Wedding photography with a film camera | 35mm retro photography
Wedding Photography – Digital vs 35mm Film Photography
Although I photograph weddings across Yorkshire, Leeds, York and the surrounding areas using modern Canon digital cameras, I still have a real love for traditional 35mm film photography.
There’s something special about slowing down and loading a roll of film into my old Canon or classic Olympus cameras. While digital cameras offer incredible flexibility, film brings a unique character and nostalgia that many couples love.
The Difference Between Digital and Film photography
Modern digital cameras produce beautifully sharp images with rich colours and incredible detail. One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. Throughout the day I can instantly adjust the ISO setting depending on the light. Whether we’re photographing a bright summer ceremony or romantic evening portraits after sunset, the camera can adapt in seconds.
With 35mm film, things are a little different.
Each roll of film has a fixed sensitivity, known traditionally as ASA (now called ISO). If I load a roll of Kodak Portra 800, which is my favourite colour film stock, every image on that roll is photographed at the same speed. I can’t simply change the setting from one photograph to the next like I can with digital cameras.
It means shooting film is a more considered process. Rather than taking hundreds of photographs, every frame matters. There’s a slower pace and a little more anticipation, which is all part of the charm.
Why Couples Love Film Photography
Film photographs often have softer tones, beautiful colours and a timeless quality that many people associate with family albums from years gone by.
Add to that the slight technical imperfections, small scratches, lens flare and even a little light leak, funnily enough all effects we often add to our modern images in Photoshop!
Photoshop! Kodak Portra 800 is particularly lovely for weddings because it handles natural light beautifully and produces warm, flattering skin tones. No two rolls are ever exactly the same, which gives film photographs their own personality and character.
The Best of Both Worlds
For most weddings in Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and across the UK, I primarily photograph with my Canon R5 Mark II cameras because they allow me to capture every moment quickly and reliably.
But I still enjoy bringing along my Canon EOS 50E or Olympus OM10 for a handful of images on 35mm film. These retro film wedding photographs add something a little different to your collection and create images that feel wonderfully timeless.
Digital photography gives speed, flexibility and consistency.
Film photography brings character, nostalgia and a little touch of magic.
And honestly, I love both.
Thanks for reading, Chris
