With film photography on the rise and no end in sight, one of the most common questions couples face when choosing their wedding photographer is, “Should we go with film, digital, or a mix of both?” Each medium offers its own beauty—film with its nostalgic texture and depth, and digital with its crisp and modern versatility. In this guide, Danielle Determan of Duey Photo, a Los Angeles-based photographer known for her authentic and editorial approach, shares her insight on how to navigate the two. With years of experience shooting both film and digital, she breaks down what truly matters when choosing the right style for your wedding day.
Choose What You Like,
Not What's Trending
Film photography is definitely having a moment in the wedding industry—and for good reason. The texture, depth, and timeless quality of film can feel like magic. But when choosing your wedding photographer, it’s important not to get caught up in trends or feel like you need someone who shoots film. Instead, focus on the photographer whose body of work—whether it’s film, digital, or a mix of both—truly speaks to you.
The Value of Experience
If you find yourself consistently drawn to a photographer’s film images, it’s likely because they’ve mastered the craft. Experienced film photographers come prepared with professional-grade film cameras, many rolls of film, and often an assistant dedicated to managing and loading film throughout the day so they don’t miss a moment. They also have a deep understanding of how to light and expose for film’s unique characteristics.
Consistency Across
Mediums Matters
That said, weddings move quickly, and even the most dedicated film photographers will capture a large portion of the day digitally. Because of that, if you’re hiring someone specifically for their film work, make sure you also love their digital images. A cohesive vision and consistent eye across both mediums matter.
Not All Film Is the Same
There are several types of film, but in the wedding world, the most common are 35mm and medium format. Each brings its own feeling and quality to an image. 35mm often has a more candid, documentary feel with a bit of texture and grain, while medium format tends to produce smoother tones, incredible depth, and a more editorial look. Some film photographers shoot exclusively on 35mm, while others incorporate both formats throughout the day.
Focus on Emotion, Not Labels
While it’s not necessary for couples to understand all the technical differences, it is important to know that not all film work will look the same. If you’re comparing one photographer’s film images to another’s, what you’re drawn to might actually be the result of the format and how that particular photographer uses it. So when choosing your photographer, focus on the overall emotion and style that resonate with you—not just the label of “film.”
