PHOTO & VIDEO | photography
the total photos I took on a wedding day,
have to see what they’re doing to know what
because the majority of the photos were just
they’re doing, Kim says. “Film photographers
me snapping away like a crazy person hoping
realize they have to absolutely be sure of what
I got the shot. Since shooting film, because
they are doing because of the fact they can’t
I’m slowing down and being more thoughtful
see the images right away,” he says. “It would
about each photo, my percentage of keepers
be similar to a driver who knows stick shift vs
is closer to 80-90%, and I’m delivering a
automatic. Yes, one who can drive an automatic
stronger body of work.”
car can technically drive a car. But the one who
Whether
you
choose
film
or
digital
photography, do ask your photographer how
knows stick shift has a greater understanding of the car.”
many images you can expect to receive—the answer will range widely from photographers
Perceived Con: You can’t edit film photos.
across both mediums. Don’t be afraid to
“This simply isn’t true,” says Solomon. “All
explore film, but as both film and digital
my film negatives are scanned into digital
have their strengths—so many of which vary
jpgs and are fully editable if necessary. Once
more so from photographer to photographer
they become .jpgs they can be downloaded,
rather than medium—what’s most important
printed and shared on social media just like
is choosing the photographer whose style
with any other digital photo.” Worth noting,
and portfolio you most admire, regardless of
however, most film photographers love that
what’s behind the lens.
film generally requires less editing. “Film has
Misconceived Notions
the lovely effect of gently softening skin tones which minimizes flaws and is very flattering.
PHOTOS: Minson Weddings
Occasionally I will make minor adjustments for
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CONS RECONSIDERED
cropping and composition, but I do my best to
There are several cons related to film
get the photo as perfect as possible in camera
photography, but many are merely perceived
which reduces my time behind the computer on
cons. Here, we did a little extra digging.
the back end.”
Perceived Con: There’s a greater chance of lost
Perceived Con: It takes longer to get the
images or photos.
photos to the couple.
Couples worry about photos being lost in transit.
“I know both film photographers and digital
To minimize concern, ask your photographer
photographers who can turn their photos
how they handle shipping--to the lab, to you,
around in a week, and I also know both film and
etc.–and what backup systems they have in
digital photographers who turn their photos
place. “I ship all my film overnight via FedEx to
around in 12 weeks. This is really a non-issue
minimize any potential downtime where film
from a film versus digital perspective. Most
could get lost,” says Solomon. Solomon also
film photographers, including myself, use the
scans all her film into digital jpgs, offering yet
top professional labs with a turnaround of 10
another backup system for her work, and notes
business days or less. My personal turnaround
that the same precautions need to be secured
time for wedding photos is 4 weeks.” On that
with digital. “Cards get corrupted, backup cards
note, Solomon recommends couples not
could go bad, your gear could be stolen, a hard
be deterred by having to wait a reasonable
drive could crash, etc. There is always some risk,
turnaround time (we suggest that’s 4-8 weeks.)
whether it’s with film or digital--not really one
“I am strong believer that good things are worth
any more than the other.”
the wait. Shooting film adds an artisan quality to my work, and things that are done by hand
Perceived Con: There’s no preview screen. An ultra-experienced film photographer doesn’t
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take time.”