When Madison & Brandon inquired for their Washington DC engagement session they knew they wanted their portraits captured on vintage 35mm film. And all I could say is HECK YES!
So … what is 35mm film anyway?
35mm film is the original way photography was done before digital cameras took over. Instead of shooting on a memory card where you can take literally thousands of images and see them instantly, film is shot on actual rolls of physical film. Each roll has a limited number of frames, usually 24 or 36 exposures, which forces you to slow down and be more intentional.
There’s no screen to check while you’re shooting. No quick retakes. No immediate feedback.
Once a roll is finished then the film gets carefully developed and scanned before you ever see the images. This detailed process is what creates the look so many people, myself included, are absolutely obsessed with: soft color, subtle grain and a kind of depth that feels a little more emotional and less “perfect” in a digital sense.
My Approach to 35mm Film Photography
But for me, what makes film really special isn’t just how it looks. It’s how it changes the pace of a session.
With digital, there’s a rhythm of shooting more freely and adjusting as you go. With film, I’m a lot more intentional with timing, light, and movement. I’m paying attention to small shifts instead of rapid-fire shooting.
I don’t treat film like an “add-on aesthetic” even though, let’s be real, that’s exactly what it is! It’s a different way of seeing portraits. The raw, unfiltered beauty.
How to style your outfits
Film is really sensitive to tone, texture, and movement which means outfits make a huge difference in the way your images feel.
Madison & Brandon leaned into timeless, luxury neutral styling that matched the architecture and the overall mood of the the National Cathederal. The goal is always to complement the location and not compete with it.
A few things I always recommend for film sessions:
- Stick to soft, neutral tones (creams, muted earth tones, soft blacks)
- Avoid super bold patterns or neon colors
- Choose fabrics that move naturally (linen, silk, cotton, wool textures)
- Keep things simple and timeless rather than overly trendy
- Make sure you feel comfortable; film captures subtle expression really well, so how you feel matters more than anything
Location matters
We met at the Washington National Cathedral, which is one of my absolute favorite places in DC for engagement sessions. It has such a timeless, romantic feel to it already and film just amplifies that in the best way. And it’s a testament to how much a location impacts the entire vibe, and thus results, of a film portraits.
Choosing a location like the Cathedral that already carries so much visual weight on its own (the architecture and variety of scenery options) allows film to really thrive. It responds really well to soft natural light, open space and environments that already feel intentional without being over-styled.
Interested in adding 35mm film to your upcoming session?
Contact me for more information including your very own film-only session!
