Why your Nashville wedding or elopement should be photographed on black & white film.

The majority of wedding photographers solely use digital cameras and don’t offer film photography.

Once upon a time, film was all there was. But then digital hit the scene, and with its rise, there was a huge spike in phtographers. A digital camera makes it easy to take really good photos without needing to know a whole lot.

While I love digital images, film has such a timeless beauty to it, and black and white film is in a class of its own! No matter what camera settings or photoshopping is done to a digital image, you can never capture a moment in the unique way film does. It elevates the moment, as it takes refined expertise to take a great film photograph.

Here’s why you should consider hiring a wedding photographer who also shoots film…

Ila Bridal. Nashville elopement photographed on black and white film.

It’s an art form that will never go out of style.

Unlike a lot of editing styles and presets that photographers often use, this isn’t a trend that you’ll look back on and regret. What’s worse that looking at the style of something an wincing, thinking to yourself “UGH! That is so (insert trend/era here)!” Film is timeless and exceptional. 30 years from now you and your spouse will be looking at these photos, enamored once again as you’er enveloped in the emotions of your special day. These are photographs that will stand the test of time!

It’s unique and rare.

It takes skill to photograph using film, and to do it well. It the age of computers being able to do everything for you, with film you have to know every detail of what you’re doing. This makes it far more challenging, and therefore is not the preferred and not used by many Nashville wedding photographers. A film photographer is a high class of professional in the industry - you are guaranteed to receive beautiful images.

Each photograph is incredibly intentional.

Each roll of 35mm film only has 24 or 36 frames. This means that your photographer is truly paying attention and looking for those one-of-a-kind moments. When you’re limited to how many photos you can take before the roll is done, you make sure every photograph you take is worthwhile. It also means that your photographer isn’t rushing, which means you aren’t being rushed through your day, simply going from one shot to the next. A photographer who shoots film is more likely to help you stay present to enjoy your day!

The lack of color makes things stand out, highlighting important details.

I love color, but black and white has a way of drawing your focus to one particular thing. Maybe it’s a soft smile, a tear streaming down your grandfather’s face, or the texture of those flowers you spent a small fortune on. With a black and white photo, your attention is zoned in on that precious detail immortalized in time. Black and white film gives a very timeless and romantic feel.

Film is an investment - an elegant luxury.

If you’re like me and would rather pay more to get something truly unique, film is the luxury of your wedding day you will never regret. Not only does the photographer invest a lot of time and money into each roll of film, but there is a lot of education that takes place in order to take a truly great film photograph.

Ila Bridal. Nashville elopement photographed on black and white film.

Will your wedding photos last the test of time?

One thing many brides and grooms have had to learn the hard way is the importance of hiring a photographer who photographs and edits in an authentic way. When digital photos entered the scene, editing trends were all the rage. Many people now look back wishing the way their day was captured looked… how it actually looked. With black and white film incorporated into your wedding day, I guarantee your wedding photos will last the test of time.

If you’re planning an elopement or intimate wedding of up to 65 people… If you want a photographer who will help you stay present and capture your day authentically... If you want someone who shoots both digital and film photos… then I can’t wait to meet you!