The Magic of 35mm: Why You Need a Film Wedding Photographer

Why You Should Add 35mm Film to Your Wedding or Elopement Photography Package

As a film wedding photographer in Durango, Colorado, I have a deep love for capturing weddings and elopements on 35mm film alongside digital. There’s something undeniably special about film—its nostalgic charm, timeless aesthetic, and the artistry it brings to storytelling. If you’re planning your wedding or elopement, here’s why adding 35mm film to your photography package will make your photos stand out.

A Brief History of Film Photography

Film photography dates back to the early 19th century, with the first practical photographic processes emerging in the 1800s. Over the decades, film became the primary medium for capturing memories, peaking in popularity throughout the 20th century. However, with the rise of digital photography in the early 2000s, film use significantly declined. Today, many photographers, including myself, are bringing film back into wedding and elopement photography for its unique artistic qualities and timeless appeal.

The Unique Beauty of Film Photography

I fell in love with traditional 35mm film photography as soon as I saw the rich colors, warmth, and grain that it provides. I have been shooting on my manual film cameras for years now and am well-versed in the intricacies that come along with it. Many of my favorite images have been taken on film! It forces me to slow down, observe, and meticulously compose before clicking the shutter (because I only have a few chances to get it right!).

As a film wedding photographer, I know that film photography has a distinct look that digital simply can’t replicate. The soft, organic grain, rich colors, and dreamy highlights create an aesthetic that feels classic and emotional. Each film frame is crafted with intention, giving your wedding or elopement images a fine art feel.

What You Can Expect from Your Film Images

When you choose to add 35mm film to your package, you’ll receive a curated selection of film images that complement your digital gallery. Film excels at capturing skin tones beautifully, enhancing natural light, and bringing a depth of emotion to each shot. The colors are true to life, and the slight imperfections—light leaks, soft focus, and subtle grain—add to the storytelling magic.

I often use film for:

• Emotional, candid moments
• Stunning landscapes and wide shots
• Detail shots
• Nostalgic black-and-white images

While I do have a “filmy” editing approach in my digital work, there is no way to truly replicate the tones and textures of film without adding it to your chosen package. I will shoot on multiple cameras throughout your day, capturing moments in both formats for the ultimate variety and artistry in your final gallery. Adding on rolls of film to your chosen package is a good idea if you love that vintage look and want unique images that are different from the classic, crisp digital ones that you’ll receive.

The Influence of Film Stock on Your Wedding Images

A major factor that shapes the look of your film wedding photos is the film stock. A film stock refers to the type of photographic film, each with its own distinct characteristics, tones, and color palette. Just like different digital presets or filters, film stocks have their own personalities that influence the final image.

For color film, I primarily shoot on Kodak Gold and Portra 400. Kodak Gold has warm, rich tones that enhance natural light, making it perfect for golden-hour portraits and intimate moments. Portra 400, on the other hand, is known for its exceptional skin tones, soft contrast, and versatility across various lighting conditions. For black-and-white photography, I use Ilford HP5, a classic stock that delivers deep blacks, crisp whites, and a timeless documentary feel.

I carefully select my film stock based on the lighting conditions, environment, and the mood I want to convey in each image. This thoughtful choice ensures that your film photos have the best tones and depth possible.

The Process of Shooting and Developing Film

As a film wedding photographer, I embrace the slower, more intentional approach that shooting on film requires. Unlike digital, where I can take unlimited shots, every film frame is precious. This means I really focus on composition, light, and genuine moments before clicking the shutter. After your wedding or elopement, I carefully send the film rolls to a professional lab for development and scanning if it’s in the midst of busy season. I have also learned to develop, process, and scan film negatives at home, allowing me to have full control over the results if I have more time. I love the creative yet technical process of working with film, and I put a lot of love and attention into each image that I deliver.

Processing usually takes about 2 weeks, and then I deliver your film images in high-resolution digital format, ready to be printed or shared. I also ship your negatives back to you so that you can use them as a keepsake or heirloom, giving you a tangible piece of your wedding memories to cherish forever.

For those interested in learning more about the film photography process, check out Adobe’s guide to film photography. You can also learn more about the types of film stocks in this comparison video.

Why I Fell in Love with Film

There’s a certain magic to film photography that drew me in from the start. The anticipation of waiting for scans, the way film renders light so beautifully, and the tangible, artistic nature of each frame make it a truly rewarding process. I first started experimenting with film as a personal hobby, capturing my family, travels, and memories for years before I began incorporating it into my wedding and elopement packages. I realized that if I loved how it preserved my own memories, couples would probably value it just as much to document the most special day of their lives in such a unique format. Shooting film makes me more present, ensuring that I capture each moment with care and artistry.

Should You Add Film to Your Wedding or Elopement Package?

If you love the idea of timeless, artistic images with a nostalgic feel, adding film to your package is absolutely worth it. Film photography brings a unique depth to your wedding gallery, making your memories even more meaningful. Whether you’re eloping in the San Juan Mountains or celebrating with friends and family in Durango, hiring a film wedding photographer ensures that your love story is captured in a truly timeless way.

Want to see more of my film wedding photography? Check out my portfolio.

Interested in hiring a film wedding photographer to add 35mm film to your wedding or elopement photography? My top wedding and elopement packages include 2 rolls of complimentary 35mm film coverage! Reach out to learn more and customize your package. Let’s chat and create something timeless together!