Why Film Still Matters
When I load a roll of film into one of my vintage cameras, my entire approach to photography transforms. Digital allows for hundreds of rapid-fire shots, but film demands intentionality. With only 12-36 frames per roll, each photograph becomes a deliberate creation—a moment I've carefully considered before pressing the shutter.
This slowing down is more than just a technical constraint; it's a shift in mindset that often results in more thoughtful, meaningful images. There's a mindfulness to film photography that both photographer and subject can feel during the session.
The Aesthetic That Can't Be Replicated
Despite advances in digital technology and preset filters designed to mimic film, there remains something inimitable about genuine film photography:
- Unique Color Rendering: Film stocks have distinctive ways of rendering colors that create their signature looks.
- Organic Grain Structure: Unlike digital noise, film grain adds texture and dimension rather than detracting from the image.
- Tonal Range: Film captures highlights and shadows with a gradual, natural transition that gives images remarkable depth.
- Natural Skin Tones: Film renders skin with a flattering, dimensional quality that many portrait clients prefer.
Together, these qualities create that instantly recognizable "film look"—a warm, organic aesthetic that carries nostalgic weight even in contemporary photographs.
Embracing Beautiful Imperfection
Part of what makes film photography so special is its embrace of imperfection and unpredictability.
Film cameras are mechanical marvels, but they're also aging pieces of history. Many were manufactured decades ago, and while I meticulously maintain my collection, these vintage tools sometimes have charming quirks—light leaks, subtle vignetting, or characteristic lens flares that become part of the image's unique fingerprint.
The development process introduces another layer of beautiful variability. Unlike the consistency of digital, subtle shifts in chemistry, temperature, and processing create distinctive renderings that can never be precisely duplicated. What might be considered "inconsistencies" in digital become cherished characteristics in film.
These elements of chance are precisely what make film photography special. Each roll contains possibilities for unexpected magic—frames that capture not just the subject but a feeling that transcends technical perfection.
Understanding Film Formats
35mm Film: Classic Versatility
The most familiar format, 35mm film offers a perfect balance of quality and convenience:
- 36 exposures per roll
- Lightweight cameras ideal for documentary and candid moments
- Excellent detail and sharpness
- Available in countless film stocks from vibrant Portra colors to dramatic Tri-X black & white
I often use 35mm for capturing spontaneous moments at weddings, candid family interactions, or when I need the flexibility to shoot quickly while still maintaining that film aesthetic.
Medium Format (120 Film): Breathtaking Detail
A significant step up in both size and quality:
- Negatives about 4x larger than 35mm, resulting in exceptional detail and smoother tonal transitions
- 12-15 exposures per roll
- Shallow depth of field for beautiful portrait separation
- The perfect choice for significant portraits and fine art images
When I shoot medium format for portraits or wedding key shots, the results have a three-dimensional quality that simply takes your breath away. These images make spectacular large prints with detail that needs to be seen to be believed.
Instant Film (Instax Wide): Immediate Keepsakes
While both 35mm and medium format require lab development, instant film offers immediate gratification:
- Develops before your eyes in minutes
- Physical keepsakes guests can take home immediately
- Perfect for guest books, reception entertainment, or spontaneous moments
- Each print is a singular, unrepeatable original
There's something magical about watching an image materialize before your eyes, and instant film provides a tangible connection to photography that's increasingly rare in our digital world.
Adding Film to Your Photography Session
For clients interested in incorporating film photography into their session, I offer several specialized add-on packages that can complement any of my standard photography services:
INSTANT FILM EXPERIENCE
Basic Instax Pack ($85)
- 10 instant wide-format photos (one pack)
- On-site development
- Perfect for small sessions or quick keepsakes
- Option to add digital scans (+$25)
Classic Instax Wide Pack ($150)
- 20 instant wide-format photos
- On-site development
- Custom hand-labeled frames
- Perfect for guest books or take-home keepsakes
- Option to have scans of all images
Premium Instax Collection ($250)
- 40 instant wide-format photos
- Custom branded borders
- Mini display album included
- Digital scans of all images
- Perfect for events and weddings
35MM FILM PHOTOGRAPHY
Essential Film Roll ($100)
- One roll of premium 35mm film (36 exposures)
- Professional development
- High-resolution scanning
- Digital delivery
- Choice of color or black & white film
Signature Film Package ($250)
- Three rolls of premium 35mm film
- Mix of color and black & white options
- Professional development and scanning
- Custom film-specific editing
- Digital delivery plus 5 fine art prints
MEDIUM FORMAT (120 FILM)
Medium Format Experience ($200)
- One roll of 120 film (12-15 exposures)
- Stunning depth and detail
- Professional development
- High-resolution scanning
- Choice of portrait or landscape orientation
Luxury Medium Format Package ($400)
- Three rolls of premium 120 film
- Professional development
- Museum-quality scanning
- 10 fine art prints
- Premium film stocks (Portra, Ektar, or Tri-X)
What to Expect: The Film Process
When you choose to include film photography in your session:
- Consultation: We'll discuss which film formats and stocks will best capture your vision.
- Shooting Day: I'll bring both digital and film cameras to your session, capturing key moments on both mediums.
- Development: After your session, I'll send your film to a professional lab specializing in careful, quality processing.
- Scanning: The developed negatives are meticulously scanned at high resolution to create digital files.
- Delivery: You'll receive both your digital images and your film photographs in a unified gallery, with the option for fine art prints of your favorites.
The Enduring Value of Film
Film photographs have a quality that speaks to something deeper than technical perfection. They capture moments with a tangible authenticity that feels increasingly precious in our digital world.
When clients choose to include film in their sessions, they're not just getting images—they're participating in a thoughtful, intentional process that results in photographs with depth, character, and emotional resonance that will be treasured for generations.
Interested in adding film photography to your session? Contact me to discuss how we can incorporate these beautiful formats into your photography experience. Film add-on packages can be combined with any of my standard photography services.