Reasons to Hire a Film Wedding Photograper

What Is Hybrid Digital / Film Wedding Photography?


It’s simply the idea of a wedding photographer mixing analogue film with digital photography on a wedding day.

But why use any film at all when digital cameras are so incredibly capable? The digital format is malleable to an absurd degree. The data captured by a modern full-frame sensor is monstrous. You can do anything with it—add sprocket frames, light leaks, dust specks, simulate expired film stock, all in post-production.

But just because you can do all those things, doesn’t mean you should. Which light leak? Which dust speck? Which faux film grain and why? The choices are endless. It can be unmooring. And in the end, the thing that is so heart-stoppingly beautiful about your own wedding photos is that they are a true document of the people you love the most in the world, and their convergence to celebrate the formation of your new family.

My digital cameras can fire off 20 frames per second. A wedding day might last nine hours.
Nine hours × 60 minutes × 60 seconds × 20 frames = 648,000 potential images.
Yes, it’s an exaggeration—but the point stands. The sheer volume of data is overwhelming. Choosing between all those moments—big and small, sweeping and intimate—is a responsibility. Decision fatigue is real, especially in our data-saturated era.

At once, film changes the paradigm. It slows everything down: the focusing, the composing, the timing of the shutter press, the winding of the film, the reloading of the roll. Each photograph develops a striking gravity as a result of the time and space that fills in all around it. A film photograph is afforded the room to breathe. It demands to be embraced just as it is, gorgeous imperfections and all.

This isn’t to celebrate missed focus or camera shake per se, a photograph can be authentic without those particular imperfections. The chemical reaction, the baked-in color science of each film stock, the unpredictable magic of light playing over photosensitive emulsion—it’s all so much more forgivable. So much more lovable.

Digital photography cannot afford that luxury. A digital photograph is always the result of a series of decisions. And because of digital photography’s deep malleability—its uncanny ability to see in the dark, to be anything you want it to be—its mistakes can feel unforgivable.

The problem with digital photography is that its perfection is often too perfect.

And yet, there are very real limits to what can be achieved with analogue film photography. Film is in love with light. It’s like bougainvillea craning its neck towards the sun. Stuck in a dark place, it wilts, it loses all color and fidelity. Digital is agnostic when it comes to the sun. Digital can find happiness in the nooks and crannies of a restaurant, under bistro lights, even with just moonlight as a companion. 

Digital is a gossip. It immediately tells you when you have burned the highlights. Even before you press the shutter, an onlooker may gasp at what they see on the rear screen of your camera. This immediate feedback can lead to some show-stopping files. This feedback is wildly advantageous for flash photography.

Flash, which is necessary at the great majority of wedding receptions, is at least 20 times easier to master in digital photography as a result of the instant feedback on the camera’s rear screen. I do not recommend hiring an all film photographer for a wedding that includes many hours of nighttime reception. There might be film wedding photographers who are masters of flash, but they are rarer than a lizard reciting Neruda. 

The lightning speed of contemporary autofocus and FPS (frames per second) from a digital camera body can make capturing action delightfully easy. Children are particularly tricky to photograph on film. I know from deep experience with my own children. They move quickly and with remarkable unpredictability and thus, you need at least one or two phds to fully master manual focus while photographing children. Often it is exactly the speed of digital photography that allows me to react quickly enough to tell the myriad small and lovely stories that unfold on a wedding day.

Which of my clients respond to my analogue film work and why?

Some of my clients are avid film photographers themselves. They love documenting their daily life with a point and shoot, and then delight at reliving their days months later when they process the film. Some of my clients are serious about using a large format camera to precisely photograph architecture. To them, it feels natural and meaningful to have a professional photographer use film to document their wedding.

Some of my clients know very little about analogue film cameras, and haven’t used a film camera, but they understand the appeal. It feels like an entry into an appealing world that they are beginning to understand little by little. Maybe they have an Instax, and they love the chemical nature of photographing a friend’s birthday, and the late-night hijinks that follow.

Others are drawn to film for its emotional resonance. They aren’t interested in technical specs, but they respond instinctively to the look and feel. They can’t always put it into words, but something about the softness, the grain, the imperfect magic of film makes them feel something they don’t get from digital. It reminds them of old family photo albums, or the grainy candids of their parents’ wedding. It’s not nostalgia exactly—it’s texture. Soul.

