Wedding Editing styles
Something unique we offer our wedding photography clients is the ability to choose your style. For instance, We are true lovers of light and airy lighting with true-to-color editing for a timeless look. Don’t worry — we completely agree that this is the best possible way to remember the joyful feelings you shared on your wedding day. However, some of our clients really enjoy the nostalgic quality that film photography provides.
Because we value eco-friendly, sustainable business practices, we no longer offer film photography. Instead, we offer a comparable, film-like editing style for your wedding day. I am excited to share the differences in style between our traditional edits and film-like edits. But if you would like to learn more about the negative environmental impact, we have a whole blog for you to dive into.
What to know about Film
The secret most film-based photographers don’t like to share: we only take maybe 10% of your wedding photos on our film cameras. The majority are always, always digital photos. The biggest reason is that film photography does not “show” you what the final image will look like. Meaning, many images are out of focus or blown-out. If they are underexposed, you can usually save it. But no one shoots a perfect roll, unfortunately.
The physical film roll is sent away to be processed and digitized for us. From there, we are tweaking those digital files (which contain less editable data and have fewer possible editing corrections). Once you have your edited digitized film scans, we match all our digital RAWs to this lower-quality image. Instead, why not have the best of both worlds?
Film-like editing styles maintain the highest level of quality and RAW editing capabilities while still providing the following stylistic characteristics.
Film-like Editing
Personally, my signature film wedding photography editing style follows many of film’s natural characteristics. Color-wise, I believe in saturating my colors a little more and creating a dynamic light and color range. No matter which you choose, you will have a light and airy style.
What gives film its signature style is its grain and grittiness. This is the speckled-ness you will see in the image on the right. It’s a very romantic style and somewhat softens the image. Your eyes recognize edges that are a little softer. These grain and softness features create a romantic, timeless look that many couples cherish for their wedding memories.
Traditional Editing
My Traditional Editing Style focuses on enhancing the image’s overall quality and ensuring it meets technical standards. You’ll notice it’s a bit more crisp or clear. I try to make sure whether you choose my Traditional or Film Editing Style, the colors are the same and you are getting my style!
The real difference does come down to the lack of grain in Traditional vs the visible grain in Film.
Why Digital Photography over Film Photography
As a film enthusiast, I always try to strike a balance between appreciating the art form and ensuring sustainability. True film photography is so bad for the environment. The process involves the use of various harmful chemicals, which have difficulty breaking down over time. Black and white film processing actually requires hazardous substances like hydroquinone, phenidone, and potassium bromide. Even when handled properly, it does leach into the Earth because of how we dispose chemicals and waste. The silver-rich photographic waste generated during the process releases heavy metals, posing a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems. This contamination can last for decades and travel great distances in water bodies. The manufacturing and disposal of film cameras also contribute to waste accumulation in landfills, adding to the global issue of resource depletion and pollution.
I truly believe Film-like editing is the solution. So much so that I have personally made the switch from film hybrid to full digital. You’ll see on the left is digital photography with traditional edits and on the right is Film-like editing style for digital photography.
Low Country Marine Mammal Network
LCMMN is a nonprofit out of Charleston, SC who is focused on protecting marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and seals). The group responds to emergency situations involving sick or injured marine mammals along coastal South Carolina and provides a safe and quiet water from them to hunt, socialize, and rear young. Being stewards of the Ocean, LCMMN also places and emphasis on educating the general public. Which I really love because they also are helping young kids gain hands-on appreciation in ways to protect both marine mammals and their environment. It makes my heart swell with pride to choose this Organization as my Charity of the 2023 Season. I pledge 10% of every wedding deposit received in the year towards a charity of choice.
As a business owner, I get to make the choices that align with my value system. I truly feel so lucky to have this chance to give back and make a difference (obviously with your help). I’d love for you to take a look at their work in helping preserve our ocean. And, if you are in my favorite place, Charleston, definitely check them out.
Reception Lighting Editing Options
Your reception lighting edits totally depend on what mood you’d like to convey. We offer 3 options: light & airy, transitional, and flash-focused.
Light & Airy
Throughout the evening, I’ll try to keep your lighting as light and airy as makes sense. The dancefloor will still get darker. But the speeches, festivities, and first dance lighting will match that lighter style from the beginning of the night.
Transitional
This is a great way to let the night pass slowly and photography lighting to match. As it gets later, the style gets a little cozier and little darker. Then the dance floor really feels like a party. This is my most popular choice for reception edits.
Flash-focused
This is your coziest option with much more emphasis on Flash. The backgrounds will be a bit darker, but the people will always be highlighted and properly exposed (so you don’t miss anything). This a trendy photography style that is still very romantic.
Sources:
Adobe Film Photography
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