I’ve been shooting more and more film photography lately, testing out different film stocks with my Seagull Medium Format Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) Camera – a beloved piece I picked up over 20 years ago in Frankfurt, Germany (I have the ‘Seagull 4’, the first model from 1967). I started my photography journey with film. I learned colour and black-and-white film processing in the 1990s, and my first job out of university was at a professional photo lab, where I spent hours spotting and finishing prints. Returning to film now feels like revisiting an old friend, though it’s strange seeing those negatives turned into digital files rather than traditional prints.
These recent images were made using medium format 120 Kodak Portra 800 film, and I have to say, I’m impressed. I used to lean more towards Fuji film stocks and didn’t like the Kodak colours much, but Portra 800 has really grown on me. The grain is soft and subtle, and the tones feel true to life. Natural with a slight greenish cast that gives everything a cohesive, timeless look.
While I initially had some rolls developed at a local Ottawa lab, I’ve since started using Graination in Toronto. Their scanning quality is excellent — they offer the highest resolution scans I’ve found in Canada so far — and their pricing is very reasonable. Even better, they offer a mail-in service that’s actually more convenient than navigating to downtown Ottawa from Kanata. I also appreciate their thoughtful approach to film and community. It feels good to support a lab with values I align with.
Wedding Photography on Film
For couples looking for something timeless and tactile, I now offer film photography packages as part of my wedding services, using both medium format and 35mm film. There’s something undeniably special about film—the softness, the grain, the way it renders light and skin tones with a richness that feels both nostalgic and cinematic.
You can choose between colour or black and white film, or opt for a thoughtful mix of both. I work with professional labs to ensure each roll is processed and scanned at the highest quality, and every film package includes hand-selected film stocks tailored to your wedding’s mood and setting.
Film coverage can be added to any wedding booking, whether you’re drawn to a few rolls to complement your digital gallery or want a fully analog experience. If the look and feel of real film speaks to you, let’s talk about how we can incorporate it beautifully into your day.
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