The Film Comeback?
Yes, film photography has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly in the world of wedding photography. Some couples are seeking a timeless, nostalgic aesthetic for their wedding photos, and film photography can provide just that. In my 10 years as a wedding photographer however I have only had a couple of people ask me about film but recently I have seen some Wedding photographers I know taking a 35mm camera to use along side their digital camera. Film has a distinct look and feel It offers a softness and naturalness that many people find appealing, and it can produce beautiful, rich colors and tones.
In addition, many photographers appreciate the slower, more intentional process of shooting with film. It forces them to be more deliberate in their composition and exposure choices, which can lead to more thoughtful and artistic images. I started out my photography obsession at art college where we would indeed take film cameras out and spend a couple of days in the dark room afterwards developing our captures, I have such fond and vivid memories of my time in the dark rooms. I truly believe learning about photography this way gives you a fundamental understanding and a more in-depth knowledge how photography works in general. Giving you a real hands on understanding of exposure, light and colour. That being said there is noway I would ever replace my digital camera these days and entirely shoot in film. The editing would be in someone else’s hands too as I do not have a dark room and I like complete control over my editing. As you will have seen if you have been looking for a wedding photographer our editing styles are so indicative to that photographers style.
I have often thought to myself….overall….I wonder if it is more time consuming editing in film or digital. It is true there are more physical elements to processing film and you can still play around in the dark room with exposure and colour all of which require patients and being on your feet predominantly but generally you have the stills you have taken and that is it. A roll or 2 of film. Digitally however you can capture 1000’s of images. For a single full days wedding with 2 cameras I can capture anything up to 4000 images. It is that what makes digital photography time consuming going through (culling) all the images after. There is Batch AI I hear you scream!! (this is something I am looking into and possibly getting to aid with editing) this is a subset for a separate blog.
Overall, while digital photography remains the dominant medium in the wedding photography industry, film photography has definitely made a comeback and is being embraced by many photographers and couples alike. I won’t be putting down my reliable digital camera anytime soon as I think my wedding style often mimics film images in the way I edit anyway but while still keeping a detail and sharpness. Presenting your digital files is very convenient in the times we live in, many photographers like me provide all your beautifully edited images available to view and download from a password protected online gallery that you can easily share with friends and family no matter where in the world they live (advantages of technology) I would encourage couples however to get their images printed to produced a tangible memory that can be passed down from generations . one of my favourite things to do as a Child was look though my parents and grandparents old photographs. It is very easy for years to go by if you leave it to late to print your images. I have it in another blog but I offer books/a;bums as an optional extra and it is very easy and affordable to get a beautifully printed album to house the memories from your special day.
If you like my Portfolio please don’t hesitate to contact me to see if I am available to shoot your special day, I can’t wait to hear all about it. Contact form.
