The Art of a Family Photography Session on Film

Your family deserves the best when it comes to heirlooms. They preserve the moments that mean the most. That’s why a family photography session on film is so special. Film’s natural imperfections tell a richer story than clean, perfect digital photos. As a family photographer, I’m sharing all the reasons unfiltered film family photos are so cool.

Two children sit in a basin of water during a family photography session with Polaroid photos.

Your Family Photography Session as Art

Film photography is an art. It’s the best way to romanticize your life! Commemorate the fleeting moments that make your family’s life so rich with art that reflects your reality. It’s those candid slices of life that are at the heart of our relationships. They’re also unpredictable and make for breathtaking photos.

A boy and girl jump on a bed in their bedroom while a Seattle family photographer photographs them.
Two children put on shoes to go outside for a family photography session on film.
A boy and girl hold chickens in a candid family photo on black and white film.

Moreover, film is photography; photography is film. Photography is so intertwined with film in a way few other industries are connected to such a specific medium or product. It’s impossible to disassociate photography from film and its history. Digital photography lacks the character of film. Ironically, that’s part of why it’s so celebrated now more than ever.

A  mother holds her daughter and kisses her in their backyard in a Seattle family photo.
A Seattle family photographer documents a mother holding her daughter in their backyard.
A woman swings her son and makes him laugh during a family photography session.
Two children pick dandelions in their Seattle backyard.

Creative and Logistical Perks of Film Photos

People assume that digital photos will be an easier experience because they’re more used to it. There are actually a lot of perks to doing your family photography session on film. From a timeline perspective, everything is much more relaxed and fast. I can deliver a film session in two weeks, instead of four to six. Mostly, I have to wait for my film to be developed and scanned by Photovision so I can pass them on to you. I don’t have to upload or back up files or do major edits. No overthinking and less stress means you get your incredible images faster. 

A little girl sits on a picnic blanket holding a chicken during a family photography session.
A boy rides a skateboard across a driveway.
A mother leans over to kiss her son sitting in a basin in their Seattle backyard during a family photography session on film.
A woman runs through a Seattle backyard carrying her son during a family photography session.

As a photographer, I also find that my film images have a richness that’s due to the nature of the medium. I’m forced to be more involved in the process and be intentional from start to finish. From the time I load a roll of film to where I develop, scan, or print it, I have to make decisions and commit to them. It’s a more holistic process that keeps me engaged with my camera and the moments unfolding between your family members and it is perfect for a family fall photoshoot.

A boy and girl laugh as they're sprayed by a hose in their backyard during a session with a seattle family photographer.
A brother and sister sit in a water-filled basin in their backyard.
During a session with a Seattle family photographer, a boy sits on a picnic blanket holding a chicken.
Two children run past their children laying on a blanket while a Seattle photographer documents them on film.

Film photos hold a lot of life and make you see the humanity at the core of an image. It gives me the sense of being invited into your story. You can see more from this film family session here.

A boy climbs on his father's shoulders in a film family photo.
A little girl stands on a fence in a Polaroid family photo.
Children sit on their parents' backs on a picnic blanket in a Seattle family photo on film.

Would you like me to document your family on film? Let’s tell your story with nostalgic, emotive images. Reach out to me here!

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