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Going against the current in the digital age, where film is becoming the new trend.
Huynh Nam Dai has over 12 years of experience in wedding photography. In the digital age, where every moment can be captured, color-corrected, and shared in seconds, the photographer still quietly cherishes each roll of film like someone preserving a handwritten letter – slowly, meticulously, and full of emotion.
Photographer Huynh Nam Dai
Film wedding photography is a new trend in photography today. In recent years, many young couples have sought out me to have their wedding photos taken with film. Partly because film offers a classic, distinctive feel amidst the sea of digital wedding photos. And partly, they want a highly personalized set of photos.
Photographer Huynh Nam Dai said: "Film photography is like a time machine. When you look back at it, the emotions remain intact. Perhaps that's why film is making a comeback and the aesthetic taste in wedding photography is shifting towards authenticity and less ostentation."
Film wedding photography, a medium often considered "niche" in the digital age. Not because it's nostalgic or artistic, but because it forces the photographer to listen, observe, and feel before pressing the shutter. According to Huỳnh Nam Đài, film photography isn't simply about choosing a different style, but about slowing down amidst the fast-paced world. In particular, film wedding photography isn't just about capturing moments; it's about telling the love story of two people through the light, color, and emotions that only film can convey, even through just a few frames.
"New technology prioritizes focusing and image processing, so in my personal observation, wedding photography today is gradually becoming a ready-made 'service' rather than an art form of feeling like our predecessors did. Shooting film is a way to slow down. I wait for the most beautiful moment, even if it's not technically perfect, but it's the best moment at that time," the male photographer said.
According to him, film wedding photos are not simply a beautiful set of pictures, but a slice of memory from a "film" extracted from the story of love. In it, the main characters are allowed to be themselves: no acting, no ostentation, just living fully on their wedding day. Without rushing or over-arranging, he lets everything unfold naturally, then quietly raises his camera, capturing that moment like a storyteller through images.
While digital cameras allow you to take multiple shots in seconds to choose the perfect one, with film, each press of the shutter button requires careful consideration. A roll of film can take 24, 27, or 36 shots depending on the roll, and this limitation makes each frame special.
"Slow wedding" – Live life at a slower pace on your big day.
For Huynh Nam Dai, film photography is particularly well-suited to the spirit of a "slow wedding"—where the wedding is no longer a lavish spectacle, but a day lived slowly and authentically. He wants the bride and groom to fully enjoy their wedding, rather than being caught up in a photoshoot script. "The most beautiful wedding day is when the main characters feel comfortable. The photographer will take care of the rest," he says.
Interestingly, with current film processing technology, film photography isn't as slow as many people think; sometimes it's even faster than digital post-processing. "I can shoot in the afternoon and have the photos sent back after just one or two days. Film photos always retain a unique quality, so even if you have to wait, it's well worth it," he shared.
Undeniably, shooting film comes with many limitations and risks: low ISO film struggles in low-light conditions; humid environments like forests can easily damage the film, and worst of all, you only find out after developing it. Furthermore, technical errors can occur, such as loose film loading, film jamming, or not knowing whether any of the shots turned out well.
However, it is precisely this uncertainty that gives film its unique character. Every scratch, speck of noise, or slight color shift brings a sense of intimacy, authenticity, and nostalgia. "Film helps redefine wedding photography aesthetics – it has to be authentic, so that when you look back, you feel happy because it's you, not a role," photographer Nam Dai shared.
Each photo shoot he does has its own unique style, resulting in a mix of emotions. When asked about memorable moments, he immediately recounted two special film wedding photo shoots: one taken in an extremely dimly lit cave and another amidst a humid jungle rainstorm. “Shooting film in those conditions was a huge challenge. Low ISO film is easily limited by light, and the high humidity can ruin the film, which you only realize after developing it. But that pressure made me more focused and allowed me to feel each moment more clearly.”
In natural settings, film has a significant advantage. The green of grass and leaves, or the golden hues of the afternoon, captured on film, possess a beauty difficult to replicate with a digital camera. "If I could, I would choose a destination that is a forest or a meadow with a Far Eastern feel, because I love the color green," he smiled.
Film wedding photos – A love story told through light.
Huynh Nam Dai doesn't see himself as just a wedding photographer. He's more like a storyteller, using light, color, and moments to portray love. For him, each photo set is a new story, unique and never copied. The most important thing for creating beautiful photos is for the bride and groom to fully enjoy their wedding. Because to capture beautiful moments, the natural emotions and comfort of the bride and groom are always the deciding factors.
Regarding attire, he prioritizes a gentle, classic style that harmonizes with the inspiration of the photoshoot. For tourist weddings at hotels or resorts in natural settings, beaches, or unusual locations like caves, the bride and groom should prepare themselves mentally and have a flexible schedule to make the most of the light and moments.
Mr. Huynh Nam Dai usually recommends film types based on the couple. If asked for a favorite roll, he would readily choose Fujifilm Xtra 400 – a film that produces beautiful blues and skin tones, suitable for a wide range of lighting conditions.
Perhaps, in this convenient digital world, film rolls make us appreciate each moment even more. Because when we hold a film photograph in our hands, we know it's not just an image, but a part of our memories, our nostalgia, our authenticity – something that will remain there forever, regardless of time.
Here are some tips for couples who want to have their wedding photos taken with film:
Expense:Because it's a special material, the cost of wedding photos taken with film is not low. It ranges from 10 to 20 million VND for a wedding photo set. This includes the cost of film, developing, scanning, and photography. Additional costs may apply if shooting at a remote location or in a challenging terrain.
Skin:Prioritize a gentle, classic style that harmonizes with the space. Choose natural colors and avoid too many distracting patterns. Accessories should be subtle and lightweight to enhance the natural feel of the moment.
Concept:Discuss your ideas with the photographer beforehand to guide the color scheme and composition. Prioritize natural light, open spaces, or unique locations such as forests, beaches, or old houses. Maintain a natural feel, avoiding forced poses or pressure to follow trends.
