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The wedding photography side of your big day is one of the most crucial parts of your wedding – and wedding planning.
After all, it’s one of the very few elements that provide tangible artefacts that can be cherished for years to come. So it’s important you hire someone who understands your vision.
One of the many decisions you guys need to make when planning your wedding or elopement is whether to opt for film wedding photography or digital. We’re here to help you make that decision!
Photography by Wildling Weddings
35mm Film Wedding Photography
No matter how advanced technology becomes and how many special effects are available in Lightroom, nothing quite beats the dreamy charm of 35mm photography.
What is 35mm Film Photography?
Before the simplicity of digital photography became commonplace, 35mm film photography was the norm for over a century.
As the name suggests, this style of photography still requires film (meaning you’ll need access to a dark room or a photo lab) – 35mm of it, in fact.
It allows the photographer to shoot using a small range of types (or filters, to the Instagram generation), such as black and white negative, colour negative, slide, and reversed film.
Once you’ve used up your film (which typically allows between 24 and 36 photographs), your shots will need to be developed in a dark room/photo lab (this can be at home – it doesn’t have to be a professional dark room!).
Once developed, you have tangible prints in differing sizes and formats.
Film Wedding Photography Cost
With any wedding photography, cost has to be factored into your budget.
Depending on the specific package you require, film photography rolls often start at around £150 and can stretch to as much as £500.
Because of this, and other aspects such as experience, travel, lighting equipment, and development time and costs, generally, it costs more to hire a film wedding photographer than a digital photographer.
Film vs Digital Wedding Photography
As with most things, there are pros and cons to both film and digital wedding photography.
Pros of Film Wedding Photography
- Even with all the bells and whistles of digital photography, it’s hard to beat the charm and old-school photojournalistic charm of film photography.
- It is known to be flattering and can produce especially magical results during outdoor weddings.
- Zero requirement for printer ink!
- Couples can have genuine traditional photos to hold, frame, and gift to others.
- Exposure issues are less noticeable with film photography.
- Film photography produces more natural and realistic results in terms of tone and lighting.
- Less chance of image loss.
Cons of Film Wedding Photography
- Limited photographs – you will typically receive fewer than 40 prints per roll, which can seem a little restricted in today’s digital world.
- Costs can add up. Your photographer will need to purchase film rolls, as well as potential post-production costs, such as a lab room hire, etc.
- Many modern couples like to post wedding photos on social media, which will mean having access to a scanner, which can be costly to buy (your average film scanner costs between £100 – £500) and takes more time. Your photographer will likely provide digital versions of your shots, but it’s good to check as some may only send the negatives.
- No instant results or feedback. Couples will have to wait to see the results and hope that the photographer has produced some beauties!
- Not ideal for the ‘spontaneity’ element that a lot of couples and photographers like to use for wedding photography.
- Can be challenging for low-light venues/locations, which often means additional lighting equipment, which will be reflected in the cost of the photography package.
- There is limited leverage for post-production editing to smooth out any imperfections or tweak any undesirable results.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
Pros of Digital Photography
- The digital era is nothing if not convenient, providing instant feedback that the photographer (and couples) can see on the day, meaning quick and limitless retakes, if need be. No wasted shots, in other words.
- Much more capacity. Digital photography relies on SD cards to hold images, which, depending on which ones you get, can hold hundreds of photos.
- Teasers. Digital photography allows for quicker access, and during post-production, many photographers will allow their couples one or two ‘teasers’ while they wait for the final results.
- Less production costs. SD cards and less lighting setups mean less expenses.
- No dark room/print lab required.
- Easy uploads to social media.
Cons of Digital Photography
- Digital photography allows for a higher level of inconsistencies, which may mean reshoots, which can take up precious celebration time for the couple, and may mean your dream ‘spontaneity shot’ is compromised by lower quality or weird lighting.
- Zoomed in shots will appear noticeably pixelated.
- You are at the mercy of your battery life!
- Data loss can result in loss of images.
- Potentially a longer wait time for the final results, depending on how many images the couple is expecting and how much post-production is required.
Film Photographer in Scotland
Irrespective of whether you favour digital or film photography for your big day, if you’re planning on a Scotland wedding or elopement, I offer an array of photography options (including engagement photoshoots!) in and around Scotland.
