In a world dominated by digital imagery, there’s something undeniably special about the timeless magic of film photography for your wedding day. Film captures moments with a depth and warmth unmatched by the digital lens. The process is slower, more deliberate, and deeply intimate—each frame is a work of art, created through a beautiful chemical reaction, that goes beyond simply a sensor. The result? Photos with soul, rich textures, and a nostalgic quality that feel as though they have been pulled from a bygone era. Choosing film for your wedding isn’t just about photography—it’s about preserving your love story in the most authentic and heartfelt way. To help understand why film could be the perfect medium for your wedding day, we’ve enlisted the expertise of seasoned wedding photographer Jake Fosmire. With his unique insights, you’ll discover how the unique qualities of film photography can elevate your wedding photos from mere images to treasured heirlooms.
Artistic Aesthetics
It’s not all about technical perfection; it's about achieving a look. Aesthetics in photography transcend technical precision. While technical aspects such as sharpness and focus play important roles in creating a technically sound photograph, they are not the sole factors that define the impact or beauty of an image. Photography is, at its core, a visual art form. Achieving a specific look—the overall mood, tone, or style of the photograph—is what truly defines its aesthetic value.
Uniquely Nostalgic
Film has a unique way of capturing light compared to digital photography. While it might not be immediately recognizable at first glance, the sense of nostalgia that film photographs evoke is undeniable. This nostalgia largely stems from our familiarity with looking at film photos from the past, as well as movies shot on film. After all, every photo taken before the late '90s or early 2000s was a film photo, making this look something everyone is familiar with, whether they consciously recognize it or not. Ultimately, the philosophy of aesthetics and personal preference comes down to you—the look that resonates with you is entirely subjective.
Distinct Formats
It is important to note that there is no single "film" aesthetic—film photography encompasses a wide range of looks. When comparing film to digital photography, many people tend to group all film photography together, but in reality, there are different types of film, each with its own distinct appearance. For example, medium format and large format cameras use much larger negatives than 35mm, resulting in higher fidelity and a different visual feel. While medium format and 35mm film may share some similarities, they each produce a distinctive look. And that’s just considering the broad formats; different lenses, film stocks, and scanning processes can all influence the final image. Every photographer has their own unique approach to achieving their desired look, shaped by their understanding of—and personal preferences for—these technical aspects.
A Mindful Process
Film photography isn’t just about the look; it’s a fundamentally different photographic medium that involves a unique process and set of limitations. While it’s difficult to fully explain why, there is something inherently special and appealing about a film photo beyond its visual qualities. Shooting with film requires a deeper level of intention and attention from the photographer. With a limited number of exposures on a roll of film and, at times, the absence of modern camera features like autofocus, each shot must be carefully considered, encouraging a more mindful approach to photography. Simply put, photographers will approach their work differently because of the format's limitations.
