My approach to analog film photography
Every roll is planned.
None of the moments are.
The site visit
I shoot every wedding myself, on film. I visit your venue in advance of the day to plan the full shoot. That’s how I can stay out of the way and still have the right film ready when something real happens.
A written plan
I use what I find on the site visit to write a film plan that lines up with your schedule.
On the day
Five cameras, spare batteries, twice the film I’ll need. I mark the plan up as I go so I know what’s on every roll. If Super 8 is in your package, Doug shoots it alongside me.
Labelled for the lab
I separate film rolls into labelled bags and deliver them to a trusted lab. That’s how they know which rolls to push-process, and which to priority-scan for your sneak peek.
Sneak Peek
The lab sends me priority scans from select film rolls, and I share them with you within two days.
Bound by hand
Rita designs your album while I curate the prints. I finish the album by hand and deliver alongside digital scans and negatives inside six weeks.
I choose film stocks
that suit your day.
Each wedding is unique, so are the film choices.
Shot with purpose across different cameras.
Allowing candid photos across all environments
What sets me apart.
I don’t run a team or delegate my work. Every photo, edit and email is me.
Not digital plus film. Only film, so every photo is taken with care.
Real moments as they happen. The planning is what makes candid possible on film.
Priority scans from the day, with you within two business days.
Lab prints on professional paper, in an album designed by Rita Leal of Pistachio Studio.
One photographer, a couple of small cameras, and no flash in your face all day.
Album, negatives and digital scans delivered inside six weeks.
Common Questions
Yes - every photo I shoot on the day is developed and scanned at a professional lab. The shots that I select and edit are delivered to you in high resolution format (for print) and web resolution format (for social media and online).
Of course! This is a super common concern, and it's why I prioritise shooting candid photos as much as possible. While experience has taught me how to blend into a crowd and capture natural moments as they happen, I still like to set up some photos throughout the day. For those, I'll direct your positions and help bring out your best side by encouraging you to interact with each other.
I've set up my analog workflow to provide roughly the same amount of delivered images as I did while shooting digital - approximately 400 for a Full Day. Digital photographers can deliver thousands, but you'll just end up with duplicates and a headache of which ones to choose. Curation is vital but tedious, and not a burden I want to pass on to you.
With my approach, yes. I am meticulous with my preparation, planning and execution, and haven't lost a single shot across my weddings to date - digital or analog. I test all my gear in the lead up to each wedding. On the day, I bring 5 cameras, spare batteries for each, and double the amount of film I'll actually shoot. I use the most professional and reputable labs in Europe and Australia with industry standard controls over process and for chemical quality.
The maximum delivery time is 6 weeks, inclusive of the photo album, digital scans and developed negatives.
Yes! I order priority scans for 1 or more rolls of film depending on your package. You can pick the parts of the day I take these rolls from, but I usually suggest the ceremony and bridal party shoot. You'll receive a link to selected scans 1-2 working days after the wedding so you can announce your news in style.
No! I’ve already got enough cameras to worry about. The gorgeous super 8 video footage is captured by my talented colleague Doug, and I'll shoot the same amount of photos I always do.
In 16 years I haven't missed a single wedding. If for any reason I need to back out, I'll offer you the choice between a replacement photographer that I trust for no extra charge, or a full refund.
Yep. Running through group photos can be surprisingly stressful, so I always plan these in advance with my couples. I'll dedicate 1-2 rolls of film depending on the amount you need.
The negatives are an additional back up of your wedding photos and a rare physical souvenir from the day itself. They provide the option for you to make hand prints in the darkroom - many labs offer this as a workshop now and I can help you set that up! But it's up to you whether to keep them or dump them.