Weaving Romance Through Film: Capturing Timeless Elopements with Film Photography
In a world dominated by digital technology, Analog Elopements stands out as a unique husband-and-wife photo team specializing in elopement photography on 35mm film. Meet Nick and Shevelle, the creative minds behind this Las Vegas-based venture. With a passion for storytelling and a love for vintage aesthetics, they have embraced analog photography to capture the essence of elopements in a way that transports couples to a different era. In this blog post, we dive into their journey, explore the advantages of analog photography, and discover their tips for couples interested in eloping and preserving their special day through film.
Nick and Shevelle's Journey to Analog Elopements
Nick and Shevelle's paths to analog photography were unique, but their shared love for this art form brought them together. Shevelle's photography career began over a decade ago while attending UNLV, where she focused on photojournalism, covering concerts, conventions, and other events in the city. Her passion for capturing authentic moments eventually led her to wedding photography. In early 2020, she established her business, Of Colour and Hue.
This photo captures a treasured memory from their elopement, taken with their first film camera and the excitement of loading their inaugural roll of film.
Nick's introduction to photography came later in 2021 when he stumbled upon a film camera at a local antique shop. Initially purchasing it to document their own elopement, he quickly fell in love with analog photography. After months of second shooting alongside Shevelle, he decided to offer 35mm film as an add-on package to her digital photography business due to the high demand for film coverage. This led to the creation of Analog Elopements, a platform dedicated to those seeking film-only coverage for their special day.
Q&A with Analog Elopements:
1. What drew you both to analog photography for elopements, and how does it enhance the storytelling aspect of your work?
Analog Elopements: "Most couples come to Vegas to elope because they want that vintage Las Vegas vibe. To us, analog photography is simply perfect for replicating the same nostalgic feel that this historic city is known for. From neon lights to classic cars and old motel signs, we let film photography tell the story of an elopement from a different era in time."
2. Can you share some unique qualities or characteristics that make analog photography particularly well-suited for capturing elopement moments?
Analog Elopements: "Having the couple's elopement captured on film causes them to slow down and really take in every single moment. It makes their day more about them and not just about posing for tons of photos. Also, we shoot a lot of candid moments between the couple, which capture the true love and genuine emotions of their special day!"
3. How do you approach the process of shooting with film compared to digital photography, and what advantages do you believe it offers?
Analog Elopements: "Unlike digital photography, where you have an unlimited number of photos, shooting with film limits us to a certain number of frames. This limitation forces us to be more intentional with every shot and focus harder. Additionally, film photography doesn't guarantee that the photos will turn out exactly as intended. Unwanted effects like light leaks, camera flares, or halation from certain film stocks can occur. However, these 'happy little accidents' can often result in the most unique photos!"
4. Are there any specific film or camera types you prefer for elopement photography, and why do you find them ideal for capturing these intimate moments?
Analog Elopements: "We use a wide variety of cameras, including SLRs, rangefinders, point and shoots, and Polaroids. Our professional SLRs, such as the Canon F-1 and A-1, are our main tools for delivering high-quality film photos. We reserve our point and shoots, like the Canon Sure Shots and Autoboys, for candid shots, as they provide that old-school, disposable film look. As for film stocks, we use both professional and consumer-grade films, depending on the time and location of the elopement. Some of our favorites include Lomography 100, Kodak Portra 400, Cinestill 800t, but our all-time favorite film is Kodak Ultramax 400 due to its versatility."
5. What steps do you take to ensure that you can consistently deliver high-quality analog photographs to your clients, considering the limited number of exposures available per roll?
Analog Elopements: "Our top priority is capturing every important moment with the limited exposures we have. To guarantee this, we usually have 2-3 cameras in rotation at a time. We also focus on calculated composition, lighting conditions, prompts, and poses to ensure the best possible photos."
6. What advice would you give to people interested in eloping and having their special day captured through analog photography?
Analog Elopements: "Our biggest advice to couples interested in eloping is that there is no right or wrong way to be in front of the camera. Whether they're professional models or haven't posed for pictures since prom, all they need to do is focus on one another and enjoy their special day. Leave it to us to capture all of those amazing moments on film!"
Conclusion:
Analog Elopements has genuinely embraced the art of analog photography, offering couples a chance to relive the past through their elopement photos. With their unique approach and passion for storytelling, Nick and Shevelle create unforgettable memories that transport couples to a different era. By combining vintage aesthetics with the charm of Las Vegas, they ensure that every elopement is captured in a way that exudes nostalgia and romance. For couples seeking to preserve their special day with a touch of nostalgia, Analog Elopements offers an opportunity to step back in time and create memories that will last a lifetime.
