What is the Difference Between Film and Digital Wedding Photography?

Do I want film photography for my wedding? What are the differences and the pros and con’s?

There are so many different types of film. Different types of cameras. What does it all mean and it is actually timeless or is it just what is trending and is it right for me?

These are the questions I get from brides searching for their wedding photographer. You want to make sure you are a good fit with the wedding photographer, flow of the day and the end result is something you will be proud to display in your home for the rest of your lives!

So Let’s dive in. We will start with digital photography.

Above is a digital image. Its strengths are:

• We can click a lot and know exactly what we are getting in real time
• Fast turn around! I can get a highlight wedding gallery to a bride within 24 hours
• This photography is sharp, clear, and has that editorial, luxury feeling
• Digital is great in low light

Next, Let’s dive into 35mm film photography.

35mm film photography is hot and trending in wedding worlds right now. But, it is actually very timeless as well.

• 35mm looks very candid and documentary-style
• It is great to add in the mix of sharp and clean photographs to give it a nostalgic feel
• Film can be shot fast and still have a lot of movement and non-posed moments
• It is super grainy, lots of texture and skin tone is always perfect
• Thrives in Black and white for getting ready photos, during cocktail hour and at night during the reception with flash.

Now, let’s talk about 120 Medium format film photography

This type of film i snot for the armature photographer. It is used by the best of the best because it is sensitive to perfect settings, only 16 photos per roll of film, and cameras are very high end.

• Medium format wedding photography has a smooth, high resolution, softness to it
• It is TIMELESS.
• Skin tones, colors, sharpness, all on point
• Medium format film is Luxury, classic and traditional

Here is a side by side of The film (left) and digital (right)

The best part about shooting all formats of photography is that I can edit the images side by side to give digital images more of that timeless finish with perfect skin tones and natural colors. Every single image is polished with lots of time and consideration. Removing unwanted fire hydrants, exit signs, or that one person in the group photo that wan’t looking. The final product of my galleries are delivered with such love and care. I carefully analyze and study them a handful of times, making adjustments and perfecting it as I go. So you, in the end are left with the images where everyone looks amazing, you can pull any photo and be proud, with tons of variety and timelessness.

Left- 120 Medium Format, Right- 35mm film photography

Left-Digital edit, right- Before editing digital

Hope this gave you some insight and helped you decide what you like the best! Reach out to me if you have more questions or would like to discuss in more depth!