weddings on 35mm Film - blending digital and analogue photography on a wedding day – Heather McKay Photography, Scotland, UK

There is something so truly magical about 35mm film photography, and it’s something I get asked about in almost every enquiry. Film has such a gorgeous and nostalgic quality that immerses you back into a memory and just can’t be replicated digitally, and I think that’s why so many couples are falling in love with the idea.

One thing I always get asked is ‘how does it work on the day?’

Combining the organic, imperfect nature of film with the precision of digital is about balance and an artful eye, and is something I love the experience of. Balancing both allows me to curate the most perfect blend of all of the best moments of your wedding day into a collection of immersive, nostalgic images that transport you back to the feeling.

The Beauty of Film

35mm film has a softness and texture that digital simply can’t replicate. The subtle grain, light leaks, and soft contrasts feel more like a memory than a photograph, so it’s something I like to focus on particularly for sentimental details and emotive moments, whether it’s an intimate, private vow or real, gorgeous laughter. Working with film forces me to slow down and be intentional with each frame. Taking an artful eye allows me to consider careful composition and emotion in a single image, freezing a moment as one unique image that cannot be recreated.

The Flexibility of Digital

Digital photography is a blessing, allowing me to capture moments quickly and effortlessly, and adapt to changes in lighting, scene, and atmosphere with ease. Digital cannot be matched for the fast-paced parts of the day, allowing me to capture a series of images in seconds and ensuring every fleeting moment is documented.

How I Blend Both

On your wedding day, I wear both digital and film cameras, allowing to switch between them effortlessly. Using my digital camera as my default ensures every part of your day is documented while film adds that little bit extra magic. Once I’ve taken the digital image, I take one on film – this approach ensures every analogue image is backed up by a digital one, so absolutely everything is covered. I love to focus on film to capture those soft, romantic portraits and quiet intimacy, as well as sentimental details, venue styling, and real, soulful emotion throughout your day.

What You Can Expect

Taking this approach ensures every part of your day is documented digitally while extra magic and nostalgia are added through little sprinkles of film. By blending both mediums, you’ll receive a gallery that feels editorial, nostalgic and truly effortless.

If you are as obsessed with 35mm film as I am and dream of an immersive, soulful wedding gallery you can really feel, I’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to chat about blending analogue and digital photography formats to document every gorgeous part of your day.

To hear more about how we can blend digital and 35mm film photography on your wedding day, get in touch to book a call – I'm so excited to hear from you.

Heather xx

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