Interested in film photos of your own?
I'm happy to be your photographer for your event, whether its a portrait session, graduation, proposal/engagement, commercial/branding project, or wedding.
If you're considering a film photographer for your needs (events), it's likely you're already familiar with the general landscape surrounding the film process. Due to the natural constraints that film is subject to (constraints generally not present when shooting digital) it's important to consider if film is a good fit.
Due to the additional costs associated with purchasing film stocks and developing, expect to invest a little more for your project.
Is my shot list expansive?
Does a film photographer fit my needs?
Move "why film" section from about me page to here- specifically the limitations. Trim it down.
If you've ever shot film yourself, you're familiar with the film v. digital landscape.
In today's age, Digital Photography offers advantages over film in practically every category. High speed, near continuous shooting. Instant image review. Virtually no limit on the number of photos per session. Near-lifelike captures and a host of other strengths. It's no surprise that digital innovation has eclipsed film in many fields and has become the default medium for professional photographers everywhere.
Film is less efficient. It's slow, with developing times ranging from days to weeks if you're sending it to a lab for processing. It's finicky, with the need for light meters and precision manual focus. It's expensive, with costs to both shoot and develop quickly adding up for the casual hobbyist. It's outdated, with even the newest film cameras commonly decades old and without the benefit of years of technological improvements. Every film photographer is familiar with the devastating feeling of developing a roll only to realize its completely blank, or having their favorite camera jam midway through a trip.
Capturing a scene on film can produce some stunning images and timeless keepsakes. That said, shooting film fills a smaller niche than a traditional digital photographer. These images come with inherent tradeoffs that come with the tech. For these reasons, a film photographer
Generating film images comes with inherent tradeoffs compared to digital. These are most pronounced
That's not to say that it doesn't make sense to shoot film! It's simply an alternative medium with different tools that have their own tradeoffs and limitations.
Depending on your needs, a film photographer is best thought of as an add-on rather than a substitute for a digital photographer.
Background about what you can expect:
Booking a film photographer is
comes with certain limitations. Due to (reasons) film fills a smaller niche than digital offerings.
have the digital photographer do the heavy lifting for high volume shots; film second shooter to add the flavor.
Primary shooter or add-on?
If you need a photographer, I want to make sure that your needs are covered.
This really depends on the nature of your event. Wedding? Add-on.
These questions stem from the prerequesite that you're generally familiar with analog images and their background.
Ask yourself:
- Is the venue an event that expects to generate a large number of images across a diverse set of scenes over a long period of time?
- In situations like this (weddings, large events) it's best to fulfill these needs through a digital photographer and consider film as an additional add-on, as film isn't suited for the high-volume capabilities of digital. To cast a wider net. I'll still get those candid shots! There's just a ceiling on how many can be feasibly captured on film.
- How long is the event?
- For something like capturing a surprise engagement, where those candid "money shots" happen within a brief window, film is still a good bet!
- Is the project generally more focused, with an intentional set of images and the capability to slow down and model subjects/stage scenes?
- If so, I can be your guy.
Not sure? Get in touch! I'd be happy to work with you to figure out how I can best fill your film photography needs while ensuring you have all of your bases covered.
How does it work?
Let's say you want to work together to shoot some film photos. Great! I'll work with you to understand the details of the project/event and learn about the look you're trying to achieve. We'll work backwards to hash out details such as a shot list, number of rolls, film stocks, development, and other logistics. Depending on the details, a location scout may be in order. Once we're completely aligned, I'll provide a quote, and you'll submit a deposit that will cover the up-front purchase of the film, developing costs, and a small retainer. I'll then shoot the project or event and oversee development of the film (more below). You'll get your images in 2-4 weeks (and your physical negatives!) at which time you'll fulfill the remainder of the quote. All of my work comes with a money-back guarantee.
Developing options?
A good analog photographer should be able to tell you in detail about how their film is processed. While I have home developing capabilities for low volume and personal projects, a professional lab offers faster turnaround, more consistent results, and higher resolution scans than my setup can achieve. Film will be processed at a trusted local lab- I've been using Colortek of Boston for years and have gotten consistently beautiful results. I've tried other local labs and in my experience Colortek has been a step above.
What is the turnaround time?
You can expect to receive your images back in JPG format within 2-4 weeks. Turnaround time is generally proportional to photo volume.
What are your rates?
Expect to invest a little extra for film. Inquire for rates below.
Do you shoot any digital?
Only for personal projects. I currently don't offer digital photography services in any significant capacity- just film.