WHY SUPER 8 PHOTOGRAPHY IS PERFECT FOR ARTISTIC WEDDINGS

There’s something about the soft flicker of old film reels that feels like love, you know? The grain, the glow, the way the frames dance like they’re waltzing through time. It’s just pure, nostalgic magic sauce. Super 8 film photography for weddings is having a well-deserved renaissance, and it’s about time! 

We all know your wedding day is more than just an event; it’s an emotional, deeply personal celebration of your love story, and if you really want to bottle up that feeling, Super 8 is the way to go.

So, What Is Super 8 Wedding Photography?

Super 8 is a type of vintage film first introduced in the 1960s. It’s shot on actual film stock, like the kind you have to develop, which gives it that dreamy, nostalgic look that digital just can’t replicate.

These days, Super 8 often shows up in weddings as shorter, film-style snippets captured alongside your regular photography, like a wistful little highlight reel that acts more like a memory loop than a video.

What I love most about Super 8 is that it’s not about perfect angles or polished edits. It’s about emotion and raw storytelling. 

Why Super 8 Wedding Film Is So Artistic

Using Super 8 film for creative wedding storytelling adds a whole new layer of feeling to your day! The retro wedding photography style gives your memories a beautifully timeless, artsy edge that’s impossible to get any other way.

This medium shines at capturing those in-between moments that might otherwise slip by unnoticed in the rush of the day, but end up being the heartbeat of how it all felt. I’m talking about those quick glances between you and your love, your mom gently fixing your veil, the uninhibited laughter on the dance floor. Those small, quiet moments are memories you’ll want to relive long after the cake is gone.

For artistic, non-traditional couples (you know, my kind of people), this medium offers a totally different lens through which to experience your day. Unlike modern digital, which can sometimes feel a little too polished, Super 8 leans into the imperfection that gives your day flavor. It’s much less about flawless frames and more about poetic storytelling.

How To Nail That Super 8 Wedding Video Aesthetic During Your Wedding

To get the most from your vintage wedding videography with Super 8 film, timing and light are essential. 

Super 8 is a star when it comes to capturing the ceremony and vows, first look and getting-ready moments, intimate receptions or after-parties, and gorgeous sunset portraits (especially when paired with drone shots).

A few pro tips to keep in mind:

  • Super 8 no longer records sound, so if capturing vows and speeches are on your wish list, I suggest you capture those moments digitally too.
  • Also note that with limited film stock (ISO 50 to 500) and less light-sensitive cameras, Super 8 tends to work best in well-lit spaces, and it isn’t ideal for dark venues or nighttime shots.

How Adding Super 8 Film To Your Wedding Coverage Elevates The Overall Experience 

There’s a lot to love about Super 8, especially when it comes to how intuitive it feels. Remember, Super 8 is designed to capture the emotion of your day and how it felt, not just how it looked.

Adding Super 8 creates a timeless, heirloom-quality film with a beautifully editorial, vintage vibe that pairs perfectly with your digital photos. It’s something refreshingly different from the usual wedding videos that adds serious charm without stealing the spotlight.

And, a little Super 8 goes a long way. It’s the perfect, artful addition to your photography coverage that you and your family will definitely cherish for generations. 

Head Over Heels For Super 8 Photography? Same!

I LOVE Super 8 so much. In fact, I’d add it to every wedding if I could! Super 8 may have its quirks and challenges, but it’s intentionally designed to capture those emotional, nostalgic moments that make your wedding so uniquely yours. 

And this is an art, so choosing the right photographer or filmmaker is key to nailing the look you’re going for. I always recommend looking for someone who specializes in Super 8 film photography and who can offer artistic wedding videography ideas or hybrid storytelling. It’s also a good idea to hire someone whose style truly aligns with your vision. 

And just in case you’re wondering, yes, I’m a vintage wedding film photographer in Belgium and across Europe, and it’s totally possible to book me just for Super 8 video!  

Ready to add that vintage magic? Get in touch with me today and let’s create something timeless together.