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Film photography has made a massive come back in the past years for professional photographers. With many leading photographers around the world choosing this medium, it’s gained back a lot of popularity, with brides and with photographers.
We asked Emilia of Emilia and Valentin in Copenhagen a few questions about film and digital since they incorporate both into their weddings and elopements.
What are the key differences between film and digital photography in terms of the final images?
Emilia: Film photos are truly one of a kind. You usually get just one shot, not dozens of the same moment. But it’s not just about how it looks. It’s about how it feels. Honest moments, maybe not perfectly sharp or perfectly lit, but full of soul. Every frame tells a story that can’t be repeated. Film reacts to light differently. It has a natural grain, and the colors shift depending on the light and the film stock.
How should couples decide whether film, digital, or a mix of both is the right choice for their wedding?
Emilia: I always offer a mix of digital and film. During the key parts of the day, I focus on my digital camera, but my film camera is always nearby, ready to catch those in-between moments.
I don’t believe film is only for artists, but many of my couples do have a creative side, and I think that’s why film speaks to them. But they should know that film feels different. It captures more than just the perfect poses – it sees the real stuff like the laughs or the messy hair. It brings something raw, imperfect, and honest to your gallery, something no editing or AI can replicate. Just real memories, as they were.
How does the look and feel of film photography compare to digital?
Emilia: Film feels softer, moodier, and a little more imperfect, in the best possible way.
Digital can be beautiful too, but it’s often more polished and sharp, with plenty of options to choose from – like lots of similar shots of the same moment.
With film, it’s usually just one frame – one chance. That’s what makes it so special. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about capturing a moment and a feeling.
Are there certain wedding styles or locations that lend themselves better to film photography?
Emilia: Good light is key in photography in general. But with film, it really makes a difference, whether it’s soft window light indoors or golden light outside. That said, you can create magic anywhere! Full sun, shadows, or even just a flash on a point-and-shoot camera in a dark room. Each has its own cool vibe.
What should couples know about the turnaround time for receiving their images with film vs. digital?
Emilia: A few days after the wedding, I always send over digital highlights so couples can enjoy a little preview.
In the meantime, I send the film to the lab. It usually gets developed and scanned pretty quickly – sometimes it just needs a few small tweaks, and the film gallery could actually be ready within a week!
Still, I like to send the film photos together with the full gallery – it just makes everything feel more complete.
How do film and digital compare in terms of capturing moments quickly, especially in fast-paced parts of the wedding day?
Emilia: Digital is definitely faster, I can shoot a bunch of frames in just seconds. So for fast-moving parts, like the ceremony or confetti moments, I mainly use digital and add some film shots when there’s a moment for that, usually after I’ve already caught something on digital.
Film is slower and more intentional. I prefer to save it for the quieter, more emotional moments. But honestly, it depends on the flow of the day!
Does choosing film photography significantly impact the overall cost?
Emilia: It depends. For longer weddings, especially with 10+ hours and multiple types of film like 35mm and medium format, film can add to the cost. And film rolls, plus lab work aren’t cheap unfortunately.
But for smaller weddings or elopements, it doesn’t have to be a huge expense. Sometimes just one roll of film can be enough to add a little nostalgia to your gallery.
Are there ways to incorporate film photography into a wedding without dramatically increasing the budget?
Emilia: Absolutely. As I mentioned, you can add just one or two rolls of film for those special parts of the day. It adds a subtle, nostalgic touch without going over budget. For elopements, even a single roll can beautifully capture the feel of the day.
What are the risks of using film (e.g., lost rolls, exposure issues), and how do you mitigate them?
Emilia: Film is more delicate, it can get damage or some shots might not turn out how you hoped, like being less sharp or overexposed. It’s important to use tested gear, though even that doesn’t guarantee 100% safety, especially with older cameras that can suddenly fail.
I’ve had a moment in Copenhagen where my manual camera stopped working in the cold. Luckily, I had a backup camera and extra rolls of film with me. Another key thing is working with a trusted, experienced lab for developing. That way, I can ensure the best quality and minimize any issues.
How do you handle backups for film photography compared to digital?
Emilia: I always bring two film cameras with me. I keep the rolls safe until I can get them to the lab as soon as possible. Once scanned, the files are backed up just like my digital photos.
Plus, I keep the negatives stored, which adds another layer of backup. It’s old-school, but reliable.
Have you noticed any trends in couples choosing film over digital?
Emilia: Yes – more and more couples are asking for film. I think people are craving that slower, more meaningful feeling again. In a world full of endless phone photos and AI-generated images, film stands out as real, genuine, and special. It’s not fake or replicated – it’s one-of-a-kind, just like each couple’s story.
What are some reasons past couples have chosen film, and were they happy with their decision?
Emilia: Many told me they loved the nostalgic feeling it gave – like old family albums. It makes their wedding photos feel timeless and personal. They often say it feels more honest and different from digital. And yes – they were always really happy with the decision. They loved having those imperfect, emotional moments captured in a way that feels truly unique.
Meet Your Film Expert
Emilia
From Emilia and Valentin
“I’m Emilia, a Copenhagen photographer, together with my husband, Valentin, we are a creative photo and video duo dedicated to capturing real, heartfelt moments that tell your unique love story.” – Emilia
