Why We’re All Obsessed with Vintage Film
Session
Here’s the scoop: Retro isn’t just making a comeback—it’s basically headlining a world tour. And guess what? It’s all over your social feeds, wedding albums, and even TikTok trends. Let’s unpack why vintage film aesthetics are having a major moment (and why we’re here for it).
Nostalgia Hits Different
Nothing says “reliving the golden days” like grainy textures, dreamy light leaks, and that je ne sais quoi vibe only film can deliver. It’s a callback to simpler times—before filters and flawless retouching took over. People crave authenticity, and film’s imperfections? It’s like saying, “Hey, this moment’s perfectly imperfect—just like me.”
The ‘It’ Factor: Film Wedding Packages
Here’s a trend we’re loving: wedding photographers adding “film add-ons” to their packages. Want a mix of sleek digital snaps and old-school magic? Say no more. Couples are choosing film not just for its aesthetic, but for its vibe. It’s romantic, timeless, and oozes personality. You’re not just getting photos—you’re getting moments.
Social Feeds Gone Retro
From TikToks dripping in grainy goodness to Insta feeds with Polaroid-inspired reels, social media has embraced the film look HARD. Apps and presets mimic film styles, but the pros are taking it further. Photographers and content creators are busting out actual film cameras for that unfiltered realness. Even brands are hopping on, using retro vibes to give their campaigns a little extra soul.
Why It Works
- Timeless Appeal: Trends come and go, but film’s vibe always feels fresh.
- Creative Flex: Shooting on film demands intentionality—and we love the artistry.
- Memories That Feel Real: There’s something about film’s texture and tone that digital can’t replicate. It’s personal, nostalgic, and tangible.
How to Get in the Game
Want to hop on the film train? Here’s how:
- Start Small: Disposable cameras and instant film (think Polaroids) are low-stakes ways to play with the vibe.
- Mix & Match: Pair digital photography with a few film shots for a balanced look.
Experiment with Apps: Not ready to commit to actual film? Apps like Huji and VSCO can give your photos that nostalgic edge.
From the Session Team: Our Film Journey
Our co-founder Dimi shares his personal journey with film photography:
"I absolutely love my film camera. With film camera prices soaring over the past few years, it's such a relief to find affordable gems like this one. It's the perfect way to dip your toes into film photography without breaking the bank—well, except for the cost of film itself, which can be a bit steep! Still, the reward is worth it.
Photos I've taken with my film camera remain my all-time favorites, imperfections and all. Whether it's bad framing, tricky lighting, or a bit of missed focus, none of it seems to matter. There's a charm to it that feels irreplaceable.
When I flip through old family photos—they just hit differently. There's a warmth and depth to them that I don't think digital photography quite captures. Maybe it's nostalgia. Maybe it's something tied to the generations before us. I can't fully explain it, but to me, that's what photographs are meant to feel like."
The Takeaway
What we love about shooting film: you can emulate film, but you can also SHOOT on it. Shooting film forces you to be more aware, mindful, and decisive because you're limited. With a digital camera and an SD card, you can shoot virtually an infinite amount of photos, averaging 6000 photos per card. But with film, you're working with 36 shots. That's an amazing opportunity to hone your skill and savvy.
It sharpens your skillset and senses. It's not instant gratification. It takes us back to the days of delayed gratification—you have to wait to see how things develop, literally. To see how things actually came out. It's intimidating and beautiful. Lean into that as a part of your photographer's journey.
What can we learn from this? Nostalgia and tactility have a way of grounding us in the present while honoring the past. What else can we bring back? Handwritten letters, physical photo albums, or even old-school mixtapes—anything that reconnects us to the beauty of taking our time.
