What does film photography add to your photos

What film photography actually adds to your photos—and why it might be worth the extra investment

As a documentary wedding photographer, I’m always chasing honest moments—the kind that feel real even years after the day has passed. I’ve been photographing weddings and sessions across California and the Pacific Northwest for over a decade, and lately, I’ve felt a magnetic pull back to film. It’s not just nostalgia. There’s something about the softness, the imperfections, and the emotion that comes through on film that digital sometimes can’t replicate.

So I decided to test that theory with a couples session at Sunset Cliffs—one of the most iconic and romantic coastal spots in San Diego. I shot the entire session hybrid: part on digital, part on 35mm and 120 film. No fancy tricks, no different lighting, no staged posing—just one session, two formats, and a chance to see how they truly compare.

This blog is more than a recap of that session. It’s a look behind the scenes at what makes film different, why it might be right (or not right) for your wedding or engagement session, and what you’re actually paying for when you invest in film.

Digital

Film

Why Film? What This Session Was Designed to Explore

Couples often ask:

“Is film really that different from digital? Or is it just an aesthetic trend?”

That’s exactly what this session was designed to answer.

Sunset Cliffs is a dream location—golden cliffs, crashing waves, that dramatic end-of-day light. It’s the kind of place where every moment feels cinematic. I wanted to see how both digital and film would capture that atmosphere: not just visually, but emotionally.

Would film enhance the feeling of timelessness? Would digital be more precise? Would there be a clear winner—or would the magic come from the mix?

Spoiler: It’s all about what story you want your images to tell.

Film

Digital

The Difference Between Film and Digital Photography (from a Photographer’s POV)

🎞 Film

• Texture & Tone: Film has a softness and subtle grain that gives images a nostalgic, cinematic feel. Colors often come out warmer and more true-to-life, especially in golden hour light.
• Emotion: Film slows everything down. I shoot fewer frames and am more intentional with each one—which often leads to more thoughtful, connected images.
• Limitations: Film isn’t instant. Each roll has a set number of exposures, and you don’t get to “check the back of the camera.” It requires trust, patience, and a bit of magic.

📸 Digital

• Precision & Flexibility: Digital is fast, reliable, and adaptable in all lighting conditions. It allows me to experiment and pivot in real time.
• Sharpness: Digital offers more clarity and control, especially for crisp details like hair texture or lacework.
• Instant Feedback: I can show couples photos on the spot, make adjustments, and shoot with confidence in tricky light.

Film

What Film Actually Adds to a Session

During this Sunset Cliffs session, the digital photos were beautiful—clean, sharp, true to the moment. But when I got the film scans back, something shifted.

The film images had a mood to them. The golden tones felt more alive. Skin looked creamy, not overly retouched. There were imperfections—blur, grain, light flares—that actually made the photos feel more real.

Here’s what film can add:

• Authenticity: It captures how a moment felt, not just how it looked.
• Timelessness: Film doesn’t chase trends. These are the kind of images that age well.
• Emotion: There’s an intimacy in film that draws the eye into the frame.

Is Film Worth It? The Honest Pros, Cons & Cost

Yes—and sometimes, no. Here’s the breakdown:

✅ Pros:

• Beautiful tones and textures, especially in natural light
• Intentional, emotive storytelling
• A sense of uniqueness and nostalgia

❌ Cons:

• Higher cost (film stock, processing, and lab scans)
• Limited frames per roll
• Slower turnaround time

💸 Additional Cost:

Film typically adds anywhere from $300–$800+ to a session or wedding package depending on how much is shot, the format (35mm, medium format), and lab fees. I’m always transparent about this, and I build custom hybrid packages so you’re never paying for film you don’t actually want or need.

Digital

So, Should You Add Film to Your Wedding or Couples Session?

If you love imagery that feels soft, nostalgic, imperfect, and full of emotion—film is 100% worth considering.

If you want clean, editorial, crisp images that capture every detail—digital will serve you beautifully.

And if you’re like most of my couples—you want a mix. You want the candid, true-to-life vibe of digital plus the mood and emotion that only film can bring. That’s exactly why I offer hybrid coverage: the best of both worlds, blended seamlessly.

Final Thoughts from the Cliffs

This session reminded me that photography isn’t just about capturing what something looked like—it’s about holding onto how it felt. Film has this beautiful way of letting you feel the moment all over again, even years later.

If you’re planning a wedding or dreaming up a couples session and want to explore the beauty of film, let’s talk about it. I’d love to create something honest, artful, and deeply personal—whether it’s on film, digital, or both.

Interested in a hybrid session or film-only package?
Reach out here and let’s create something timeless together.