Wedding Film Photography Tips

Hello everyone,

I think after thinking about this over the last week and pondering all of your gracious and helpful comments, I've decided to shoot digital primarily and offer film as something niche. I like simple analog-esque workflows though, so I'm considering a Fujifilm XT5. Would you all recommend anything else?

Also, why would anyone shoot with a medium format digital camera because with APC or Full-Frame aren't you going to get higher resolution photos than most scans of film anyways? Are medium format digitals just for people who want MASSIVE prints?

Well, that’s an off topic question here, but all I’d say is to limit your investment until you know you are going to be successful. Amateurs buy stuff because it’s cool, pros buy stuff that gets the job done for the least cost.

abruzzi said:

Well, that’s an off topic question here, but all I’d say is to limit your investment until you know you are going to be successful. Amateurs buy stuff because it’s cool, pros buy stuff that gets the job done for the least cost.

Click to expand...

Rental is always an option.

Pieter12 said:

Rental is always an option.

Click to expand...

Great recommendation!

• Also renting allows one to see how a piece of equipment works and handles.
• Often if one decides to later buy the equipment, the rental costs get removed from the price.
• If the equipment is infrequently needed money is saved.
• If it turns out that one does not like that equipment, money is saved and one does not have to selling it.

Salt&Light said:

Hello everyone,

I think after thinking about this over the last week and pondering all of your gracious and helpful comments, I've decided to shoot digital primarily and offer film as something niche. I like simple analog-esque workflows though, so I'm considering a Fujifilm XT5. Would you all recommend anything else?

Also, why would anyone shoot with a medium format digital camera because with APC or Full-Frame aren't you going to get higher resolution photos than most scans of film anyways? Are medium format digitals just for people who want MASSIVE prints?

Click to expand...

Get a Canon 6D Mk1 and a Canon 5Dmk4 used. Shoot with both of those and the EOS 1V. The lenses and workflow will be interchangeable. The 6D and 5D4 are tanks and are every bit as good as the latest cameras on the market.

My workflow is using the 5D4 primarily with the 6D as backup and an EOS camera of some sort for film. I pack an XA in my pocket loaded with 400 speed b&w pushed to 800 and a TLR, generally a Mamya C series with some slower B&W. If I'm feeling snazzy I'll bring a Nikon F2 or F3 with an 85 1.8 or 105 2.5 for portraits. Occasionally I pack something silly like a Pentax Auto 110 or Kiev30 for laughs.

I shot weddings professionally, for 35 years and equipment and photographic knowledge is about 5% and 95% is logistics. (getting people to where you want them, when you want them)

You should be able to load/unload and use your film camera with your eyes closed.
You need to be technically proficient with all your equipment.
You need to appear and act in a professional manner.
You need to know the running order of the wedding day, be it civil/religious service.
You need to work with the couple/people to get the right people in the right place for the right shot

It can all be done very easily, avoiding Bridezilla (basically a bully in a white dress) BUT you need experience.

My suggestion would be to assist/second shooter with a professional.

Take your time and learn the ins and outs of how the whole wedding day scenario works and then when you know it like the back of your hand, then give it a go.

Just my opinion.

Salt&Light said:

Hello everyone,

I think after thinking about this over the last week and pondering all of your gracious and helpful comments, I've decided to shoot digital primarily and offer film as something niche. I like simple analog-esque workflows though, so I'm considering a Fujifilm XT5. Would you all recommend anything else?

Also, why would anyone shoot with a medium format digital camera because with APC or Full-Frame aren't you going to get higher resolution photos than most scans of film anyways? Are medium format digitals just for people who want MASSIVE prints?

Click to expand...

Medium format digital gives you the "medium format" look. full frame and APS-C give you the "35mm look" (full/half frame). Medium format digital is a very expensive proposition still today. Medium format is probably a lot better for low light conditions (e.g., ceremonies without flash) also. If you can afford it, it may set you apart from other wedding photographers. If I had medium format digital, I would want to do more than just weddings (e.g., portraits, studio/commercial, etc.) to recoup the investment.