35mm Film Wedding Photography For This Crested Butte Wedding

The Magic of 35mm Film Wedding Photography

I love film. I have always loved film. Ever since I picked up my father’s Minolta 35mm camera back in 2009, I’ve been in love. There’s just something undeniably captivating about the raw beauty of film photography. From the soft grain to the vibrant colors, film photography has a unique ability to evoke emotion that causes me to fall in love with it, time and time again, and I’m sure you will, too.

In this blog post, I’ll go through why I love 35mm film wedding photography, the uniqueness of film that will add character to your wedding photography gallery, and why I think you should add film to your wedding photography collection.

Why I love 35mm Film

While I have shot on film plenty of times over the years, it’s only been the past few years that the demand for 35mm film wedding photography has resurfaced and increased immensely. Shooting weddings on 35mm film offers a distinct set of advantages, like the inherent aesthetic quality that film delivers, which makes film even more appealing. The soft grain and vibrant colors captured on film create a mood that is both romantic and nostalgic, making it perfect for one of the most significant days in a couple’s life. Unlike digital photography, where the image can sometimes feel overly polished and sterile, film has a warmth and authenticity that resonates with our emotions. This quality allows for a more genuine representation of the day, capturing the essence of love and celebration in its truest form, which is why I love 35mm film so much.

Another reason I love film is the dynamic range that it offers. The way film handles highlights and shadows is unique; it tends to produce a smoother transition between light and dark areas. This can be particularly helpful during weddings, which often take place in varying lighting conditions—from bright outdoor ceremonies to dimly lit receptions. Film’s ability to retain detail in both highlights and shadows ensures that important moments, such as the exchange of vows or the first dance, are beautifully rendered regardless of the lighting challenges. I sincerely appreciate this characteristic, as it allows me to focus on storytelling without worrying about technical limitations as much.

Shooting on 35mm film can enhance the overall experience for my couples and myself, too. The slower pace of film photography encourages a more intentional approach, prompting me to be more thoughtful about composition and lighting. This often leads to striking, candid moments that might be missed in the hustle of digital shooting. Moreover, many of my couples find joy in the anticipation of waiting for their film to be developed, creating a sense of excitement and nostalgia that digital images cannot replicate. I love how this unique process fosters a deeper connection to the memories captured, making the images I produce even more special.

Uniqueness of Film

The unique aesthetic of 35mm film photography is often characterized by its rich colors, soft textures, and organic imperfections. Film has a distinctive way of rendering colors that many photographers, like myself, and couples find appealing. The results can range from warm, golden tones to vibrant, lively hues that seem to breathe life into the images. This color palette often evokes feelings of nostalgia, making it ideal for weddings where emotion runs high, and memories are meant to be cherished and immortalized. The subtle shifts in color and tone create a visual narrative that can transport viewers back to the moment, enhancing the emotional depth of the photographs.

Another fascinating aspect of film photography is the grain structure that can be found in each image. The grain adds a layer of character and authenticity that simply cannot be replicated with digital filters (although, it technically can be replicated but the natural effects of the grain on film just feels that much more authentic and real). While some may view grain as an imperfection, I embrace it as part of the film’s charm. This texture can bring a tactile quality to images, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy. In a world filled with flawless digital images, the unique grain of film provides a refreshing contrast, making each photograph feel like a true piece of art.

The way film captures light plays a significant role in its aesthetic appeal. Film can render light in a way that is both soft and ethereal, producing a dreamy quality that enhances the romantic atmosphere of a wedding, which is what I’m always trying to achieve. The highlights are often more forgiving, while shadows maintain their depth without losing detail. This quality allows me to create images that feel both timeless and contemporary. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the film’s unique color rendering, results in a body of work that stands out, offering couples a distinct visual narrative of their special day.

For these reasons, I believe that adding 35mm film to your wedding photography collection can only enhance your wedding photography experience. It allows you to have a one-of-a-kind experience that will stand the test of time, as film wedding photos will evoke emotion and create a sense of nostalgia that simply can’t be replicated. As you’ll see in the images below, these 35mm film wedding photos are unique, ethereal, and atmospheric and you, too, can have this for your wedding by adding 35mm film to your wedding collection.

Why You should add film to your wedding photography collection

People across the globe are rekindling their love affair with this classic medium of 35mm film, especially for their special events. By including film into your wedding photography collection, not only are you including a medium that has stood the test of time, but you are also receiving images that evoke a sense of strong emotion and nostalgia, a perfect thing to remember your wedding day by. With the help of the unique qualities of film and a talented wedding photographer to capture your day with film, you will have fleeting moments beautifully captured through a timeless medium. Imagine receiving a wedding photography gallery with a plethora of digital images, woven together with a smaller, more intentional amount of film wedding photos to help tell your wedding story by. The uniqueness of those film wedding photos cannot be replicated through the digital photos, allowing you to have a truly unique, artistic, and authentic wedding gallery that will tell the story of your wedding day in a truly ethereal way. I’d say that’s hard to beat.

Want to learn more about 35mm film wedding photography or book your wedding today? Let’s get chatting, shall we? I cannot wait to hear from you. <3

Now, please enjoy this beautiful intimate elopement & western wedding celebration in Crested Butte, captured on film. I hope you enjoy and I hope you, too, add film to your wedding collection!

Planners: Wedding: Kefi Events
Photographer: Ashley Joyce Photography
Florist: Bramble and Bloom
Venues: Wedding: Mountain Wedding Garden Celebration: Private estate 
Chefs: Crested Butte Personal Chefs
Bartenders: Sidecar Mobile Bar
Hair and Makeup: Jones Beauty & Co
Dress: Wedding: Emma & Grace Bridal Celebration: vintage Victor Costa
Hats: Kemo Sabe
Band: Strand Hill
Cake: Cake Me Away