At this point I’m sure you’ve heard about the resurgence in film photography and a love for analog photos.

It is certainly making its grand appearance again as a coveted art medium, but for those people who aren’t so easily sold on what’s trending, I’m gonna give you a little explanation into why and a few reasons you might want to have a photographer shoot film at your wedding or session!

Or click here to read about what to expect from your analog wedding photographer!

Being a 90’s kid, I grew up in that weird time gap between film and digital photography.

My parents had the standard point-and-shoot 35mm film camera that they’d bust out for special occasions or vacations, carefully rewinding the roll and taking it to the “1-Hour Photo Lab” and then leaving with their envelope of 24 or 36 prints, ready to stick in a frame or send off to Grandma.

As time went on, digital cameras quickly took off, and it became much easier to email Grandma the good photos and trash the goofs. But some enthusiasts, freelancers, and artists (or even just stubborn people) kept the film industry hanging on by continuing to purchase and process film (that’s me, I’m the stubborn person).

In high school, I took my very first photography class. It was a little hybrid of digital techniques and film, teaching us the basic steps to expose a photo correctly and the history of photography. I remember the first time I set foot in that teeny darkroom and was terrified standing there in the pitch black, trying to fumble my way around putting a roll onto a spool. It was a thrill.

This, as you might know, led me to pursue photography in college as well, but with a specific focus on the craft and making art with my own two hands.

As my career evolved into photographing weddings, I continued to shoot film photography for my hobby.

Occasionally I would bring my film cameras to my sessions and snap a few photos. The response was so sweet and exciting as I would share them with my clients! I started to think that maybe there were people who wanted the “traditional” wedding photo experience.

Turns out film was more popular than college-aged me ever knew. Honestly, I could talk for days about how the feeling of making an image from start to finish is quite honestly one of the most gratifying things of all time, BUT this isn’t about me - this is about you. And film.

So here we are. If you’ve read this far (or skipped to this part) I’m sure you’re interested in why you might want to have your photographer shoot film at your wedding or engagement session. Isn’t it expensive? Don’t you run out of images/rolls? Doesn’t it take more time? Sure. Is it worth all that? Absolutely.

learn more about film and how you can add it to your wedding package

To me, film is a part of my upbringing, my photography passion, my art. But what does it mean to you, the client? I wanted to share reasons to invest in film, from a real client who has done so. Instead of me preaching about why you should have film at your wedding, I’ll let one of my clients tell you.

“Why Film?

When we began researching photographers, there were two pressing questions on our minds: how much will we feel like ourselves and can that feeling be captured on film? Not video or Instagram Boomerang, but true Film complete with that click of a shutter, captured in the moment effect. In a day and age when virtual space is often synonymous with existing in the world, having film to document our engagement and wedding feels like the events will be truly grounded in our story.

The conversation of Film versus Digital is an ongoing point of discussion for many photographers - during my initial conversation with Courtney, however, she didn't focus on the typical material and process difference between these two formats. First impressions are huge when you're researching vendors and Courtney's obvious love of capturing genuine emotion between her couples was immediate and affirming. What mattered most to Courtney was what Film meant to us and how that meaning could be incorporated into our sessions.

So what does Film mean? To us, Film means having a photograph that literally has captured the light and environment from an exact moment of a joke shared, kiss snuck, and twirl danced. A true black and white photograph - I'm talking nostalgia rich, romance-filled, vignetted portrait - can only be created on Film, no filter needed. Film Photography is about transforming a moment into a tangible image. Something to hold in your hand and share with generations to come. Like a handwritten love letter, including Film in our wedding album alongside Digital Photography means contrasting the ephemeral with the timeless.” - Claire Spaulding

Film Photography, like any other art form, is an investment.

It’s an investment into your memories, your story, your love. Imagine the feeling of pulling that old photo album off the shelf to admire your wedding photos with the family, just like we all used to do. Imagine the grainy, blurry, smiling film shots and giggling while you tell the stories of one of your favorite days. The feeling is priceless, and well worth the few extra dollars.

Learn More About Physical Albums

In this day and age, it’s easy to make your nostalgic filmy dreams come true.

From a technical standpoint, once film is added onto your wedding package, then we can discuss how you want your images delivered. I can add them to your digital gallery, we could order you prints, or we could even make a custom album to make the memories truly tangible.

OR ALL OF THE ABOVE! I send all my rolls of film to a very reliable little photography lab in Portland, OR that is quick and efficient. I scan all the negatives myself and make sure they’re all dusted and beautiful, and then they’re ready to be sent off to you (the client)! After that, they can be transformed into anything you want them to be. Not only do you get beautiful, timeless memories, but you get an extra bit of heart put into your wedding package as I handle your film very intentionally and lovingly.

If you’re ready to make the leap and tack some Kodak onto your wedding package, let’s go!

If you have more questions or are curious about what I’m shooting with or what film lab I’m using or why I’m such a geek, I’ll be happy to oblige.

Ask me anything and I’d be happy to start that conversation. I truly believe film photography is going to be around forever, and us stubborn people are going to keep the scene alive so if you can’t beat em, join em baby.

Okay I want the film pack