away on my screen — with 35mm, we just have to sit tight and wait! There’s no limit to the number of photos I can capture on my digital camera, but with film, every image counts.

I believe that combining the two formats really is the best of both worlds — the quantity and versatility of digital, with the quality and exclusivity of film.

How Can I Book My Virginia Wedding Film Photography Shoot?

All my standard wedding photography packages are digital, but you can choose to add 35mm film to any of these, and I will happily shoot away on both throughout your day. This means I can choose the best medium for the moment — whether that’s capturing sunsets or candlelit dinners, snapping away on fast moving dancefloors, or crafting candid, intimate portraits.

How Will I Receive My 35mm Wedding Photos?

Exactly the same way as all your other photos! I work with an experienced local studio to develop and scan the negatives, and these will be available along with your other digital shots, for you to print, share or upload.

What Do You Use For Traditional Film Photography In Virginia?

My favorite 35mm film is a Kodak Gold — a color film which is fabulous for indoor and outdoor shoots, and brings out all the tones and shades, with that characteristic vintage feel.

Are There Other Types Of Wedding Film Photography?

Yes! You may have heard of 8mm, 16mm, Polaroid or medium format, for example. If you are wondering why I don’t offer 16mm or 8mm film photography in Virginia, that’s because it’s for filmmaking only, rather than for photos. Box-shaped medium format cameras are super cool, but sadly not suitable for this type of photography. 

As for Polaroid cameras — some couples love to hand these out to their guests for instant, crowdsourced shots and in return get some super fun shots!

Is Film Photography Better Than Digital For Weddings?

I believe it is all about personal taste — and every occasion is different. Your guests might be shooting away with their phones, maybe you have that one friend who always brings a fancy digital camera, or perhaps you’ve considered hiring a photo booth for those quirky, candid snaps. 

All of these can have their place, and are brilliant if you want to share images on the day, or upload straight to Instagram — but film brings something different.

You only get 24 or 36 photos on a single roll of film — so each image is intentional. Then we have to wait for the film to be developed and scanned to see what we’ve got, which makes these memories extra special. 

Some couples see this process as symbolic of their wedding or engagement — the shutter click is the start of a long and rewarding process, where patience yields beautiful and meaningful results!

Meet Your Virginia Film Wedding Photographer!

I’m always thrilled when couples give me the opportunity to shoot on film — there really is nothing quite like it! I love to be able to offer photos that transcend time, and that you will be gazing at for decades to come. 

If you’re feeling nostalgic for the photography of your childhood, or excited to explore a whole new — old! — medium, then let’s talk. Get in touch to start planning your film wedding photography in Virginia!