Hybrid photography- the why
In our current digital world, it’s easy to pick up a camera and start a photography business. Cameras have become state of the art pieces of equipment that boast incredible results with the click of a button. The benefits of cutting-edge digital cameras are extensive, but there is a downside. Photographers can now market themselves as professionals with a feeble knowledge of the craft.
Digital camera users can view the photo they shot immediately on the screen. A photo can be taken without much knowledge of the settings used, or what it took to get there. Shoot an unsatisfactory photo? Just delete and try again. It’s easy to “fake it till you make it” in the industry.
However, before digital cameras came on the scene, film was the only option.
Film is “old school”.
Instead of an SD card, a roll of film is placed in the camera. When the shutter of the camera is open, the film is exposed to light, creating the photo. After the exposure is made, the film is advanced to a new section of unexposed film. Then, the process is repeated. Shooting film requires an extensive knowledge of light, camera settings, and photo composition. It also forces the photographer to move more slowly, with intention. Each roll has only a handful of frames that cannot be viewed on the spot. Alteration of the photograph isn’t an option if the settings are wrong. The photographer needs to know how to get each shot right, every time.
Pros and Cons
Film is notorious for its high dynamic range, capturing subtle details and color contrasts, along with beautiful skin tones. It has texture and grain, an almost tangible feel. It feels soft; there is no sharp pixilation that is hard to avoid with modern digital cameras. If you like timeless, you’ll probably love film. Film boasts colors and tones that are impossible to replicate precisely with digital cameras.
Of course there are many benefits to digital cameras. There were many reasons the film photographers of 90’s readily embraced digital equipment. Digital cameras certainly have a considerable number of features film cameras never had, and they are only getting better. They focus in an instant, are unbelievably efficient in low light, and allow for backups on multiple memory cards. Modern digital cameras have so many features that most photographers neither need nor use them all.
However, for a variety of reasons, the industry is now coming full circle. Clients and photographers are craving more tangible, real life photos and editing styles. There is a renewed regard for the photos of the past. Shooting film has been on the rise in the last decade. This has lead to an interest in hybrid wedding photography-shooting a mix of film and digital. In my opinion, a great hybrid photographer offers the client the best of both worlds.
Portra 400 film, scanned by Photo Vision
The Hybrid Process
Hybrid photographers shoot with both film and digital cameras. These days instead of each photographer having a darkroom, many send their negatives to a film lab. Experts then process the negatives and send photographers the digital scans. Photographers can then touch up the scans if needed (crop, fix small blemishes) and send the client the digital files. There is beauty in this process. Photographers can match their digital photos to look almost identical to the film. The result is a beautifully cohesive gallery of film and digital images.
Because they shoot film, hybrid photographers take more time to shoot, and move more slowly during the process. Each frame is composed and lit to perfection before pressing the shutter. Behind the camera the hybrid photographer works purposefully. The process cannot be rushed. Each photo is a work of art, created with intention. The client receives fewer photos, but each one is exquisite.
However, shooting digital as well as film allows the photographer to utilize all of the benefits of the digital world. Because digital cameras surpass film in dimly lit environments, many hybrid photographers shoot more digital photos during the reception and nighttime portions of a wedding day. The photos are secure, since cameras feature dual card slots. The information is written onto both cards at once, for backup. Advanced editing software gives photographers the option to create a color match in post. The result is a digital file that is nearly identical to the film scan.
The Benefits
When hiring a hybrid photographer, clients can trust that they’re working with someone who has a firm grasp of light, composition, and camera settings. They’ll get to experience the timeless medium of film with photos crafted to perfection, complemented by an extensive gallery of digital images capturing every part of the wedding day.
See two examples of beautiful weddings photographed on film and digital here and here.
Jessica Lapp is a film photographer serving clients all over the state of Virginia. You’ll find her working in Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Charlottesville. Elegant wedding photography on film and digital. For couples who want to remember the most beautiful day of their lives in an exquisite way. Learn more about the wedding experience here!
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