Everything You Need to Know About Hiring a Film Wedding Photographer

Film is timeless.

We see this in a recent article in the New York Times, titled In the Digital Age, Film has a Resurgence, where it states how more couples are choosing to hire film and digital hybrid photographers to capture their wedding day.

“The look of the photos, often a bit softer and grainier than digital ones, and the slower, more analog process are appealing to many couples who are craving a nostalgic medium.”

Emma Grillo, In the Digital Age Film Has a Resurgence

Are you looking to hire a Film Wedding Photographer for your special day? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll give you all the information you need to know about hiring a film photographer. We’ll cover topics such as why it’s important to hire a film photographer, what questions to ask, and the costs associated with hiring a film wedding photographer.

About Your Boston Wedding Film Photographer

I learned photography on digital, but like any child of the 90s, my family shot all of our memories on 35mm film. There’s a beautiful, dreamy, and grainy honesty captured in the imperfections of those photos. It’s that nostalgia that excites me about the medium.

I have been shooting and developing film since my first darkroom class in college – I was immediately hooked. In the decade since I’ve done everything from mixing my own chemicals and developing at home in the kitchen sink, to working in professional processing labs, developing and scanning for clients.

My digital work will always be the priority during your wedding day, but when you add on film you are getting the best of both worlds: a blend of digital ease and perfection, and the imperfection yet timeless art of analog photography. 

Images taken by Rebecca Cee Photography

What is Film Photography? 

Analog photography is the method of capturing images onto light sensitive film. Once exposed, that film is then developed in a chemical bath creating the negative image which can be printed or scanned. While the process is time consuming and has largely been replaced by digital, there are still many film and hybrid (film and digital) shooters out there, carrying on the timeless art form.

Film Is Right For You If … 

• You want to slow down and capture your wedding in a unique and intentional way
• You want to live in the moment, not just rushing from one event to the next
• You want to preserve your day in a tried and true timeless medium

What Does This Mean?

My digital work will always come first. Your special day is once in a lifetime, and I’ll never compromise the ease and reliability of digital in making sure your day is captured and backed up.

To make the most of your film add on, you need to have plenty of light (film loves light) and time. If your timeline is super tight and we are rushing from one part of the day to the next, it might not be the best to add on. When adding film, I will always be 100% honest with you on if that is a good idea based on your timeline, flow of the day, and your goals for your wedding.

Film can be unpredictable. Embrace the imperfections, from light leaks to accidental double exposures. That’s part of the beauty of the process.

How Does This Work?

Depending on how many rolls of film you choose, I will shoot parts throughout the entire day on film. This usually looks like a couple of photos of your details, some getting ready, first look, couples portraits, etc.

Because of film’s light requirements, I tend to focus more of the film work on the couple portraits, since conditions are often best here. I usually put less focus on the reception since it’s often too dark to expose good film images.

I will send you a pre-wedding questionnaire regarding film and what exactly you are looking for. This helps me in knowing your preferences for color vs. black and white, and how many rolls to purchase. 

On our planning and timeline call I will let you know my recommendations based on what your day is looking like.

Film Wedding Photography Portfolio

Every wedding photographer is different and their style goes into so much of their work. If you want to see more of my film wedding photography galleries, check out my online gallery here!

How Much is it to Add On Film?

This is going to vary based on photographer. What determines their price is the overall price of film, cost of development and scanning the film, and any shipping fees to mail the negatives etc.

For my 2024 & 2025 couples, to add on film to any of your wedding day packages starts at $500.

Ready to hire your Boston Film Wedding Photographer?

I am still booking for 2024 & 2025! Let’s chat!