Last weekend, I met up with Nicole and Jack in the heart of SoHo, New York City, for a cozy couples session filled with laughter, cobblestone streets, and late winter light. But this shoot was a little different—because I brought along my Canon EOS 1v, loaded with Portra 400, for my first real session shooting film.

As a wedding and couples photographer based in NYC, I’ve always loved the look of film—its creamy tones, its subtle grain, the way it captures light and skin with such softness. But I’ve mostly shot digital in the past for the flexibility and speed it offers on wedding days. This SoHo session was my chance to truly test out the film vs digital experience in a side-by-side setting.

Here’s a breakdown of how each format performed, what I learned, and what I’d do differently next time.

Film: Canon EOS 1v + Portra 400

I shot the entire roll of Portra 400 on my Canon EOS 1v, a 35mm film camera that still feels like a dream to hold. The film images came back with that signature warmth and soft contrast that made me fall in love with film in the first place. The skin tones were buttery, the shadows had depth, and the whole gallery just felt more timeless.

We wandered through some of my favorite SoHo backdrops—whitewashed brick walls, industrial doors, those classic NYC fire escapes—and the film soaked up every ounce of mood and atmosphere.

📝 What I’d change next time: I underexposed a few frames that I wish I’d opened up more. Film loves light, and I’ll definitely rate my Portra 400 at 200 next time for more consistent results. I also learned I need to slow down and trust the process—every click counts with film, and that’s part of the magic.

Digital: Canon R6

Alongside the film, I shot digital with my Canon R6, which is my go-to camera for weddings and portrait sessions. The digitals are crisp, clean, and incredibly versatile in post-processing. I leaned into my usual light and airy style—keeping things natural, romantic, and true to the couple’s vibe.

Digital gave me the flexibility to experiment with angles and direct Nicole and Jack more dynamically. It’s also what I rely on during fast-paced moments (like wedding days) when I need to shoot a lot quickly and adjust settings on the fly.

The Side-by-Side Comparison

When I laid out the film and digital images side by side, the differences were striking—but not in a competitive way. It was more like seeing two versions of the same love story. Film brought the nostalgia and romance. Digital brought the clarity and versatility. Together, they felt like the full picture of who Nicole and Jack are.

And that’s what I’m leaning into more and more as a photographer—offering a mix of digital and film photography to couples who want something classic, soulful, and real.

Final Thoughts

Shooting film during this SoHo couples session taught me so much. It made me slow down, observe more intentionally, and capture those quiet, candid moments that feel the most real. I’ll absolutely be bringing film into more of my couples sessions and wedding days in NYC and beyond.

If you’re a couple looking for romantic, editorial-style photos in New York City—whether you’re dreaming of a chic SoHo stroll or a Central Park elopement—I’d love to chat. Let’s create something beautiful together.

📸 Curious what the film looks like?

And here are the digitals