Wedding photography of Diana and Nick’s wedding
Film photography is not dead! In fact we still love to shoot on film for our wedding couples. We shoot a mixture of 35mm and 120 film on medium format.
The 35mm camera we used for this wedding was the 1981 Canon AE-1 along with the Canon 28mm 2.8 FD lens and the Canon 50mm 1.4 FD lens. We also partnered this camera with the Canon 188A speedlite for any flash required.
The film we used was Portra 400 rated at 200 on camera and we had our scans are developed at Ikigai Film Lab in Melbourne on the Noritsu scanner.
This vintage SLR has no bells or whistles that modern film cameras have of the 1990’s or 2000’s but it gets the job done with a tonne of nostalgia. No automatic winder, no digital screens, just a simple centre weighted light meter and a challenging rangfinder to focus.
For most of the portraits we use the Sekonic L-358 external lightmeter bulb in to help with the best exposures, especially in tricky conditions.
Using film cameras, especially classic models like the Canon AE-1 , adds a timeless quality to the images that digital can’t quite replicate. Here are some key points and highlights from your experience that could be interesting to your audience:
The Film Photography Experience
- Canon AE-1 with Canon 28mm 2.8 FD and Canon 50mm 1.4 FD Lenses:
- Nostalgic Appeal: The Canon AE-1, introduced in 1981, offers a classic shooting experience that is purely manual, requiring photographers to engage deeply with the photographic process.
- Lens Choices: The 28mm lens provides wide-angle shots perfect for capturing the expansive scenes, while the 50mm lens is excellent for portraits, offering a natural perspective and beautiful bokeh.
- Canon 188A Speedlite:
- Vintage Lighting: This flash unit, contemporary to the AE-1, ensures that even in low light conditions, the photos maintain the vintage aesthetic.
- Sekonic L-358 Lightmeter:
- Precision Exposure: Using an external light meter ensures accurate exposure settings, critical in film photography where post-processing adjustments are limited compared to digital.
Wedding Highlights
- Locations:
- Surry Hills Apartment: Capturing Nick and his groomsmen in a high-rise setting offers modern, urban backdrops.
- The Langham, Millers Point: Diana’s portraits in a luxurious hotel provide elegant and sophisticated settings.
- Centennial Park Ceremony: The outdoor ceremony under sunny skies offers beautiful natural lighting and scenic backgrounds.
- Gunners Barracks, Mosman Reception: The historic and charming venue adds a touch of timeless beauty to the celebration.
- Photographic Challenges and Rewards:
- Manual Focus and Light Metering: Emphasizing the skill and attention required in using manual settings, which result in uniquely crafted images.
- Film Photography Charm: Highlighting the anticipation and excitement of developing film to see the final results, which often have a distinctive look due to the film’s grain and color rendition.
Overall Impression
- Personal Touch: Your commitment to using film photography for weddings shows a dedication to craft and an appreciation for the classic art form of photography. This approach not only captures moments but also tells a story with a nostalgic feel, making the memories even more special for couples like Diana and Nick.
- Sophistication and Style: The choice of locations, coupled with the vintage film photography, underscores the sophistication and style of Diana and Nick’s wedding, making their special day timeless.
