Film Wedding Photographer
As a fine art wedding photographer in Perth but travel throughout Australia. There has been an increase in film wedding photographers, why? because they can see couples loving film photos.
With over ten years of experience in wedding photography, I started adding film to my wedding in 2019. There have been a lot of photographers adding film to their wedding photography now in 2024.
But there is a difference between 35mm and 120mm film. I will explain it hear.
I was speaking to a bride who recently got married and when I told them I was a film photographer, she mentioned her photographer used film too. I asked if was it 35mm, and her reply was YES I think so.
You might be wondering, what’s the big deal? Well, choosing between these two types of films can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your wedding photos.
In this post, I’m going to dive into why some photographers swear by the affordable 35mm, while others, like myself, are willing to splurge on the luxurious 120mm film.
Why 35mm Film Is the Go-To Choice for Many Beginner Photographers
35mm film is often the go-to choice for many beginner photographers, and it’s easy to see why. For one thing, it’s super budget-friendly. If you’re just starting out with film wedding photography, 35mm is a great way to dive in without spending too much money. You get to enjoy the classic film look and feel, all while keeping your wallet happy.
Another big plus is how widely available 35mm film is. You can find it in most camera stores, and there are lots of options to choose from, whether you’re into colour or black-and-white photos. And let’s not forget, that most film cameras out there are made for 35mm film, so finding the right gear is a breeze.
35mm film has 24 shots you get per roll. This is super handy for weddings where you want to capture as many moments as possible. More shots mean you can snap away without worrying about running out of film too quickly.
Plus, developing 35mm film is usually cheaper and quicker. This means you can get your photos back faster and at a lower cost.
Overall, 35mm film offers a fantastic mix of affordability and convenience, making it a popular choice for photographers everywhere. For you, they slap a huge price tag on a 35mm film for your wedding day. You won’t find that with me because I prefer to use a quality of 120 film on a wedding day!
The Luxury and Quality of 120mm Film
120mm film is like the luxury car of the film photography world. It’s pricier, but wow, does it deliver on quality! If you’re aiming for something special, 120mm might just be your new best friend.
What makes 120mm film so amazing? Well, it all comes down to the size. Bigger film means bigger and better pictures. You get stunning details, richer colours, and a dreamy depth of field that makes photos look super professional. For wedding photography, this can mean jaw-dropping portraits that capture every little moment in a magical way.
Using 120mm film also gives your photos a unique look. The cameras designed for this type of film often have cool, vintage styles, and the photos they produce have a richness that’s hard to beat. The cameras are more expensive and harder to come by but the photographer who has them, you know they have been in business for years and years. Making them a trusted, experienced photographer.
Why I Choose To Photograph Wedding With 120 film
I’m always looking at giving my couples something truly special, high-quality images that are dreamy, timeless and natural. 35mm film and 120mm film are different in cost. Let’s talk about 35mm first. It’s the cheaper option, both for buying the film and for developing it. My couples deserves more than the cheaper option.
Now, I shoot with a Contax 645 which is the Roll Royce of all cameras. I also have 2 backup cameras. 120mm film is a bit of a splurge. The film itself costs more and you get fewer shots per roll. This means I will be changing rolls more often but also means I will be intentional in my shooting. If it doesn’t look good I want to shoot it. You need to right images not 20 of the same images.
But here’s the thing: The amazing quality and detail you get with 120mm film can make a big difference in your wedding photos and also how you feel at that moment.
Making the Right Choice for Your Wedding Photography
Choosing between 35mm and 120mm film for your wedding photography depends on what you’re looking for.
But if you’re after something truly special, 120mm film photographer might be the way to go. The quality is just amazing. Your photos will have stunning details and vibrant colours that can make your wedding memories look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale. It’s perfect for those once-in-a-lifetime portraits.
Think about what’s most important to you. Do you want the freedom to take lots of pictures and keep things budget-friendly? Or are you looking to splurge a little for that wow factor in your photos?
Both options have their own perks, so there’s no wrong choice here. It’s all about what feels right for you and your big day. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to end up with beautiful memories captured on film.
