When you’re looking for a photographer, one thing you may be considering is whether you want to book with a film or digital photographer (you might have even seen the term “hybrid photographer” thrown around).

As a Huntsville, Alabama film photographer, we want every client to be fully informed about how each option will affect their photography experience. The differences can be subtle but still a little daunting.

We’re here to help!

Here are a few things you may want to know as you consider your options…

1. Film photography is a fine art medium

At the heart of a professional film photographer’s work is likely a huge love and respect for the physical process of shooting with film.

This is due to the very high cost of film photography (between $25-$65 per roll) and the very small margin for error (limited number of images per roll).

From the unique texture of grain and the dynamic tonal range, to the process of chemical development and scanning, film photography is an art form, and should be considered a luxury service.

As an Alabama portrait photographer, we pride ourselves in offering the highest quality to our clients, and for us, that begins with film.

2. A slower, more intentional process

A photography session on film necessitates intentionality in every shot.

Because the number of images is limited by each roll of film, your photographer must implement technical and creative expertise for every single image.

Why is this a big deal? It may seem like less images taken at your session = less images in your final gallery, but the reality is that the focus and skill of your film photographer will often create just as many (if not more!) images than the “overshoot” mentality of many digital-only photographers.

(From personal experience, 100 images taken on film often equals 60-80 final images. Years ago working as a digital photographer, I’d expect to take 300-600+ images to walk away with that same 60-80 final images.)

3. Your deliverables will not be negatives

A common misconception about film photography is that clients will receive a roll of negatives–unscanned and inverted. Fortunately, this is not the case! Delivering negatives as a final product would be like ordering a cake and receiving just the flour.

As Huntsville’s luxury film photographer, we invest in high-resolution film scans that will retain the beauty and character of film but in a more flexible format. These premium scans can be enlarged and printed the same way as digitals and can ultimately be used to create the stunning framed wall art & custom printed photo books that our clients love so much.

4. Your images can still be edited

When we get our film scans back from the lab, Robyn retouches each image by hand.

Even though each photo begins as a physical piece of film, scans are their fully digitized versions and can be edited using standard photography software! Distracting objects are removed, crooked horizons are straightened, and colors/tones tweaked to create a beautifully cohesive final gallery.

5. You don’t have to know (or care) about film

This might seem a little counterintuitive, but it’s true!

You’re probably here because you found a photography style you love, found out that it’s “film”, and want to know what that means for your experience. And I’m here to tell you, it doesn’t have to change a single thing!

For clients, the process of working with a film photographer should feel almost identical to a session with a digital photographer, but you’ll receive final images with those unique colors and tones that digital just can’t seem to replicate.

So, there you have it! Film is such a beautiful way to preserve your family’s legacy, and we take so much pride in offering this luxurious service to our clients. :)

If you have any questions about film photography or would like to learn more about booking your own photography session on film, click here to fill out our form.

We’re here to help you preserve your precious memories during each special season of your family’s life through long-lasting, nostalgic images and heirloom artwork for your home!

Click here to contact us for availability!

Click here to see more of our images as an Alabama Film photographer! 

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