Why I Love Documenting Love Stories on Film

There’s something magical about photographing love stories on film. In a world that’s constantly chasing speed and convenience, film slows things down, allowing me to capture moments in a way that feels intentional and meaningful. The process of shooting on film adds a sense of authenticity and nostalgia to a wedding day, creating images that look and feel timeless. Film has this unique way of capturing light and bringing out the emotion of the moment. Every shot on film feels alive, with a depth that digital images sometimes miss. The slight unpredictability of film—the way light leaks, grain, or even imperfections appear—adds character to each frame, making every image feel one-of-a-kind, just like the couples I get to photograph.

My Favorite Film Cameras for Weddings

On a wedding day, I need cameras that I trust to capture everything from intimate portraits to lively, candid moments. Two of my favorites are the Canon EOS 1V and the Kowa Super 66. The Canon EOS 1V is a 35mm camera that’s super versatile and fast, making it perfect for those in-between moments and any fast-paced parts of the day. It’s reliable, with accurate autofocus that lets me capture everything without missing a beat.

For portraits, though, I love using the Kowa Super 66, a Japanese medium-format 6×6 camera that’s fully manual. It’s slower and more intentional, which really suits the calm, focused energy I like to bring to portrait sessions. The Kowa’s medium-format film and square frame give such a rich depth to portraits, creating a soft, intimate feel that’s perfect for capturing the emotions of the day. These cameras let me bring out the best of film’s unique qualities, from grain and texture to that timeless look and feel.

Why I Use Film for Personal Photography

Film isn’t just my choice for work; it’s also how I capture my own personal memories. There’s something about film that feels more intentional and authentic in my everyday life. With digital, it’s easy to take endless shots without a second thought, but with film, I’m more deliberate. I think carefully about each frame, and it pushes me to focus on moments that matter.

For my personal photography, film helps me embrace the imperfections and beauty of everyday life. I love knowing that each photo is one-of-a-kind, just like the moment it captured. Film has this beautiful way of picking up textures, natural light, and even those small quirks or “flaws” that make a moment feel real. When I look back at my film photos, there’s a warmth and nostalgia that brings me right back, like I’m reliving that memory all over again.

The Timelessness of Film

I think one of the biggest reasons I’m drawn to film is because it feels timeless. In a world where technology is constantly evolving, film stays the same. It brings a vintage quality that’s both classic and enduring, and when you pair that with a love story, it creates something truly special. Film doesn’t just document a moment; it preserves a feeling, capturing all the little nuances in a way that feels eternal.

When I hand over a set of film images to a couple, I love knowing they’ll look at these photos years down the line and feel like they’re stepping right back into their wedding day. There’s something about that softness, that warmth in film photos, that feels less like a snapshot and more like a memory frozen in time.

Why Film is Here to Stay

Even as digital technology dominates photography, I don’t see myself letting go of film anytime soon. It’s such a big part of how I see the world and how I capture it. There’s a joy in the process, from loading the roll to waiting for the developed images to come back. That anticipation and the little surprises—like light leaks or unique tones—are part of what makes film photography such an adventure.

Film has a way of grounding me in the present and connecting me to the past. It reminds me that photography isn’t just about snapping a photo; it’s about the story behind it, the feeling, and the time spent creating it. Whether I’m documenting a love story or capturing a quiet moment in my own life, film will always be my favorite way to see, feel, and remember.