Film Photography
![Lacuna Lofts rooftop wedding ceremony photo shot on Fujifilm 35mm color film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hero-Film-Photography.jpg)
Your Wedding Day captured on Film.
After a 12-year hiatus, I started shooting film again in 2024… and will never look back! I first started learning photography on a film camera: processing and developing my own film in a dark room, and enlarging my own prints. The transition to digital came shortly after, and though it has many advantages, working with film has always been my first photography love! There’s no denying that there’s something so timeless about this vintage medium – it just feels different. Film photography has certainly made a comeback in recent years, and more and more couples are drawn to it for their own weddings.
We are SO excited to officially start offering this service to our couples for wedding and engagement photography. All weddings and sessions will be primarily captured digitally, but for couples who want the nostalgic look of film photography, we GOT you! The idea is to enhance your wedding story with the textures and depth of film photography. One complimentary roll of film is included with every Primary Collection.
FULL DAY COVERAGE
For couples who want a full representation of their wedding day on film. Our goal is for your film gallery to emulate your digital gallery as much as possible, prioritizing portraits and good light. From getting ready and detail shots to the party on the dance floor, we’re excited to tell the story of your day in this way! Full day coverage averages around 10 rolls of film per wedding, and includes a dedicated film photographer for the duration of your scheduled photography time.
color // $3000
black and white // $3500
![Bride's shoes and spring floral bouquet sit on green velvet chair with embroidered veil at Pendry Chicago hotel](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-1.jpg)
![Bride puts on earrings in suite at Pendry Chicago hotel captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-26.jpg)
![Groom gets ready in hotel room at Pendry Chicago captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-52.jpg)
![Happy bride and groom hold hands while walking outside the Carbide and Carbon building in Chicago captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-65.jpg)
![Romantic photo of bride and groom on Chicago bride with flowing veil captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-122.jpg)
![Candid photo of bride and bridesmaids laughing in front of gold doors in downtown Chicago captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-84.jpg)
![Wedding party stands outside Wrigley Building overlooking Chicago River captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-74.jpg)
![Wedding party stands on LaSalle Bridge with downtown Chicago skyline and fog captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-116.jpg)
![Family photo under floral installation at The Arbory Chicago wedding venue captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-132.jpg)
![Bride and groom watch on velvet couch as witness signs their Ketubah in bridal suite at The Arbory Chicago](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-138.jpg)
![Detail photo of Ketubah in bridal suite at Arbory wedding venue before bride and groom sign with witnesses](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-142.jpg)
![Film photo of bride and groom exchanging vows during wedding ceremony at The Arbory Chicago](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-177.jpg)
![Bride and groom hold hands in doorway of The Arbory Chicago wedding venue in front of coral pink floral mural](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-135.jpg)
![Groom looks lovingly at bride during wedding ceremony at The Arbory Chicago](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-167.jpg)
![Bride and groom stand under skylight and string lights during their Arbory Chicago wedding ceremony captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-170.jpg)
![Bride and groom dip and kiss mid-aisle while guests applaud after their Arbory Chicago wedding ceremony captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-195.jpg)
![Film photo of bride and groom feeding each other wedding cake at their Arbory Chicago wedding reception](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-236.jpg)
![Film photo of bride and groom's first dance under string lights at The Arbory Chicago](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-239.jpg)
![Candid photo of bride and groom dancing under string lights during their Arbory Chicago wedding reception captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-252.jpg)
![Bride and groom celebrate with bottle of sparkling wine in front of colorful door mural at The Arbory Chicago](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Arbory-Chicago-wedding-268.jpg)
SINGLE ROLL
Included with all Primary Collections, you have the option to add a single roll of film to any Associate Collection. This is a great option if you’re looking for that vintage vibe in just a select group of photos. Each roll contains 36 frames, but don’t expect them all to turn out perfectly! Single roll film galleries average around 25 frames per wedding, including some blur and other delightful quirks.
Looking for more than just a handful of film photos, but don’t want full day coverage? We can accommodate up to two rolls of film per wedding without a designated film photographer.
