Life on film

why film photography might be the best choice for your family photos

Film photos just feel so much more special and romantic, and families deserve to have photos that feel just as special. As a family photographer in Hampshire, and as a mum of two, I am always trying to find the best way to capture every moment in the most beautiful  and authentic way possible so that I can hold onto those moments in time forever. Without a doubt the film photos are my favourite everytime, they feel more like the memories themselves, a bit grainy and imperfect but beautiful as they are. Motherhood, Fatherhood, parenthood, this season is messy, imperfect, everything is moving at a pace so pausing to document it all allows us to make photos and memories into the heirlooms we all hold onto. So here are all the reasons film photos might well be the right choice for your family photos.

What is film photography?

Starting with the basics, film photography is the traditional medium of taking photos. You load the film into the camera and have a limited number of exposures to take, before rewinding the film back and then send the photos off to a lab to be developed. In this digital and fast paced world we are living in with instant gratification the slowness of making film photos is unique in itself. The photos themselves are nostalgic and have a magical effect that is hard to replicate on digital cameras. There is grain and depth, the way the colours and highlights are captured shows differently. You can choose various film stocks depending on the way you like colours and contrast in your photos. I love to shoot with both film and digital but when it comes to capturing my own family the emotional quality of film gets me every time.

I shoot primarily with 35mm film on an SLR camera and also a little point and shoot. Instant film is a lovely way to share the moments with families immediately on the day. Back in the day polaroids were always used before big photoshoots to check the set up before committing to the rolls of film.

As a sentimental being using film feels more emotional and reminds me of vintage family photo albums, which of course I love. It makes those pictures feel all the more precious and timeless.

Why film works so well for families

Film invites a kind of mindfulness with every frame. It encourages us to slow down and truly absorb the story unfolding. This intention deepens the connection between me, the families I work with, and the keepsakes we create turning them into memories they’ll return to for generations. There are usually only 36 frames per roll, so every click counts, allowing us all to be more grounded and present in the moments.

Working with film adds a layer of creativity and the unexpected - just like family life itself! You might get light leaks which add a dreamy quality to the images, you might get a double exposure, you can’t check the back of the camera so you just need to trust in yourself, or your photographer that you captured the moment. 

Experience shooting with film

Before our session we can discuss how many rolls of film we would like to work with. I would suggest starting with one colour and one black and white. We will intentionally capture moments as they unfold, they may not be perfect poses but they will capture the candid slices of life and in between moments that make life so sweet. 

The experience itself will be relaxed as we gently document family life unfolding. We will allow some time for everyone to feel comfortable and at ease, I am just a friend coming by that happens to have a camera (or two!). We can make these photos either at your home or in one of the many beautiful outdoor locations in Hampshire, be that in The New Forest, atop The South Downs, the water meadows of Salisbury and Winchester or down along The South Coast.

Is film photography right for you and your family?

Are you looking to book a family or maternity photo session? Would you like to capture this fleeting moment in time and changes to yourself and family life in an artful way? Then film photography is a beautiful way to capture this time.

If you are concerned about getting enough images then we can make photos with both film and digital but in a world where we have so many options available to us all the time then opting for film can be a good way to stem the overwhelm. Film works with families because it is the unpredictable things that kids do that are special.

An experience that reduces the overwhelm of modern life and allows us to be more present is already pretty lovely for a family, but to have photo keepsakes that feel like heirlooms afterwards makes it all the more magical. 

If you feel called to document this season of your life on film then I would love to hear from you. You can reach me here.