Analogue 35mm Photography at Weddings in Somerset: Why Couples are Choosing Film Over Filters
Although we live in a world where digital dominates, increasing numbers of couples are turning to analogue 35mm photography for their wedding day. There’s a number of reasons for this. There’s a depth, texture, and emotion that film captures like nothing else. It’s raw and real in the most timeless way.
If you’re planning a wedding and want something that goes beyond the ordinary, analogue 35mm photography might be exactly what you’re looking for. And if you’re searching for someone who knows how to shoot film the right way, you can be assured I’m highly experienced in this style of photography.
As a
documentary-style wedding photographer and Super 8 videographer based in Devon and Cornwall, I also cover weddings in Somerset and beyond.
Why Use Analogue 35mm for Your Wedding Photography?
Firstly, what exactly is it? Well, 35mm photography was the standard format for most film cameras throughout the 20th century. It’s still widely used for a number of reasons:
Unique aesthetics. Grain, colour tones, and dynamic range offer a distinctive ‘film look’.- The Experience. It provides a slower, more mindful process.
- Nostalgia. This format embraces imperfections and uniqueness in each frame.
- Archival Quality. Properly stored film can last decades without degradation.
Analogue 35mm photography isn't about perfection: it’s about authenticity. It captures those fleeting glances, genuine laughter. That split second where the light hits just right. Traditional film handles skin tones beautifully. It captures colours with a softness and honesty that digital filters can’t fake.
It’s imperfect in the best possible way, and that’s what makes it unforgettable.
The Photographer for People Who Don’t Want a Photographer
I’m not there to direct your day, but to document it in full. Weddings are noisy events full of emotions, so quiet moments that often go unnoticed. My approach is to observe, not intrude. I’m not the type to stop the ceremony from a better angle. I won’t pull you away from the party for endless posed shots.
Instead, I move quietly in the background throughout your day, capturing everything as it unfolds. I’m not just there to show what your wedding looked like, but what it felt like.
The Power of Print in a Digital Age
When was the last time you printed a photo? Scrolling through pictures on a phone might be the norm now. However, it doesn’t compare to holding a real photograph in your hands. That’s particularly true when it comes to ‘one shot’ 35mm film. There’s something special about seeing a real image, with real grain, printed on real paper.
My 35mm images are made to be printed, framed, and treasured. They’re the kind of photos you pass down. The kind that lives on a wall or in a handmade album, not buried in a cloud somewhere.
Film and
Super 8: A Different Kind of Wedding Story
In addition to still pictures, I also shoot wedding films on Super 8: the iconic, cinematic format from the 60s and 70s.
The combination of analogue photography and Super 8 video creates a warm, nostalgic feel that digital can’t replicate. It’s not just about capturing what happened: it’s about evoking the feeling of it.
Together, 35mm film and Super 8 make for a style of storytelling that’s romantic without being cheesy. It’s perfect for couples who want a wedding film and photo album that reflect them, not someone else’s Pinterest board.
Traditional Photography at its Best
I’m not beholden to trends. Wedding photography shouldn’t be about viral reels. It’s about documenting your day in a way that feels true, to you, your people, and your story.
My toolkit includes both digital and analogue gear, so you get the best of both worlds. The immediacy and flexibility of digital, and the rich, character-filled texture of film.
That’s why I don’t follow a script or shoot list (unless you want me to!). Instead, I can go with the flow of the day, capturing the unexpected magic that happens when people come together to celebrate.
Covering Somerset and Beyond
Although I’m based in Devon and Cornwall, I regularly travel across the South West — including beautiful Somerset — to photograph weddings everywhere from barns and forests, to town halls and back gardens.
Whether it’s an elopement on a cliff edge or a big celebration in a country house, I bring the same energy and dedication to every project.
Analogue 35mm photography is for couples who want something different: something with soul. It’s for those who value artistry, who care about memory, and who want a photographer who sees the day, not just the schedule.
If that sounds like you, I might be exactly who you’re looking for.
For more information,
explore my online gallery or don’t hesitate to
contact me.
Diary of Cornwall and Devon Wedding Photographer

