There’s something about film that changes the way I see.
When I pick up a film camera, I slow down. I think differently. Every frame matters — not because it’s rare or expensive, but because it’s intentional. Shooting film at a wedding pushes my creative focus in a way digital can’t. Because film demands careful thought and intentionality, its limitations push me to see and capture moments more creatively, leading to images with unique artistic character.
Film wedding photography isn’t just about nostalgia for the past — it’s about presence. It’s about choosing to capture your day with care and curiosity, knowing each photo is a tangible piece of your story.
Why Couples Choose Film Wedding Photography
Film wedding photos have a texture and mood that digital can only imitate. The colours feel softer, the light feels more organic, and even the imperfections tell part of the story.
Film also invites something that’s rare in our instant world — anticipation. You can’t check the back of the camera to see if it’s “perfect.” But with experience, I know how to select the right film and exposure for the light, allowing me to capture each moment with confidence and artistry.
Couples who choose film wedding photography often say it feels more real. It’s less about perfection and more about honesty — the warmth of skin tones, the soft grain, the way light glows on a cloudy day. It feels like memory.
How Film Shaped My Photography Journey
My connection to film photography began long before weddings. I learned photography on a film camera as a child in the 1980s. As a teenager, I set up a darkroom in a spare bathroom at my parents’ house, spending hours printing and experimenting. Later, at university, I processed my own colour film and prints in the darkroom. That hands-on experience shaped the way I see and think about photography even now — about patience, tone, and storytelling.
For me, film isn’t a throwback. It’s the foundation of how I learned to see. When I shoot film at a wedding, I’m reconnecting with that original sense of wonder, slowing down, paying attention, and creating with intention.
How Film Changes My Approach as a Photographer
When I shoot film at a wedding, I’m not just swapping one camera for another. The process itself shapes how I document the day.
Each roll has a limited number of frames, so I shoot with more purpose. I work harder to anticipate moments and think about how the light will render on film. How shadows will breathe life into a black-and-white image, how the scene will feel in print.
Film changes my rhythm. It makes me more deliberate, more connected. And because of that, the resulting images carry a different energy — they’re not just photographs, they’re small pieces of time, preserved with care.
The Film Cameras and Film Stocks I Use
For weddings, I work with a mix of classic film cameras that each bring their own personality to the day:
- Seagull 6×6 TLR (Twin Lens Reflex) – A medium format camera that creates beautifully detailed square negatives with a soft, timeless quality.
- Pentax MX 35mm SLR – A fully manual camera that’s light, flexible, and perfect for capturing spontaneous, emotional moments.
- Nikon F90 35mm SLR – A fast, reliable camera that handles quick action beautifully — ideal for the energy of receptions and dance floors.
I pair these with professional-quality film stocks chosen for their rich tones and fine detail:
- Kodak Portra for colour, known for its soft, natural skin tones and luminous warmth.
- Ilford Delta for black and white, loved for its smooth contrast and beautiful depth.
Together, they create a mix of elegance, atmosphere, and honesty that feels unmistakably film.
Adding Film to Your Wedding Photography Package
Film can be added to any of my Ottawa wedding photography packages as a way to blend both digital and analogue storytelling. You’ll receive your film photos alongside your digital images in the same online gallery — seamlessly woven together to tell one complete story.
Film Add-On Options:
$300 Film Photography Package
• Up to 3 rolls of professional film (colour, black & white, or a mix)
• 5 5×7 prints and 1 8×10 print from the film images
• Scanned negatives added to your online gallery
$600 Film Photography Package
• Up to 6 rolls of professional film (colour, black & white, or a mix)
• 10 5×7 prints and 2 8×10 prints from the film images
• Scanned negatives added to your online gallery
Whether it’s a few rolls to capture portraits and quiet moments, or an entire day shot on film, the results are something you can truly hold onto — both physically and emotionally.
The Enduring Appeal of Film
Film photography brings a tangible sense of nostalgia and artistry to a wedding day. It’s not about chasing trends — it’s about slowing down and capturing something that lasts.
For couples planning their Ottawa wedding who love the idea of timeless, soulful imagery, film offers something different: an experience that’s both creative and deeply human.
If you’d like to include film photography in your wedding coverage, I’d love to chat about how we can weave it into your day. Contact me today! photographersara.ca/contact.
Leave a Reply