Film vs. Digital: What Even Is Film?

If you’ve been researching wedding photography lately, you’ve probably seen the words film wedding photographer floating around everywhere. And maybe you’ve wondered… wait, isn’t that just a filter?

Not quite.

As a California wedding photographer, I get this question all the time. So let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

First Things First… What Is 35mm Film?

When we’re talking about film in wedding photography, we’re not talking about moving video film. We’re talking about 35mm still film photography, which is a physical roll of light-sensitive material that captures light in a completely different way than a digital sensor.

It’s literal chemistry. Real grain. Real light leaks. Real texture.

Historically, film was shot on SLR cameras and often used for fine art, glamorous, very refined portrait work. And yes, that still exists.

But what’s trending right now, especially in 2026, is something a little different.

Obsessed with that grainy, nostalgic vibe? Dive into more of our film wedding photography here.

The 90s Point-and-Shoot Revival

The new wave of point and shoot film photography is done with actual 1990s cameras. You load the film roll inside. You wind it manually. There’s no massive zoom lens. No hyper-sharp refinement.

And that’s the point.

It’s nostalgic. A little blurry. A little fuzzy. Sometimes slightly overexposed. Grainy, high contrast, warm, imperfect.

It feels like you found the photos in your cool older cousin’s shoebox from 1998.

We use these 90s point-and-shoot cameras intentionally for that raw, emotional energy. It’s not meant to replace your core wedding coverage. It’s meant to supplement it.

We typically layer it into portrait time or key dance floor moments while simultaneously shooting digital, so you get both polished and playful.

And because it’s hard to fully explain the difference with words alone, below you’ll see the exact same moment captured two ways, once on film and once digitally. Same couple. Same light. Same second in time. Totally different feeling.

A side-by-side comparison is where it really starts to make sense.

Left (digital): crisp, true-to-life color and clean details. Right (film): warm, nostalgic light with a dreamy, emotional feel that you just can’t fake with a filter.

Curious what it looks like to add film to your coverage? See what’s included and explore pricing here.

So Then… What About Digital?

Now let’s talk about the other side of the coin.

Digital photography is what you see across most portfolios, Instagram feeds, and wedding websites. It requires professional camera bodies and long lenses that allow us to zoom in, zoom out, and control focus with precision.

       With digital, we can:

• Create razor-sharp images
• Control depth of field so the background melts away
• Shift focus between foreground and background
• Deliver rich, true-to-life color
• Produce high-resolution files perfect for large prints

If you love crisp, timeless, clean images that will look beautiful framed on your wall for decades, digital is your foundation.

Most of what you see in our portfolio is digital. That’s the backbone of our natural wedding photography style.

And here’s the fun part.

A lot of people assume we shoot 100 percent film because of how soft and luminous our images look. In reality, we often use digital but compose and light in a way that mimics film. That takes skill, intention, and understanding how light actually behaves.

Digital gives us control. Film gives us emotion.

And blending the two gives you depth.

So Which One Should You Choose?

This is where styling decisions come in.

If you want:

Timeless, classic, true color imagery

Sharp portraits and large print quality

Clean storytelling with versatility in black and white

Digital is essential.

If you’re drawn to:

Nostalgic, grainy, slightly imperfect frames

Direct flash party energy

Editorial, fashion-inspired moments

A raw, caught-in-the-act feeling

Adding film is magic.

The sweet spot for many couples right now is a hybrid approach. Digital as your base coverage. Film layered in intentionally for artistic texture and emotional punch.

Ready to blend film and digital for your own wedding day? Let’s start the conversation.

That’s what makes working with us, as hybrid digital and film wedding photographers, different than just applying a preset. It’s about knowing when to use each tool and why.

Let’s Talk About Direct Flash and the Paparazzi Effect

Another major trend right now is direct camera flash, sometimes called paparazzi wedding photography.

Think vintage red carpet. Think editorial fashion. Think candid, slightly tilted frames that feel like they were snapped in the middle of a chaotic, glamorous moment.

It’s bold. It’s a little overexposed. It’s grainy. It feels like you are inside the party instead of watching it from across the room.

This is where film and direct flash overlap beautifully. The flash hits hard. The grain reacts. The moment feels alive.

Want to know what it actually feels like to work together? Take a peek behind the scenes of the experience.

When you look at these images, you don’t just see a reception… you feel like you’re on the dance floor, sweaty and laughing, witnessing something epic.

For couples drawn to editorial wedding photography with a raw, authentic edge, this is such a fun addition.

But it’s important to say, it’s not for everyone. Some couples prefer a softer, more polished look. And that’s totally okay.

The Bigger Picture

Film isn’t better than digital. Digital isn’t more professional than film. They’re just different mediums.

One is chemistry and grain and imperfection. One is precision and control and clarity.

The real question isn’t which is “right.” It’s what feels most like you. Do you want polished and classic? Raw and paparazzi chic? A little bit of both?

That’s where the fun begins.

See how film and digital come together in real weddings, explore the full portfolio.