Whether you’re planning an all-out 200+ guest affair, or something more intimate, like an elopement or micro-wedding – no nuptial is too big or small for me.
To get access to my wedding photography pricing, simply submit a few short details for more info.
Wedding Photography on Film - Elopement Packages
As well as wedding photography in Scotland, I also offer several all-inclusive elopement planning packages to take the stress out of planning your special day – this also includes photography, just FYI!
Here’s what’s on offer:
The GLENCOE Elopement Package
Glencoe is one of the most mystical and otherworldly places in Scotland, and this package allows you to enjoy a magical day with misty mountain backdrops and gorgeous hues.
What’s included:
- Outdoor ceremony in Glencoe
- 3 hours of wedding photography coverage
- Print-quality digital photos in an online gallery
- Hair and makeup for one person
- Seasonal flowers for two
- Celebrant/humanist to conduct your ceremony
Photography by Wildling Weddings
The ISLE OF SKYE Elopement Package
The Isle of Skye has no shortage of incredible outdoor locations to say your vows in, so why not spirit yourselves away to some of the most beautiful mountain ranges Scotland has to offer?
What’s included:
- Outdoor ceremony on the Isle of Skye
- 5 hours of wedding photography coverage
- Print-quality digital photos in an online gallery
- Hair and makeup for one person
- Flowers for two
- Celebrant/humanist to conduct your ceremony
Photography by Wildling Weddings
The EDINBURGH Elopement Package
Say your vows in one of the most historical and culturally rich cities in the world and indulge in the vibrancy and energy of Scotland’s capital.
What’s included:
- Outdoor ceremony in Edinburgh (choice of 4 locations*)
- 3 hours of wedding photography coverage
- Print-quality digital photos in an online gallery
- Hair and makeup for one person
- Flowers for two
- Celebrant/humanist to conduct your ceremony
- Transport***
**** more details on my website.
Photography by Wildling Weddings
The LOCHNELL ESTATE Elopement Package
This stunning and secluded venue sits on the peninsula of Argyll’s spectacular western coast and is the perfect setting to celebrate your special day in style and luxury.
What’s included:
- Exclusive Use of Lochnell Estate and Grounds for Ceremony and Photos
- 3-Night Stay at The Croft Collective
- Welcome Hamper with Local Goodies
- 5 Hours of Photography Coverage by Wildling Weddings
- Hair and Makeup for 1
- Seasonal Flowers for 2
- Celebrant to Conduct Your Ceremony
The ROSEATE EDINBURGH Elopement Package
Those wanting a 5-star city experience to celebrate their unity can do so in refined comfort at The Roseate Edinburgh, a luxurious retreat in the Edinburgh West End.
Set across two heritage Victorian townhouses, it offers a seamless blend of timeless charm and modern luxury, perfect for a memorable stay.
- Three-night stay in the Roseate Suite with breakfast for two
- Ceremony at the Roseate Club Privé Conservatory or a choice of four outdoor locations in Edinburgh
- Three hours of photography coverage by Wildling Weddings
- Use of hotel grounds & gardens for bespoke photography
- Hair and makeup for one
- Seasonal flowers for two
- Celebrant to conduct your ceremony
- Transportation within Edinburgh on your wedding day
- Wedding breakfast with a bottle of champagne at the Roseate
- Afternoon tea at the Club Privé Conservatory (on the day after your wedding)
- White table linen
- A dedicated wedding coordinator
- Print-quality digital photos in an online gallery (colour & black and white)
Access All-Inclusive Scotland Elopement Package Pricing & Brochure can be found here.
FAQ
In layman’s terms, film wedding photography is the ‘old school’ way of doing things; it involves a traditional film camera (such as a 35mm or a medium format camera) as opposed to a modern digital camera.
While film photography never really went away and is often favoured by so many photographers for its authentic, traditional results and methods of processing, there has definitely been something of a resurrection, especially in the wedding photography industry.
As well as the nostalgic element, film photography provides more tangible results, as well as a grainy, rustic aesthetic, which many photographers (and couples) favour.
PIN Film Wedding Photography
