Shooting Medium Format Film as a Wedding Photographer
Wedding photography is already a delicate dance of art and logistics, but throw medium format film into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a whole new level of chaos—the good kind. There’s something uniquely magical about capturing a couple’s big day on medium format film. It’s a blend of nostalgia, intention, and sheer beauty that no digital camera can quite replicate.
Why Medium Format?
If 35mm is the reliable all-rounder of film photography, medium format is the elegant cousin who only shows up to special occasions—and weddings are nothing if not special. The larger negatives offer unparalleled detail and creamy depth of field that make even the simplest moments look cinematic. It’s like shooting with a soft-focus lens from the golden age of Hollywood but with all the modern perks of film emulsions like Portra 400 or Fuji Pro 400H.
Plus, the slower pace of medium format photography forces you to approach weddings with more care. You’re not blasting through 1,000 frames; you’re picking your moments carefully, framing them intentionally, and savoring the process. That intentionality shows in the final images.
The Cameras
Shooting medium format film at a wedding means choosing your tools wisely. My personal go-tos? The Mamiya 645 for its manageable size and sharp lenses, and the Contax 645 for its dreamy Zeiss glass. And let’s not forget the Rolleiflex if you’re feeling extra nostalgic and want to wow guests with a camera older than most grandparents in the room.
Each camera has its quirks. The Mamiya is solid but can feel like hauling a small tank. The Contax? Incredible results but a terrifyingly loud shutter that’ll make you the center of attention during vows. The Rolleiflex? Perfect… until you realize you’ve accidentally focused using the waist-level finder on Aunt Susan instead of the couple.
The Challenges
Let’s be honest—medium format at weddings isn’t for the faint-hearted. Film rolls are limited to 10-16 shots, so every click counts. You’ve got to reload on the fly, sometimes in near darkness, without sweating through your shirt. And there’s always the risk of something going wrong: a missed exposure, a light leak, or… forgetting to bring enough film (trust me, it happens to the best of us).
But it’s not just technical challenges. There’s also the mental shift. Shooting medium format forces you to slow down in an environment where speed is everything. You’ll need to communicate clearly with your clients and second shooters to ensure you’re not missing key moments while you’re wrestling with a film back.
The Rewards
For all its challenges, shooting medium format at weddings is an incredible experience. The depth and richness of those images are worth every ounce of effort. Seeing the look on a client’s face when they hold a print from their wedding day shot on medium format film? Priceless.
It’s not just about the images either; it’s about the story you’re telling and the legacy you’re helping to create. There’s a weight to film that resonates with people in a way digital sometimes can’t match. When you shoot a wedding on medium format, you’re giving your clients something tangible, timeless, and deeply personal.
Should You Try It?
If you’re already a film enthusiast, absolutely. Medium format might not replace your digital setup for every wedding, but it’s a fantastic addition for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments with a level of artistry and care that’s hard to beat. Start small, experiment, and be prepared to make mistakes. Because when you get it right, it’s pure magic.