Then there are the aesthetes. These are the clients who treat their wedding as an opportunity to make something beautiful—deeply, personally beautiful. They appreciate the way different film stocks respond to color and light, even if they don’t know the names of those stocks. They recognize when something looks elevated, painterly, cinematic. They care about detail. They choose handmade paper for their invitations. They select flowers for their shape and tone. For them, film is another way to build intentionality into the day.

Finally, some clients are simply romantics. They believe in slowing down. They write love letters. They collect records. They like the idea that film can’t be checked on the back of a camera—that it asks you to trust the moment, to move forward without seeing the result. When they see a medium-format portrait of themselves, composed and luminous, it feels like seeing their love through a different lens—one that says: this mattered.


A Colorful Park Winters Wedding

Sam and Skye’s wedding at Park Winters was like stepping into an Alice in Wonderland dream world. A vibrant, whimsical, and joy-filled event where every detail was infused with color, creativity, and personality.

From the moment guests arrived, Park Winters set the tone. With its lush English gardens, Victorian inn, and secret-garden atmosphere, it felt like we had been transported into a hidden world of romance and charm. Skye, a designer by trade, contributed her expertise and eye to the day’s aesthetics, and Taylor Rae’s planning brought every colorful vision to life.

Steeped in history, Park Winters is a five-star country estate nestled amidst the verdant farmlands of Northern California. Originally built in the late 19th century, its grand Victorian inn has been carefully restored to preserve its original architectural charm. The main inn boasts tall ceilings, intricate plaster moldings, stained glass windows, and wainscoting. The property features formal gardens, a chic event barn, and a wraparound porch.

The decor choices for Sam and Skye’s wedding were bold and playful—bright florals in shades of pink and pastels, retro keychain table finders that doubled as fun keepsakes, and table numbers painted onto vintage books. It was a wedding that didn’t just embrace color; it celebrated it.

One of the most memorable and meaningful design elements was the stationery, which Skye designed herself. Each piece was produced with exquisite letterpress detail: the invitation itself, a “bus ticket” packed with wedding details, and a card catalogue-inspired insert that charmingly outlined their love story. The save-the-date bookmark included a delicate ribbon, and the entire suite arrived in an envelope adorned with large-scale, beautifully flourished calligraphy across its face—marrying storytelling with design and setting the tone for the day well before guests arrived.

The groom and his groomsmen embraced a beach-casual vibe, opting to forgo ties, while his golden bee cufflinks added a charming, regional touch—a fitting choice for a wedding surrounded by thousands of acres of farmland in California’s Central Valley. Guests leaned into the theme, too, with floral patterns appearing throughout the crowd.

Skye’s dress was ethereal and delicate, with a bodice of hydrangea-esque applique and detailed bead work that sparkled in the sunlight. The soft tulle skirt was echoed in the shoulder ties and her bridesmaids hair bows. 

The ceremony took place in the late afternoon, with the sun hovering just behind the grand Victorian inn, casting golden sunbursts over the couple. Guests, encouraged to wear formal garden attire with an emphasis on color, contrasted beautifully with the lush landscape.

During cocktail hour, guests mingled at the outdoor bar under the shade of early fall maples. Conversation starter cards encouraged lively interactions, and lawn games—including a particularly photogenic, colorful croquet set—kept the energy light and fun.

Dinner was an experience all its own. A pair of long banquet tables stretched beneath the bistro lights, creating an intimate yet festive atmosphere. At each place setting, guests found a personalized card and colorful Christmas cracker—a nod to a beloved holiday tradition shared by both Sam and Skye. At the beginning of dinner, Sam and Skye asked everyone to cross their arms, grasping one side of a Christmas cracker while their neighbor grasped the other. As the crackers popped, revealing colorful paper crowns, the entire evening took on an even more whimsical, party-like quality. Fresh fruit adorned the table, and Grandpa may or may not have sneaked a few bites of the juicy, unsuspecting cantaloupe.

As the sun dipped lower, the magic continued. The reception space, with its lofted roof and dramatic lighting fixture, turned into a lively dance hall. A particularly enthusiastic moment saw Sam dancing so hard his pants ripped—a testament to just how much joy filled the night. Outside, guests lounged by the fire pit on a grand sectional couch near the dance hall.

Park Winters provided the perfect canvas for this unforgettable day. Whether wandering through the groomed gardens or discovering a hidden pomegranate tree, guests felt like they were part of something truly special.

