Why Film Photography and Documentary Wedding Photography Often Go Hand-in-Hand
As a documentary wedding photographer who shoots on both film and digital formats, I have come to develop a deep appreciation for the incorporation of film into wedding days. Not only does film have the capacity to produce truly jaw-dropping images in a way that digital just can’t replicate, film also has the special ability to turn candid moments into images that look like flashes of memories—kind of fuzzy around the edges, slightly grainy, bold in color, and bright with emotion.
Images from Kaitlin + Hayden’s wedding day in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Shot on 35mm + medium format film.
Film Forces You to Slow Down
One of the biggest differences that I’ve noticed when it comes to shooting film versus digital is how much longer it takes to capture an image on film. Since each image is very literally worth a dollar amount, I can’t just hold down the shutter and pray for the best. Each shot has to be intentional. The settings have to be perfect. The framing has to be just right. In order to take a good candid film photo, I have to first adjust my settings for the lighting situation, then I have to look around, anticipate a moment, frame the image, hold my breath, and snap the photo at just the right time. This method takes a lot of concentration and skill that digital photography alone doesn’t necessarily require. (Though shooting on film has certainly improved my shooting style when it comes to digital photography!)
Now, does this mean that mistakes made on film can’t also look beautiful, fun, and artistic in their own right? Of course not! I actually think “imperfect” photos add a lot to a wedding gallery and to that “in the moment” feeling. But does this mean that I want a whole roll of too-dark, too-blurry, or light-leaked images? No, thank you! This is why it’s so important to slow down and pay attention while shooting film.
The Key to Honest Imagery
Film is an art form that digital photography just can’t replicate. It differs from digital in that there is a natural authenticity in its imperfection, which I believe actually makes for the perfect image. The subtle beauty of film is what makes the moments captured feel so timeless, true-to-life, and magical. I believe this pairs incredibly well with documentary wedding photography because the goal is to seamlessly capture the day in a way that still holds true to the feelings of the moments themselves.
Digital photography gives us photographers a lot of leeway with the final outcome of the photo. I do firmly believe that with digital photography, editing is half the magic. But with film, the magic is found in the rolls themselves. It’s found in the lighting, in the subject, in our own technical skill with the camera. You can’t edit away imperfections in a bad roll of film. So, when it comes to telling a couple’s story and capturing their day in an honest way, film forces the photographer to look through the viewfinder and truly see their subject. In this way, documenting weddings on film has become my favorite way to ensure I am remaining dedicated to the art of truthful storytelling in my images.
The Best of Both Worlds
Combining film and digital photography during a wedding day is truly la crème de la crème for me when it comes to documenting a wedding day. I love how shooting film forces me to really slow down and pay attention to my surroundings, as well as the way the end result truly looks like a physical manifestation of a memory. Nothing can beat the rich, creamy tones, the subtle grain, and the inherent timelessness that film provides.
Film adds so much depth, quality, and artistry to a wedding gallery. As a documentary wedding photographer who specializes in honest, artful, and cinematic storytelling, there truly is nothing better.
ABOUT BELLA GENOVESI
Bella Genovesi is a documentary wedding photographer specializing in film and digital mediums. She is based in Denver, CO, but she loves to travel and has shot wedding all around the world! Her work combines the artistry of editorial and candid photography, so that every frame becomes a work of art, your wedding gallery a collection of moments that not only tell the story of your wedding day as a whole, but of your unique love story.
Interested in working together? Click the button below to inquire.