Portrait Session on Film

 

 

Film photography is an experience. It's one of those specialized, analog entities that we can't always quantifiably justify as better. Yet they feel that way. Vinyl on a turntable. Pour-over coffee. A handwritten love letter. The care taken in the moments when we slow down.


It's paramount to disconnect in this rushed, digital era we're immersed in. There’s something to be said for the way photography was done for over 100 years. On film. No instant gratification. No immediate feedback. It requires thinking, double-checking, and being present.  Purposeful intentionality. I offer a film photography portrait experience. Spend an hour with me, in the studio or at a location of your choosing, and we’ll create authentic portraits.


What to expect:


A film portrait session is different from a digital session. We slow down and take our time. With only 36 frames on a roll of 35mm film, every exposure counts. To ensure the perfect exposure, everything is fastidiously checked: the settings, the focus, and you, our subject, before pressing the shutter.


I use 35mm film for my portrait work because it strikes a beautiful balance between detail and the characteristic grain of film. I shoot with a Canon Elan 7s, the final film camera released by Canon before they switched to only digital offerings, and a Minolta XG-M from 1982, which I have owned for 25 years. Our session will be captured using only professional-grade film: Ilford Delta for black & white and Kodak Portra for color.


Black and white film is developed in-house by me; color film is developed by Photo 60 in Woodbridge, VA. All negative are scanned by me using an incredibly sharp Canon macro lens.


Drop us a note below, and schedule your film photography session for an experience that will last a lifetime.


Black & white portrait of a young man leaning on a metal chest-high fence supporting himself with his arms.

 

Packages & Pricing

 

 

Studio Session

 

  • 1 hour session with my mobile studio
  • Multiple outfit changes
  • Multiple backgrounds
  • 1 roll of 36-exposure 35mm film in your choice of black & white or color
  • Negatives developed and scanned
  • Low-res un-retouched scans of up to 15 images
  • One retouched 11” x 14” archival print

$400

 

Location Session

 

  • 1 hour session at an outdoor location
  • Multiple outfit changes
  • Multiple backgrounds
  • 1 roll of 36-exposure 35mm film in your choice of black & white or color
  • Negatives developed and scanned
  • Low-res un-retouched scans of up to 15 images
  • One retouched 11” x 14” archival print

$400

 

Options & Extras

 

  • Additional prints:  $50
  • Additional high-res digital images and retouched: $25 each
  • All original negatives from session:  $500
  • Behind-the-scenes video, up to 2 min, edited:  $500
  • Hair + Makeup Artist: Contact me.


Learn More About Film Photography
Black & white portrait of a woman reclining on a wooden fence in a field. She's looking up at the sky.
A black & white image on 35mm film of the hottest babe in the universe. Close shot with a high angle, looking down at her dark hair.
A medium-shot of brunette woman in a vibrant dress standing in a park. The sun is back-lighting her hair.
Black & white portrait of a young man looking to his left wearing a white button-up shirt.
Dustin Kensrue of Thrice bathed in stage lights.
A black & white image on 35mm film of Teppei Teranishi of Thrice playing guitar on stage.
A man and a woman sitting on a wooden bench in a park. They are holding hands to show off her engagement ring.
Black & white photo of a bassist relaxing on his upright bass.
Black & white photos of a five-piece country band playing on stage.

FAQ

Can I include more than one person?

Yes, but each session includes a single roll of 36-exposure film, so be aware of that limitation. If you'd like to include more rolls of film, please contact me for pricing.

Do you shoot pets with film?

As patience is not a virtue for most animals, I don't currently offer pet portraits on film. I'm happy to shoot them with digital, though!

Can these sessions be for my children?

Absolutely! If they can sit still long for me to focus the lens, then we're good to go. The archival prints offered in each film portrait session will be timeless reminder of that moment in your child's life.

Should I pick color or black & white?

Ah, the eternal question. You can't go wrong with either option. I love the classic look of black & white, but color is closer to how our eyes perceive the world. If you can't decide, contact me for pricing on adding a second roll of film. Good luck in your choice!