Photography: Hazel Photo

Planner: Taylor Rae Weddings

Venue & Catering: Park Winters

Florals: Bellevue Floral

DJ: Brandon Beach Sound

Rentals: Bright Event Rentals, Blossom Farm Rentals

Hair & Makeup : Santa Rosa Powder Room

Cake: Flour & Bloom

Transportation: Beau Transportation


Gallery 308 Wedding

Camille and Dane’s wedding day started at Gallery 308 with a lei exchange—an easygoing, thoughtful way to begin. From there, we headed up to the park above Fort Mason for portraits. The hill was unexpectedly covered in wildflowers, a welcome surprise that made the setting even more picturesque. The sun was shining, the Bay looked incredible, and Fort Mason’s terracotta roof tiles really popped. We captured some great moments among the cypress trees, featuring a mix of couples and elders, before heading back down to the venue.

Camille had designed a portrait for the welcome signage, setting the tone for a day that was both personal and stylish. Inside, bright sunlight streamed through the huge windows, illuminating banquet tables adorned with bud vases of brightly colored tulips and ranunculus, and filling the room with warmth. There were silly kids running around, a relaxed vibe, and a lively atmosphere.

A friend officiated the ceremony, the processional had its own quirky energy, and the whole evening felt effortless in the best way. One highlight was the Slivovitz toast—a Serbian tradition featuring a strong plum brandy that plays a central role in major life events. A nod to heritage and a solid way to keep the party going. Also keeping the party going was the delicious dinner catered by Ken Tsang – an Asian fusion spread that fueled everyone.

One of my favorite moments was running out to the end of the dock for sunset portraits. It was windy, the sunset stunning, and Camille’s white loafers (paired with white slacks and a tank top) were a fashion move I fully support. The sea lions outside near Pier 39 barked with their messages of congratulations.

I captured the day on a mix of digital and film, including Kodak Gold 200 and HP4, which really suited the easygoing yet vibrant feel of the day. It was laid-back, full of love, and a beautiful celebration of a very special love. 

Venue: Fort Mason Gallery 308

Planner: Weddings By Aimée

Floral: Blue Moon Blooms

Catering: Chef Ken Tsang

DJ: Julian Mocine-Mcqueen


2024 Weddings Year-In-Review

2024 was an excellent year for my family and my tiny business.

I started the wedding season early at the end of January with a wedding in the redwoods in Marin .

Then my wife and I traveled to New Orleans for Mardi Gras (with the kids!)

When we returned in mid-February, I photographed a wedding at San Francisco City Hall with a reception at a secret club with a secret green room hidden behind a bookcase/door that automatically swung open when you waved your hand above the bald head of a brass bust of Winston Churchill…

The rest of the play-by-play from all 12 months of exploring family dynamics, forests, and gorgeous architecture, follows after the photos. (with shoutouts to co-conspirators)

I don’t get much time to reflect when the wedding season is in full swing… but by the time January rolls around, I can come up for air and think back on the year.

In retrospect, I find it striking that I took a vacation from photographing weddings, to go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and party for a week straight. (Which is, of course, a completely different animal with a four-year-old and one-year-old in tow.)

One of the reasons I became a wedding photographer is because I love parties! I met my wife, Addie, at a pair of parties in the span of a week. By the end of the 2nd party I had fallen in love. While I was swimming laps the other day I had a wonderful thought whilst underwater, “What if I had met Addie at a wedding? I’m certain it would have only taken that one big party for me to fall in love.”

And now for a few of my favorite photos from 2024:

Late in February, I headed down to Big Sur for a gorgeous, intimate wedding, with the majestic blue of the Pacific for a backdrop.

In March we headed down to LA to visit with old friends. We learned how obsessed the four-year-old is with Easter egg hunts. Then we learned why Venice Beach is called Venice, as we explored the canals.

April was packed. I began by exploring the lovely Falkirk Cultural Center in San Rafael, a mansion on a hilltop with an exquisite wall of stained glass running up the grand staircase. This wedding was on the intimate side. Beth of Sassy Diva Designs & Events crafted florals and kept things running smoothly.

Weddings brought me back to a pair of venues I had explored previously: Gallery 308, in the City, with its glorious wall of French windows looking out on the Marina, and the sea lions lazing in the sun. Aimée of Weddings by Aimée worked her magic. Next I traveled to Stanly Ranch up in Napa for a black tie affair with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and one of the best wedding bands I have ever experienced. Catherine of “Big Day Of” knows Stanly Ranch like the back of her hand, and was a pleasure to work with.

My May began with an intimate wedding at the Moon Viewing Garden in the San Francisco Botanical Gardens, and continued with an engagement session in Golden Gate Park.

