Not All Film Photography Is The Same

With the rise of film wedding photography, it’s easy to assume all film photographers offer the same thing. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Last year, I was one of a bride’s top picks. She ultimately chose another photographer who offered more 35mm film photos, thinking she’d receive more beautiful images—like the ones she’d seen on my site.

Months later, we bumped into each other by chance. She smiled and said, “You were one of my top choices!” We chatted about her wedding day, and then she admitted something that stuck with me:

She’d paid extra $500 to have 35mm film added to her photography package, but the photos came back much darker than expected. They didn’t match the look she thought she’d be getting.

She assumed all film photographers were the same.
She assumed the results would look like mine.

Then we looked up the photographer’s website. While their work was beautiful, it was mostly digital—light, bright, and carefully edited. There were no film images displayed, and definitely none of the darker film photos she had received.

That moment reminded me exactly why I’m so intentional with what I share.

My website shows only true film photography, and when I shoot both film and digital, I show a real mix in the galleries—so couples know exactly what to expect: honest, natural, and timeless images.

This is the difference between the film images she received and the ones I create. Both were taken on cloudy days—yet the results speak for themselves.

Metering light (left) v Letting your camera choose (Right)

No Metering, No Adjustments

To help explain the difference, I took my own 35mm film camera out for a walk. I shot the way many photographers do when they add film without proper training—no light metering, no adjustments, just straight out of camera.

The results? underexposed dark, muddy tones.

If that’s the style you want, that’s absolutely fine. But in my opinion, you could give guests a disposable camera and get similar results.

Film photography, done professionally, should look completely different.

Real Film Takes Skill, Patience, and Intention

I didn’t just pick up a film camera and start charging couples at weddings. I’ve trained since 2019, when I brought my first 120 film camera—and I’ve committed to truly mastering the craft ever since.

Over the years, I’ve been mentored by the best in the industry, including Marissa Morrison and KT Merry through online education, and hands-on mentoring with destination wedding photographer Sheri McMahon and they also did the same when learning from the best.

I spent years learning how to meter light properly, master composition, and build true consistency—so that every frame is intentional and timeless.

I also choose to shoot with 120 film, which produces higher-quality images than 35mm. Because your wedding day deserves more than a trendy add-on.

It deserves thoughtful, emotional, beautifully crafted images that you’ll love for a lifetime.

Authenticity Matters: What You See Should Be What You Get

One of the most important things I’ve learned is how crucial it is for photographers to show real film work on their websites—not just digitally edited photos made to look like film. When couples are drawn to the light, soft, timeless feel of film, they deserve to know exactly what they’re getting.

Unfortunately, some photographers showcase mostly digital images online—even if they offer film in their packages. This creates confusion and, in some cases, disappointment when the final film images don’t match what was advertised.

Every image on my website is true film—developed, scanned, and curated with care. When I shoot a mix of digital and film, my galleries honestly reflect that, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Because transparency matters. Your wedding memories deserve nothing less.

My business is built on integrity, trust, and complete honesty about what you’ll receive. That’s why I make it a priority to connect personally with each couple.

I always encourage a phone call to discuss your wedding day and photography timeline in detail—so we’re aligned, and your experience is as smooth and joyful as possible.

When you work with me, you can trust that what you see is exactly what you’ll get.