film, film, film and more film.
Why I Choose Film: How I Pick the Perfect Film Stock for Each Shoot
As a digital + film photographer who leans into romantic, moody, and emotionally rich imagery, film photography isn’t just a choice—it’s a rhythm, a way of seeing the world. Whether I’m shooting a brand’s lifestyle campaign, a couple’s intimate engagement session, or documenting a full weekend wedding coverage, I always consider which film stock will best support the feeling, tone, and light of the moment.
In this post, I’m sharing how I choose the right film for different types of photoshoots—and giving some love to my absolute favorite stocks: Fuji All Occasion, Kodak Gold, and Kodak Color Plus.
The Heart of Film Photography: Emotion, Texture, and Timing
There’s something irreplaceable about analog photography. The grain, the tones, the way it reacts to light—all of it plays into what I love most: emotional storytelling photos with a documentary-style edge. Film slows me down. It forces presence. And it gives me candid photography that feels unfiltered and human, full of warmth and quiet magic.
That’s why I bring film to almost every photoshoot I do, whether I’m shooting lifestyle photography for a brand, candid portrait photography for families, or heartfelt moments across a wedding weekend.
Choosing the Right Film for the Right Story
When it comes to selecting film, I think in mood and light first—then tone, grain, and color profile. Here’s a peek into how I approach it:
✦ Fuji All Occasion
Fuji’s consumer film has this soft, muted palette that’s perfect for moody, overcast shoots or golden hour magic. I love using Fuji All Occasion for portrait photography in natural light, especially when I want creamy skin tones and soft greens. It’s my go-to for slower-paced, romantic sessions where I want a more painterly feel.
Great for:
Romantic couple shoots
Foggy or overcast days
Outdoor lifestyle photography
✦ Kodak Gold
Kodak Gold is warm, vibrant, and a little nostalgic. I reach for it when I want glowing skin, rich colors, and a bit of retro magic. It’s incredible for weekend wedding coverage when you want that touch of timeless charm that only analog photography can bring.
Great for:
Backyard or countryside weddings
Brand photography with a vintage vibe
Sunny-day lifestyle sessions
✦ Kodak Color Plus
This is the sleeper hit of the Kodak line—affordable, consistent, and full of character. It leans slightly cooler than Gold, but still gives me that signature Kodak warmth. I use it when I want candid photography with a little edge: real, raw, and full of soul.
Great for:
Urban or indoor shoots
Documentary-style photography
Everyday portrait sessions
Why I Mix Film with Digital
I often blend digital and film photography within the same session to give clients both the versatility of digital and the magic of film. The contrast between the crispness of digital and the softness of film tells a richer, fuller story—whether I’m documenting a wedding weekend or capturing visual branding for a small business.
Final Thoughts: Film as a Creative Partner
Film photography isn’t just an aesthetic. It’s a way of working that honors emotion, story, and imperfection. As a photographer, I’m always looking for ways to slow down, tune in, and create imagery that feels like memory. Choosing the right film stock is one way I do that—and with Kodak and Fuji in my camera bag, I know I’m set up to capture the kinds of photos that live forever.
If you're looking for a photographer who brings a romantic, candid, documentary-style approach to your brand, portraits, or love story—film in hand—I’d love to connect. Let's make something beautiful.