color // $500
black and white // $600
![Happy bride stands in front of cabin at Starved Rock State Park elopement captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Starved-Rock-elopement-1.jpg)
![Salt and pepper diamond rings in wooden ring box surrounded by spring florals at Kimpton Gray Hotel in downtown Chicago](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Kimpton-Gray-wedding-2.jpg)
![Black and white minimal style invitation with bridal details for University of Chicago wedding ceremony](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-University-of-Chicago-wedding-3.jpg)
![Bride and groom read vows to each other outside Bond Chapel on University of Chicago campus](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-University-of-Chicago-wedding-8.jpg)
![Two brides stand on spiral staircase at The Rookery Building during their first look before Chicago wedding ceremony](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Rookery-Building-wedding-2.jpg)
![Guests mingle in backyard during dinner at spring Firehouse Chicago wedding reception](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Firehouse-Chicago-wedding-21.jpg)
![Bride and groom stand at altar during Firehouse Chicago garden wedding ceremony with spring florals](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Firehouse-Chicago-wedding-14.jpg)
![Bride and bride stand with colorful florals on Chicago bridge after wedding photos at The Rookery Building](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Rookery-Building-wedding-11.jpg)
![Happy newlyweds smile under colorful floral arch during spring wedding ceremony at Firehouse Chicago](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Firehouse-Chicago-wedding-9.jpg)
![Blurry photo of couple smiling during speeches in outdoor garden at Firehouse Chicago wedding reception captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Firehouse-Chicago-wedding-25.jpg)
![Bride and bride stand in downtown Chicago street in front of Board of Trade Building with spring floral bouquets](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Rookery-Building-wedding-6.jpg)
![Bride and bride kiss in front of colorful I Love You wall at Lacuna Lofts wedding venue](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Lacuna-Lofts-wedding-2.jpg)
![Bride and groom dance in French Canyon at Starved Rock State Park with romantic waterfall after intimate elopement](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Starved-Rock-elopement-23.jpg)
![Bride's sister gives speech while holding toddler and brides sit at head table holding up phone for speaker to read from at Lacuna Lofts wedding reception](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Lacuna-Lofts-wedding-12.jpg)
![Bride and groom hold hands during wedding ceremony at University of Chicago Bond Chapel captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-University-of-Chicago-wedding-13.jpg)
![Just married bride and groom smile with their dogs wearing flower crowns after their Starved Rock State Park elopement](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Starved-Rock-elopement-20.jpg)
![Black and white photo of wedding party in front of evergreen wall at Lurie Garden in downtown Chicago captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Chicago-Library-wedding-13.jpg)
![Romantic black and white photo of bride and groom under veil in downtown Chicago](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Chicago-Library-wedding-22.jpg)
![Romantic photo of couple standing among stacks of books at their Chicago Library wedding captured on black and white film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Chicago-Library-wedding-34.jpg)
![Bride and groom dance with guests during their Chicago Library wedding at 190 S. LaSalle](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-Chicago-Library-wedding-49.jpg)
ENGAGEMENT
Love the film look so much you want it for your engagement photos, too? On the fence about whether to add film for your wedding, and want to try it out during your engagement session first? Obsessed with all things analog and want to see a real film photographer in action?! These are all great reasons to add a single roll of film to your engagement session! Pricing is the same as a single roll for weddings.
![Happy couple smiles while standing on Brooklyn Bridge during their spring New York City engagement session](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-NYC-Brooklyn-engagement-10.jpg)
![Romantic silhouette of couple standing on rocks during DUMBO engagement session with Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge in background](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-NYC-Brooklyn-engagement-13.jpg)
![Romantic photo of couple standing in tiled archway at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park during their spring New York City engagement session](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-NYC-Manhattan-engagement-15.jpg)
![Couple stands in cobblestone street at South Street Seaport in the rain during their spring New York City engagement session](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-NYC-Manhattan-engagement-22.jpg)
![Black and white film engagement photo of couple in archway of Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, New York City](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-NYC-Manhattan-engagement-12.jpg)
![Black and white film photo of couple at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-NYC-Manhattan-engagement-4.jpg)
![Black and white film engagement photo of couple kissing at South Street Seaport in New York City in the rain](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-NYC-Manhattan-engagement-21.jpg)
![Black and white photo of couple looking out at Turtle Pond from Belvedere Castle in Central Park during their NYC engagement session captured on film](https://emullinsphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Film-photography-NYC-Manhattan-engagement-8.jpg)
FAQ
What type of film do you shoot with?
I primarily shoot with Fujifilm Superia (now Fuji 400) for color, and Ilford XP2 for black and white. After much experimentation, I’ve found that these film stocks most closely resemble my digital editing style.
What film cameras do you use?
Right now I’m loving my vintage Canon AE-1, first released in 1976. I also own a Contax T2 point-and-shoot (released 1991), which you may see me carrying around at your wedding! My team shoots on various other film cameras, including Canon F-1, Minolta and Pentax.
Why do you enjoy working with film so much?
I’m so happy you asked! Basically, film is a super fun tool for photography nerds like me who enjoy the process of creating an image. I could go on about the tones, the colors… the fact that film is imperfect by nature. But more than that, shooting film requires a great deal of attention and understanding of how a camera actually works! And – because there are only 36 frames per roll of film, every single image is captured with intention. Of course, this means you can expect some in-between moments, eyes closed, and accidental blur!
All of these things are what make film so unique, raw, and REAL. Not to mention: unlike digital photography, we don’t get to see the photos immediately on the back of our camera. Sometimes it can take up to a week or two to receive scans back from the lab, and you’d better believe I’ll drop everything to look at them as soon as they’re ready!
Do you develop your own film?
Currently I do not develop my own film. I partner with the pros at LATITUDE film lab who do an amazing job, and I trust completely with my negatives.
We’re still deciding on film photography, can I book this service at a later date?
Yes! You can even book a single roll for your engagement session to get an idea of what the process is like. If you LOVE the look of your engagement photos on film, we can add film photography to your wedding collection at any time.
I understand that some imperfection is to be expected when working with film. But what happens if ALL my images turn out blurry?
In the unlikely scenario that every single frame on your roll of film turns out unintentionally blurry (or too dark or too bright, etc.), I will happily refund what you paid for film photography services.
Do I get to keep the negatives?
At this time, we are not offering negatives to our couples. Your film scans will be delivered in the same digital download gallery as your digital photos.
Can I view a sample film gallery?
Of course! We have plenty to share, just ask!