35mm Wedding Photography isn’t just a trend. It’s a return to physical media in an era of digital fatigue, giving us a chance to slow down and embrace the imperfection of being human. Keep reading to learn why film photography is back (and isn’t going anywhere), get a sneak peek at my film and digital photography process, and see if film is right for you.
Let’s talk about 35mm wedding photography.
Is it a trend? Is it a fad? Or is it a return to something that has always held a special place in our hearts?
If you’ve seen film photography gaining popularity online and are starting to consider whether or not you want to add it to your wedding collection, this blog breaks down everything I love about 35mm wedding photography.
Because for me, film photography isn’t just an homage to times past, It’s a way to document your love in a vibrant, grounded, and unique medium.
Hi, I’m Leah, a San Antonio wedding photographer for fun-loving couples who want their wedding photos to feel warm, genuine, and full of emotion. I love capturing real moments for real people, and I think 35mm wedding photography is one of the best ways to do that.
The 35mm Wedding Photography Trend & Why It’s Still Kicking Around
Film photography used to be all there was. You’d take a shot and have no idea how it turned out until you used a dark room or took it to a developer. And only then would you see if you got anything good.
And then digital came along, and completely changed the game. Soon, film faded out in favor of digital photography, where you could see the final photos in real time and edit it to your heart’s content afterwards.
But now, film is back, and couples are requesting 35mm wedding photography either over digital, or in addition to it.
The question, though, is why? Why are couples who grew up in a completely digital era gravitating towards the slower, less immediate, and less predictable medium?
As a wedding photographer who offers both, I have some thoughts.
Physical Media > Digital (aka, that Crunchy Goodness)
I’m a photographer, not a poet, but this return to physical media feels like a poem to me. Just look at the world around us. We have, as a society, become dependent on immediacy and digital media. Our worlds have become increasingly online. And while I’ve made so many wonderful friends online and cherish my online communities, I’m thrilled to see the shift that’s happening.
Couples are getting hit with digital fatigue. They’re tired of being glued to screens. They’re tired of seeing images that feel perfect, and now with AI, often fake. They’re looking for a more meaningful way to remember their weddings, and they want it to feel real.
Hence, 35mm wedding photography.
Film cameras capture the moment differently. The way the lens processes light and color creates a uniquely dimensional image that just feels more real. I call it crunchy goodness because it feels like something you can sink your teeth into. Something tangible and weighty that will stand the test of time.
Listen, I love digital photography, and pride myself on editing digital photos in a way that accurately reflects the moment. But film? There’s just something about the grain, the color, and the nostalgia. Film photos feel grounded in a way that digital ones simply can’t.
Check out the photos below. Slide the bar in the middle to see the difference between digital and film photos of the same moment.
Slowing Down the Moment
Weddings go fast. You are surrounded by your favorite people in the world, feeling the best version of butterflies, following a timeline, and also trying to remember to eat something in between conversations.
It’s a lot.
My favorite benefit of 35mm wedding photography is the way it forces you to slow down. There are only 36 images per roll of 35mm film. Which means you’ve got to be really intentional about what you choose to capture. It requires you to take a moment and orient yourself. And I often take that moment to remind my couples to breathe and soak in the moment.
You’re here. You’re married. Nothing else really matters after that.
Intentionality
Okay, going back to that “only 36 images per roll of film” bit. You would think that having limited images per film roll would make people less interested in film, wouldn’t you? But really, it’s done the opposite. And here’s why.
When you only have a select number of chances for a great image, the value of each one goes up. And, like I said in the intro, you don’t know exactly how it’s going to turn out when you take it.
It’s a leap of faith, and sometimes, that’s the best part.
Because couples aren’t interested in perfection. They want wedding photos that capture what their wedding felt like. They want images that carry emotion, weight, and presence. 35mm wedding photos might not be perfect. But they will be an accurate representation of the moment, and that is far more valuable.
Why I Offer Digital and 35mm Film Wedding Photography
I first fell in love with photography while using my parent’s 35mm film camera, but I didn’t start offering it to my clients until 2024. A bride requested it, so I took that old camera off the shelf and started relearning the science of film photography. (You can read more about my film journey and see the ways I’ve grown since starting in this blog!)
I’ve since retired my parent’s old camera and invested in some newer (and sturdier) gear. I love adding film to my wedding experience for all of the reasons listed above, but I will always continue to offer digital as well.
Digital photography gives you clean, timeless, and balanced images while film embraces color and nostalgia. A lot of photographers who offer both film and digital photography edit their digital photos to look like film. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I prefer for my images to look distinct, yet complimentary.
They give you two different feelings. Both are valuable, and I use both to tell the story of your day in a way that you can hold onto and remember for the rest of your life.
Editing Film & Digital Photos
Believe it or not, you can edit film photos. But if I’m honest, my film edits are very minimal (if I edit them at all). Usually, I’ll slightly adjust the contrast and maybe the color, just to make sure the photos will print beautifully! My goal is to always preserve the essence of the photo.
When it comes to digital photos, my editing style is “film inspired.” I want to ensure my digital photos are true to life and cinematic, but I want them to feel separate from film.
Is 35mm Film Right for You?
If you are looking to add a little extra sparkle to your wedding day, film might be the perfect thing.
If you love looking back at your parents or grandparents wedding photos, film gives you the same nostalgic feeling and legacy to pass on.
In a world of digital fast fashion 35mm film becomes something tangible you can print and hang on your walls to remember your wedding day.
The truth is, 35mm film wedding photography is that girl—and she’s not going anywhere.
Most couples add a single roll of film to their wedding collection to capture all that crunchy goodness, but you can add up to three, for $100 per roll. I highly encourage it, and my favorite thing in the world is seeing couples’ reactions to their film photos. Take it from Jenny:
“I didn’t think it could get any better, but these film photos are STUNNING and PERFECT!!”
Contact me to start building your wedding photography package!
