film vs. digital. fight.
Why Film Photography Might Be Exactly What You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s get it out of the way: most people don’t hire a wedding photographer because of what camera they use. They hire someone they trust, someone whose work feels honest, whose energy feels calming, and who seems like they’ll really get the kind of day you’re planning. You might care about specs, but at the end of the day, it is secondary to what the camera’s purpose is: to capture.
So, if you’ve landed here not entirely sure what the difference between film and digital is, that’s alright. This post isn’t about tech specs or camera jargon. It’s about why film photography feels different to me, and why that might matter to you more than you realize.
Slower, Softer, More Intentional
One of the biggest differences between film and digital is pace. With digital, I could take hundreds of photos in a few minutes. It’s easy. I know I have the luxury of going back and choosing which one has better light in that moment, or the tilt of a chin up a bit more vs. down. With film, I slow down. I breathe. I wait for the moment. I frame more intentionally. Each click of the shutter is a choice made.
That may not seem important at first. But on a day that already moves quickly — when emotions are high and you want to soak up every second — having someone by your side who’s working slowly and intentionally can shift the energy of it entirely. It helps you to be more present, so the sound of the shutter doesn’t become background white noise.
Texture, Grain, and Memory
Film has a softness to it — not just visually, but emotionally as well. The grain, the color, the way it reacts to light, it all adds to the feeling that what you’re seeing is a memory, not just a photo. It doesn’t aim for perfection - in fact, imperfect makes it that much better. It embraces its own presence.
And that matters when you’re planning a day that’s more about meaning than production. If you’re focused on connection over tradition, or quality over quantity, then film is right at home in that story.
I’m not interested in overly posed, overly polished wedding photos. What moves me most are the moments in between — the deep breaths, the way someone looks at you when they think no one’s watching, the touch on your back before you walk into the ceremony. The little smiles as you interact with those important to you.
Being in love myself has taught me that those are the moments that stick. They’re quiet, and often small, but they’re everything. Film helps me see and honor them for what they are.
Is Film for Everyone? No.
Not necessarily. But if you’re planning your wedding or elopement with intention — if you're being thoughtful about how you're spending your time, who you’re inviting into your life, and what memories you want to carry with you — then I believe film might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
It’s not about nostalgia. It’s about being present.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about what a film photography experience could look like for your day, I’d love to talk. Whether you’re eloping in the mountains or exchanging vows in a quiet backyard, film can help tell your story in a way that feels just like you.