In mid-May I completed an experimental project I had been bandying about in my head for a while. I met an engaged couple at a diner in Berkeley at 7:00am where we began our engagement session with coffee and breakfast, and then… we made photographs, with only short breaks, for a full 24 hours. We finished the session at 7:00am with coffee and breakfast the following day. Olivia & Stu are legends for enduring all 24 hours with me.

At the end of month, I headed down to the Peninsula to photograph a wedding at Valley Presbyterian with a stunning floor-to-ceiling A-frame window that looked out on a redwood grove.

I started June with a double-header: First a return to Healdsburg for a wedding at the delightfully quirky/delicious/romantic Barndiva designed by the uber talented Carrie, of Boheme Events, followed by a raucous Jewish wedding in West Berkeley which was full of familiar faces from weddings past.

In mid-June I photographed a pair of engagement sessions: one at the Palace of Fine Arts at sunrise (we had the place to ourselves,) and one at Sutro Baths at sunset. I closed out June with a wedding at Radonich Ranch in the Santa Cruz mountains. The wedding was billed as an Italian Garden Party, and sent me on a kick listening to Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Buddy Greco, et al.

July brought me to Muir Beach for an engagement session, out to Walnut Creek for a wedding at The Gardens at Heather Farms, down to The Santa Cruz Mountains for an engagement session, back to San Francisco City Hall for an elopement, back to Sutro Baths for an engagement session (but foggy and moody this time,) to Oakland for an absolutely classic Bar/Redwoods engagement session, and back to San Francisco City Hall & Coqueta for a wedding.

We spent the first half of August visiting with grandparents on the Jersey Shore and eating ice cream every night, followed by a visit with dear old friends in Montreal.

When we returned to California, I headed up to the Haven at Tomales for a-bash-of-a-wedding expertly planned by Nicole Taylor Events and headlined by the inimitable La Doña.

September came fast and furious. I was reunited with Olivia & Stu, of 24-hour engagement session fame, at the Lodge at the Marconi Center, a brand new venue on the hill looking out over Tomales Bay.

Next I returned to Falkirk Cultural Center for an intimate wedding followed by a reception at the Academy SF.

Then out to American Canyon for an engagement session amongst golden grasses, which always remind me of the film, Days of Heaven.

Then I drove farther east to Park Winters, a wedding venue tucked away on a back road near Davis. The wedding at Park Winters was perfectly planned by Taylor Rae with many elements designed by Skye Foster, the bride. I was particularly taken by the Christmas crackers that popped open to reveal multi-color paper crowns.

And then back to the City for a return to the Presidio for a wedding with a ceremony at the brand new Tunnel Tops park followed by a reception at the Presidio officers club.

I closed out September with a return to West Marin for a wedding on a family property on a hillside, followed by dinner at Saltwater Oyster Depot. The couple met in radio, and crafted podcast-style vows that they broadcast for guests during the ceremony. I did cry right into my camera’s viewfinder while I continued to make photographs through the ceremony.

October began with ice cream cones in Cole Valley, followed by a mad dash to Ocean Beach for a delirious golden sunset engagement session.

In mid-October I photographed a daytime wedding steeped in family history. At the end of the day I brought the couple up to Tank Hill to take in the setting sun.

In late October I photographed a backyard wedding ceremony and tea ceremony in North Berkeley followed by an al fresco paella feast on long banquet tables in West Berkeley.

My wedding season wrapped up in early November, first with a visit to San Francisco City Hall, followed by an exceptionally intimate full wedding day at Beltane Ranch, a venue in the Sonoma Valley that has become an old friend over the years. Samar of Blissful Events orchestrated a particularly seamless and beautiful day.

My final wedding of the year was at the James Leary Flood Mansion, up on the top of Pacific Heights with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The mansion is now used as a school. I loved how a wedding fit into the building, with a wedding dress hanging from bookshelves in the school library and a hopscotch board underfoot at cocktail hour. Sachi & Maja designed wonderful full tablecapes, and were instrumental in making the day come together.

November & December were taken up with a mountain of editing, and plenty of time with the kids: throwing fall leaves, stomping in puddles, and riding the steam train in Tilden Park. We taught the four-year-old to read and to ride a pedal bike. The 1-year-old was both soft and bossy, so we squeezed him up and listened attentively to his orders.

Each Christmas my family prepares a feast of seven fishes. In 2024, we made ceviche, tacos, and caldo de pescado including: red shrimp, tilapia, mahi mahi, rock cod, black cod, clams, and mussels. 

