How Film Photography Enhances My Wedding Videography
There are more similarities between photography and videography than what is first understood. In fact, early movies were called moving pictures and the basic concept of motion pictures and videos has not changed much even in the transformation from film to digital. The basics of exposure and composition are easily translated between photography and videography. My journey through film photography has informed my work as a wedding videographer to help me instinctively set exposure, focus on composition, and emphasize the finer details, which all contribute to my cinematic wedding videography style.
I remember my mom’s frequent use of her camera when I was a young child. Not to stop and pose our family constantly, but she usually had a camera sling around her neck and we were consistently waiting for her on walks while she took pictures of our surroundings. In the moment I could easily be annoyed, but looking back, these memories are fond. She taught me how to use a camera. Over time I got interested in film photography and I no longer had the ability to preview my photo and possibly retake it if I didn’t like it. I had to be more confident in my exposure settings and composition. Through making mistakes, I learned how to evaluate my surroundings and expose on the fly, I grew a new awareness of the scene as a whole, rather than narrowly focusing on the subject. Translating this into videography, I more instinctively consider the scene as a whole and expose based on the mood I am trying to evoke. After exposure, composition informs the storytelling nature of photography and videography.
“Taking film photos forces me to slow down and think about my composition intentionally.”
Radio City Music Hall at night, Portra 800
Taking film photos forces me to slow down and think about my composition intentionally. Photography aims to tell stories through composition and the subjects. And really, video is just a series of photos strung together. Videography ideally shows the audience the story, rather than telling a story through dialogue, for example. At weddings I look for compelling ways to frame each shot and add a layer of complexity to each composition. Beyond aesthetics, the composition becomes a visual story telling tool.
Film photography instilled in me an emphasis on smaller details that have a big impact. Seemingly insignificant objects become compelling stories when captured on film. Each wedding has many small details that make up a great story. As a wedding videographer, I look for the unique story of each couple found within these details. These details include dinner place settings, colors, and flowers. I capture and incorporate these elements into wedding films as unique expressions of the couple’s personality as a married couple. The way the bride and groom interact with guests throughout the day also subtly showcases their story that I later weave into the final film.
The similarities between film photography and digital videography give me an opportunity to return to the basics and gives me the opportunity to slow down and appreciate the smaller details. It is these small details and practices that add to have a great impact on my wedding videography style. As more people rediscover film photography, that shows how it withstood the test of time. It is my desire to incorporate timeless style into wedding films for couples so their children’s children may enjoy them.
Be Back Soon, Kodak 200.
