ANALOG WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
I shot my first ever assignment for my local newspaper in Somerset on a roll of film, that was back in 2003. Since then I’ve worked exclusively on digital, the speed, the endless memory and the advanced software enables photographers to take more photographs than ever.
As someone who shoots around 2000 images per wedding it’s a far cry from 2 rolls of film that would have been shot pre digital. Wedding photographers that shot on film and would have been delivering roughly 24 images per wedding, sometimes shooting 2-3 weddings a day! Nowadays the want for quantity can sometimes overshadow the skill and art of photography - certainly in the wedding industry. With more photographers than ever are we loosing grip with the process?
Charlotte, photographed on a roll of 120 Kodak Gold 200 on a Fujifilm GW690. Photographed at Ocean Kave, Devon.
In a world dominated by digital technology, the choice to shoot a wedding with a medium format film camera is a bold and artistic decision, but it’s something I’ve embraced this year. The medium format offers a larger film size compared to 35mm, resulting in unparalleled image quality, exquisite tones, and a timeless aesthetic. The rich colours and fine details captured by medium format film convey a sense of luxury and sophistication that perfectly complements the grandeur of a wedding day.
Charlotte & Zak photographed on a roll of 120 Kodak Gold 200 on a Fujifilm GW690. Photographed at Deer Park, Devon.
A bridesmaid photographed on a roll of Kodak Gold 200 at a wedding in Cornwall.
Shooting a wedding with a medium format film camera is a departure from the instant gratification of digital photography. Embracing analog requires patience, intentionality, and a deep understanding of the craft. The tactile nature of loading film, manually focusing, and advancing the film between shots creates a connection between the photographer and the medium that translates into a unique and authentic visual narrative. On what is usually a fast paced day it’s nice to slow down momentarily.
With a limited number of exposures per roll, each frame becomes a carefully composed piece of art. Wedding photographers using medium format film cameras are forced to slow down, consider each shot thoughtfully, and wait for the perfect moments to unfold. This intentional approach results in a collection of images that tell a cohesive and compelling story of the wedding day.
Kez & Greg shot on a roll of 120 Kodak Portra 400, Cornwall UK.
Shooting a wedding with a medium format film camera is a tribute to the artistry and craftsmanship of photography. It requires a dedication to the craft, an understanding of the couple's story, and the ability to navigate the challenges of analog photography. The result is a collection of images that goes beyond mere documentation, creating a timeless legacy that beautifully encapsulates the essence of love and celebration on a wedding day.
Shooting a wedding with a medium format film camera is a tribute to the artistry and craftsmanship of photography. It requires a dedication to the craft, an understanding of the couple's story, and the ability to navigate the challenges of analog photography. The result is a collection of images that goes beyond mere documentation, creating a timeless legacy that beautifully encapsulates the essence of love and celebration on a wedding day.
In a digital era saturated with perfectly crisp and clean images, film photography stands out for its organic and distinctive look. The imperfections, grain, and unique colour characteristics of different film stocks contribute to a one-of-a-kind visual signature that sets film wedding photography apart.
In summary, choosing a wedding photographer who uses a film camera is a choice for a timeless, intentional, and deeply emotional representation of your wedding day. The unique qualities of film photography contribute to an artistic and enduring collection of memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
If you’d like me to photograph your wedding exclusively in film then please send me an email or fill out my availability form.