What will 2025 hold? We shall see! More travels, more kiddo milestones, more explorations of new venues, many returns to familiar friends. Hopefully some new unexpected collaborations that push at the edges of wedding work, and burst into the realm of art… Thanks for sticking with me, if you made it this far.

Some of the collaborators and venues:
Falkirk Cultural Center / Sassy Diva Designs & Events / Gallery 308 / Weddings by Aimée / Stanly Ranch / Big Day Of / Moon Viewing Garden / Valley Presbyterian / Barndiva / Boheme Events / Palace of Fine Arts / Radonich Ranch / The Gardens at Heather Farms / San Francisco City Hall / Coqueta / Haven at Tomales / Nicole Taylor Events / La Doña / Lodge at the Marconi / Academy SF / Park Winters / Taylor Rae Weddings / James Leary Flood Mansion / Sachi & Maja


Wedding Photography Style Quiz

Find Your Wedding Photography Style

You're just 15 questions away from discovering a little bit more about what you want. Trust your instinct and click away!

1 / 20

Which photo captures your heart, brings you back to the moment, and turns on the waterworks?

2 / 20

Where do you want to say "I do"?

3 / 20

How do you hope to feel during your 'just married' moment?

4 / 20

It's cocktail time, which hor d'oeuvre are you going to devour first?

5 / 20

Funky and weird to classic and timeless - what are your dream wedding day vibes?

6 / 20

Which style of wedding couple portrait speaks to you the most?

7 / 20

Which bouquet will you obsess over and press?

8 / 20

Which reception activity are you running to first?

9 / 20

Who’s in your ultimate wedding entourage?

10 / 20

Which one is going on the grid?

11 / 20

What's your aesthetic for wedding photo edits?

12 / 20

You MUST eat the whole cake or the ceremony is cancelled, which do you choose?

13 / 20

Which of these wedding photo scenarios appeals to you the most?

14 / 20

Which picture-perfect moment will you gift to the in-laws?

15 / 20

It's 11pm and the party is ending, where do you head from here?

16 / 20

Which wedding favor is your aunt most likely to stealthily slip a few more of into her handbag?

17 / 20

Pick your honeymoon POV. 

18 / 20

Which wedding dress style makes your heart flutter?

19 / 20

Which dance floor moment are you most excited for?

20 / 20

Which wedding day detail are you most excited to capture?


Mill Valley Community Center Wedding

I’ve had the honor of shooting several weddings at Mill Valley Community Center, some paired with ceremonies at the nearby Old Mill Park. These venues offer a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and modern amenities along with great value and accessibility.

The Mill Valley Community Center

The Mill Valley Community Center is a modern, versatile venue that caters to weddings of various sizes and styles. Opened in 2001, the center is designed with a contemporary aesthetic that complements the surrounding natural landscape. The center features a spacious event hall with high ceilings and large windows that offer stunning views of Mount Tamalpais and the nearby redwoods. This hall can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated dinner, making it ideal for large celebrations.

In addition to the main event hall, the Community Center boasts several smaller rooms that can be used for more intimate gatherings or as breakout spaces for various wedding activities. The venue also includes a professional-grade kitchen, allowing caterers to prepare and serve gourmet meals on-site.

One of the standout features of the Mill Valley Community Center is the outdoor patio area. This space can host the wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or dinner, while providing a serene atmosphere with the sounds of the adjacent creek and the scent of the towering redwoods. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces at the Community Center ensures that couples have flexibility in planning their wedding day, regardless of the weather.

Your Special Day in Mill Valley

The Mill Valley Community Center provides the convenience of modern facilities alongside the charm of historic natural settings. Guests or the wedding party can easily stay in the nearby Mill Valley Inn, which also is among the redwoods and photographs beautifully. There are plenty of fantastic eateries in the area (a local favorite is Sol Food for Puerto Rican!). Even better, being in this area positions you for fantastic sunset photoshoots in the hills, whether it be from a lookout point at Muir Beach to Mt. Tam, the options are endless. Be sure to check out what the Mill Valley Community Center has to offer for wedding events!

Venue: Mill Valley Community Center

The following vendors are associated with the first couple pictured.

Coordination: Tiffany Won

Catering: Cater Marin

DJ: Heart of Gold

Sommelier: Andy’s Local Market

Lighting: Marin Event Lighting

Florist: Jeffie Khalsa


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