Elevating Your Photography With Film

Film photography can feel intimidating when you’ve never tried it before, but as a wedding or portrait photographer, it’s a creative investment that can truly set you apart. Not only does it expand your skill set, but it also offers a timeless aesthetic that many clients are seeking. Here’s why diving into film photography can elevate your portfolio and bring excitement back into your craft.

The Resurgence of Film

While digital photography brought ease and efficiency to the industry, the past decade has seen a major resurgence in film. This trend is driven by a desire for the authenticity and nostalgia film offers, which is something social media has played a big role in popularizing. The unique textures, tones, and imperfections that film creates resonate deeply with clients looking for something special. Adding film photography to your portfolio can help you stand out and offer your clients something truly unique.

How to Get Started

1. Pick Your Camera
The three main types of film cameras are 35MM, Medium, and Large Format. For beginners, I always recommend starting with a 35MM point-and-shoot camera—easy to use but still delivering stunning results.

2. Choose Your Film Stock
Your film stock choice plays a huge role in determining the final look of your images. While factors like lighting and camera settings matter, the film itself sets the foundation. Here are three popular film stocks and the types of looks they’re known for:

• KODAK PORTRA: Known for its natural color, fine grain, and versatility, it's perfect for wedding portraits with its beautiful skin tones and dynamic range.
• FUJIFILM PRO 400H: If you love the light and airy style, this pastel-toned film with soft, desaturated colors is a favorite.
• KODAK EKTAR: If you're wanting bold, saturated colors, Ektar delivers vibrant results with a punchy contrast.

3. Experiment to Find Your Style
Film gives you the freedom to experiment and discover your signature style. Whether you're going for a fine art, documentary, cinematic, traditional or editorial style, the combinations of camera settings, film stock, and shooting techniques can produce a wide range of looks. Think of it as an ongoing experiment that lets you play with different elements to create your ideal aesthetic.

Why Film Still Matters
Film is timeless. It doesn’t fall in and out of trend—it’s a medium that continues to captivate. Wedding and portrait clients value the classic, tangible quality that film brings. It allows you to tell their story in a way that feels meaningful and unique, creating nostalgic images they’ll cherish forever.

Click here for my Amazon list of film gear favorites.

Ready to dive into film? Learn the ins and outs of incorporating film photography into your business with The Film Course inside Rise Photo Academy - my all-in-one educational platform for photographers. Expand your skills, boost your creativity, and give your clients something unforgettable.