Why Natural Light and Film Photography Are The Perfect Partnership For Family Portraits
As an old school family photographer, I believe that natural light and film photography are a match made in heaven and the two together help me create family portraits that stand out from the crowd. Daylight softly bathes any surface it touches and is inherently flattering for all skin tones. Capture it correctly on photographic film and you have a rich, luminous image with that characteristically timeless grainy texture digital photographers often seek to emulate. When exposed and processed professionally, the photograph rarely requires any retouching. It is more often perfect, just as it is.
If I haven’t convinced you yet, here are a few more reasons why I favour this old fashioned, outdoor approach to creating family portraits with a certain “je ne sais quoi”:
The Magic of Natural Light
Daylight offers a soft, flattering glow that even the most sophisticated artificial light will struggle to replicate. Whether it’s the golden hour just before sunset or the soft, diffused light on an overcast day, natural light creates depth and texture, making your family’s portraits feel warm and organic. Here's how it benefits your portraits:
Soft and Gentle on Skin Tones: Harsh studio lights can sometimes wash out complexions or create unflattering shadows. Daylight wraps around faces gently, highlighting the natural radiance of every family member - whether it’s a toddler’s rosey cheeks or the soft creases of a grandparent’s smile.
Authentic and Timeless: As old as time itself, natural light pairs beautifully with film photography, offering a luminous aesthetic that will never go out of style. Your family portraits will look just as beautiful 20 years from now as they do today, without the dated feel that some digital trends can create.
Connection with Nature: Shooting in outdoor locations - whether it's a green park, a riverside walk, a sandy beach or even your own back garden - natural light connects your family to the environment, grounding the images in real moments.
Daylight and Film Photography as a Perfect Marriage for Family Portraits
In a digital age, shooting family portraits on film is a deliberate choice that brings out an authentic, nostalgic quality in every image. Here's why I believe film is the perfect medium for your family portraits:
Rich Colors and Unique Textures: Film produces a depth and richness in colors that digital can’t fully emulate. The greens of the landscape, the warm hues of your children’s outfits and the soft, natural light shining on your family are all captured in their truest form. This vibrancy, combined with the grain of film, creates images that feel tangible and classic.
Timeless Aesthetic: Film has an aesthetic quality that makes it perfect for family portraits. Each shot is thoughtfully composed, with careful attention to light and detail. As a result every image feels intentional and artistic, ready to be displayed as a cherished piece of art rather than a grouping of digital pixels.
Natural and Organic Feel: The process of shooting on film requires a slower, more thoughtful approach, which I find leads to more meaningful moments during our session. There’s a calmness that comes with film photography, as families can focus more on the experience rather than being distracted by quick-fire shots on a digital camera.
The Beauty of Imperfection
Film photography embraces the beauty of imperfection. Each shot is unique. There’s no digital post-processing to retouch the image. This means that your family portraits capture real moments, genuine emotions and the little details that make your family who they are. The slight imperfections in film, whether it’s a slight light leak or soft focus, add to the charm and authenticity. To me each photo feels alive and full of character!
The Best Times to Capture Your Family Portraits in Natural Light
Shooting in natural light requires careful planning to ensure we capture your family at the best time of day. I always recommend:
Golden Hour: About an hour before sunset or after sunrise, this time of day bathes everything in a soft, warm glow, creating flattering light for skin tones and a magical atmosphere.
Overcast Days: Don’t worry if the sun isn’t shining! Overcast days provide beautifully diffused light, eliminating harsh shadows and creating even, soft lighting that’s perfect for family portraits.
Seasonal Light: Depending on the season, the quality of light changes, offering unique opportunities. In autumn, the lower sun adds warmth to the rich, golden hues of any outdoor setting. In summer, the long daylight hours provide flexibility and often result in more vibrant colours.
Why Choose a Natural Light and Film Photographer for Your Family Portraits?
If you're looking for family portraits that feel organic, warm and timeless, then we might just be a perfect fit! I’m passionate about capturing genuine moments that tell the story of your family in an artful way; using the timeless medium of film and the natural beauty of daylight.
I believe that the process of working with natural light and film creates unique images with a beautifully timeless quality that you and your family will treasure for generations to come. If you’re keen to see more, then head over to my portrait portfolio for more film goodness!
