Even the world’s best photographers are going to have a hard time creating a light and airy feel in the dark. Whether it’s a windowless ballroom or an outdoor reception at night, they can only do so much with what they’re given. Because of this, it’s important to study how potential photographers handle lack of light. Consider what the light will look like at your venue throughout the day, and ask your photographer how they would handle that kind of lighting. Look at an entire album, and see how they photograph and edit once the sun goes down, and make sure you love that part of their work, too.
Photo by Jen Huang Photography, LBB
In addition to a photographer’s approach and image editing techniques, there is another major factor that affects their overall style: the type of equipment. When digital cameras hit the scene, the whole wide world—previously captured in all its glory on film—took a bit of 180°. Darkrooms were replaced by Lightroom, Photoshop, DSLR’s, computers, memory sticks and flash drives! The ease, speed, and the vast improvement in low light photos turned the profession upside down, and many photographers began to shoot digitally. However in recent years, film has made a comeback—particularly in the wedding world. And we are SO here for it!
Each format has its own strengths, drawbacks, overall characteristics, and learning even a little bit more about the topic would encompass a whole other guide! The important thing is to determine what style of images you personally like the best. Many of the most acclaimed photographers now shoot in a hybrid style—meaning both digital and film—and know which camera will work best in each setting, especially as the light changes.
Photo by Blue Rose Photography, LBB
Armed with high-quality digital cameras, a variety of lenses, and other camera gear, digital photographers can capture your day in crisp clarity. Digital photographers are able to see images right after they take them, and can take and store thousands of photos on one memory card. This leaves a lot of flexibility and room for play, because things can be reviewed and adjusted as you go.
While digital has a look of its own, we are seeing more and more digital photographers shoot and edit in a way that mimics film photography. By introducing more grain, softening colors, and creating the dreamy, blurred backgrounds with different lenses, they can achieve the romance and character of film.
Photo by C & C Photography, LBB
Film photography uses film-based cameras—you know, the kind we all used before digital was a thing! Hard to remember, right? Compared to digital, film is more expensive and time-consuming to produce. A roll of film can hold far less photos than a memory card, so each shot has to be taken with special intention and care.
Photo by Jessa Schifilliti, LBB
And because it’s an analog process, there is a lot of patience, artistry, and trust involved for the photographer. Think about it: they can’t see how the photos look until after the film is developed and scanned! Because of this, film photographers tend to charge more for their services compared to a digital equivalent. Film photography brings such an elegant and whimsical character to each shot. It captures light in a romantic, nostalgic way, and film grain adds character and charm. You can really sense the craftsmanship that went into the process.