Why Add Wedding Film Photography to Your Austin Wedding Day

In a world of AI, what is more real than film? What I love the most about shooting film photography is that it takes its time. Built into capturing your love on film is a slowness that fully experiences the moment. While there is a “right” way to capture film photography on 35mm, it also allows for imperfections that only add to its beauty. These are the reasons why I firmly believe in adding wedding film photography to your day!

Why Wedding Film Photography Matters On Your Day

In my photo wedding packages, it’s important to me that I offer something that is photography in its truest form. Everyone knows that the raw and real look of film is truly not replicable. While a lot of film filters and presets can get somewhat close, they never really reach the full appearance of film photos.

While AI has its place in the photography world, I enjoy returning to analog and I know my clients do too! I absolutely love to shoot wedding film photography. My favorites to capture are the ceremony and the couple’s first portraits as newlyweds immediately following the ceremony.

There is something so timeless and stunning about the natural colors and grain found in film. Not every photo needs to be done this way, but having variety is something my brides and grooms often choose. I have found that they even end up printing the film photos in large formats rather than the digital ones! 

Film photography of the reception in black and white is also so classic and beautiful. It’s a style of wedding reception photography that is seen almost everywhere these days amongst top wedding photographers worldwide.

Highlights of Wedding Photography on Film

Ranch Austin

Ranch Austin is a beautiful little gem situated between Dripping Springs and South Austin. It is nestled right into the trees and makes it a great place for summer weddings with all of the provided shade. I shoot wedding film photography at Ranch Austin all the time as it’s one of my most frequented spots. 

Couples choose outside options for both the ceremony and reception since the point of the venue is to take advantage of its outdoor beauty. This super low-key couple used the natural setting to “decorate” their wedding and it was totally their vibe!

Stonehouse Villa – Driftwood, Texas

This venue started out so small about 10 years ago and has grown over the years to  accommodate larger weddings with a new, beautiful reception room. As a Texas wedding photographer, I love the reception area as it is built with photography in mind. 

The ceremony area is outside and surrounded by trees that are nicely positioned outside of the buildings. This is a really great low-key venue just outside of Austin that easily lends itself to wedding photography on film. The location is good for just about anyone since it can be dressed up or dressed down to your taste.

This couple went above and beyond on floral design ideas adding lots of little touches to match their taste, which was a bit more elegant and elevated.

Where I Got My Start in 35mm Film Photography

The slowness of film applies even to the development process itself. There is always a bit of a delay because I send the film off to be digitally developed. It generally takes a week to get it back and another 4-5 days to edit. 

It can also be tricky because film photography vs digital requires a greater knowledge of how the camera works. Since you are not able to review what you have captured in real time, the exposure has to be done exactly right or it won’t turn out. 

With digital photography, if you under or overexpose, it is easy to correct this later in your edits. With film, there is no give. You must get it right the first time! 

Fortunately for me, I started out on film so it has never been an issue. Whenever I’m feeling like I need a refresher, I practice taking photos of my kids to ensure that I’m capturing the shots I envision!

Highlighting Family Film Photography Portraits

Speaking of putting kids on film, I also capture family films and film photography. I of course still shoot digitally with families, but when I find the right lighting scenario or backdrop, I like to use film. Sometimes, I just see a moment and know it will be beautiful on film so it’s nice to have that creative freedom. I like to give my family photo clients variety alongside something new. 

These family photos are from various parks throughout Austin, namely Bull Creek and Milton Reimers Ranch. The home photos are a good example of what kinds of film photography can be practiced indoors on a cold day when going outside isn’t possible.

Looking for family or wedding film photography? Let’s get started! 

Vendors

Photographer | Rising Oak Images
Florals | Jo.An Floral Design