35 film wedding photography and hybrid film-digital wedding photography
Some of my favourite wedding-day conversations have been with older guests who’ve recounted stories of a wedding photographer who forgot to put in the film. We shake our heads, marvelling at the mirrorless system I’ll use to take around 4000 photos over the course of the day. Of course, film must be used much more carefully. Working with both digital and mirrorless systems reminds me to be intentional about the frames I take, and though I can take thousands upon thousands of photos, quality over quantity is the goal. As a 90’s baby, I didn’t exactly start out shooting film, so I won’t pretend. My first camera was a 35mm Nikon, similar to the model I use today, and I spent lots of time in the darkroom with my Dad (a painter and art teacher). However, I quickly moved on to digital and am most comfortable working with this medium. Digital is faster, and ultimately makes most economic sense. Since I started shooting weddings in 2016 I’ve incorporated some film photography into my work, and I’m currently focused on how to shoot more film as part of my usual process. So, how can you include a roll or two into your wedding coverage?
Polaroid wedding photos
You might have already considered chucking a Polaroid or Instax into the mix for your wedding reception. Personally, I love the blurry, unpredictable and often boozy snapshots guests take with these, but if you’d like a pack or two taken alongside your digital wedding images then this is something I can offer you. That means your couple photos, morning preparations and ceremony can be captured as instant photos while your guests enjoy the moment.
Colour & black and white film wedding photography
If you love the look of colour or black and white film, you can choose to include this as part of your wedding coverage. I shoot with a Nikon FM2, a classic, and find this works well in tandem with my modern Nikon Z system. Your coverage will be primarily digital, with the 35mm as a creative addition to your coverage.