Hi there! My name is Casey, and I love shooting weddings on Super 16mm film. There’s something truly magical about capturing love stories on analog film—it’s timeless, nostalgic, and completely unique. If you’ve ever wondered why 16mm film is such a special way to document your wedding day, this blog is for you!
Quick note: when I say 16mm film in this post, I’m including Super 16mm film as well. There’s a slight technical difference, but for now, just know that the terms can be used interchangeably.
What Is 16mm Analog Film?
16mm analog film is motion picture film that’s been used in the film industry for decades. Shooting on film involves a beautifully hands-on process. A 16mm camera takes 24 individual pictures on a roll of film every second—this is where the term “24 frames per second” comes from. When light passes through the camera lens, it hits the film strip, leaving an “imprint” of a moment on each frame.
Here’s the part I love: once the film is shot, you take the rolls into a darkroom (or send them to a lab), where they’re processed through a series of chemical baths, rinsed, dried, and turned into breathtaking footage. It’s a labor of love that results in cinematic magic.
Why I Shoot on 16mm Film
Shooting on 16mm film is more than just a creative decision for me—it’s a lifestyle. I fell in love with analog filmmaking in 2019, experimenting with 35mm still photography, Super 8mm film, and 16mm motion picture film. What I adore most about 16mm is how intentional it makes me as a filmmaker.
Unlike digital, where you can shoot endlessly and sort it out later, film requires focus. Every frame counts. This slower, more mindful approach lets me create wedding films that are beautifully crafted and full of emotion.
The results? Timeless. The grain, texture, and depth of 16mm film bring a warm, nostalgic vibe that’s impossible to replicate digitally. It’s why couples who want something unique, authentic, and cinematic for their wedding day choose me as their Los Angeles wedding filmmaker.
Why Choose 16mm Film for Your Wedding Video?
16mm film is the perfect balance between Super 8mm and 35mm motion picture film. Let me break it down for you:
35mm Film: This is what many Hollywood movies are shot on. Its larger film strip produces images so smooth and sharp that, unless you have a trained eye, it can feel almost digital. While gorgeous, it can lack the raw, nostalgic vibe some couples want.
Super 8mm Film: Super 8mm is the darling of the analog film world. It’s known for its heavy grain, soft focus, and a jittery, vintage charm that feels straight out of a family film reel from the 1970s. It’s beautiful, but its lo-fi aesthetic isn’t for everyone.
16mm Film: This is where the magic happens. With 16mm, you get the perfect mix of texture and clarity. It retains the warmth and character of Super 8mm film, but with less grain and jitter, giving it a polished-yet-nostalgic look. It’s a stunning choice for couples who want their wedding video to feel timeless without sacrificing quality. Did you know Euphoria, Black Swan and The Wrestler were shot on 16mm film?
If you love the vintage feel of analog film but want something a little more refined than Super 8mm, 16mm is your dream medium.
Why Work with Me?
As a queer Los Angeles wedding filmmaker specializing in analog film, I’ve spent years perfecting my craft. Shooting on 16mm film allows me to bring a unique perspective to every wedding I document. I work closely with my couples to ensure their love story is told in a way that’s as authentic and timeless as the medium itself.
I’m based in Los Angeles but love to travel, so whether you’re planning a local celebration or a destination wedding, I’m here for you.
Let’s Create Wedding Magic on 16mm Film!
If you’re dreaming of a wedding video that stands out—something filled with texture, warmth, and the charm of analog film—let’s chat! I shoot on both Super 8mm and 16mm film, so we can find the perfect fit for your style and vision.
Head over to my website, www.ringtheoryfilms.com, and fill out the inquiry form. I’d love to hear from you and help bring your wedding day to life in a way that’s cinematic, nostalgic, and uniquely you.
Thanks for stopping by! Here’s to celebrating your love story in the most timeless way possible—with the magic of 16mm film. 🎥✨
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