Digital+Film Wedding Photographer

Engagement

Dec 8

Written By Michael Parks

Engaged couple at Mint Museum photographed on 35mm Ilford HP5 Plus black and white film by Charlotte wedding photographer Michael Parks, ParksPictures

Film and digital engagement at the Mint Museum, by Charlotte wedding photographer Michael Parks

Engagement Session at the Mint Museum, Charlotte NC

As a wedding photographer in Charlotte, NC, I’ve learned that every couple’s story deserves to be told with intention, emotion, and artistry. Over my twenty years of experience, I’ve refined my signature style of romantic elegance meeting editorial sophistication—pastel tones, luminous light, and candid moments with a polished finish. One of the most meaningful ways I achieve this balance is by photographing weddings with a mix of digital and film.

Blending both mediums allows me to create a wedding gallery that feels timeless yet modern, refined yet deeply emotional, and—above all—true to the couple I’m documenting.

Why Film Still Matters in a Digital World

There is something about film that digital cannot fully replicate. The delicate highlights, depth, and film grain in every frame—it creates a sort of feeling to the image.

When I bring out my film camera on a wedding day, the pace shifts. Couples breathe a little deeper. Moments slow down. Film invites presence, and in that space, heartfelt images emerge.

The Precision & Flexibility of Digital

Digital photography, on the other hand, gives me the ability to move quickly and document every fleeting moment—those candid interactions my clients always mention when they say, “I love your candid photos!”

While those moments are spontaneous and authentic, I am always anticipating them, reading the room, and positioning myself in beautiful light so the final image feels effortless and polished. Digital allows me to capture the laughter, the quick glances, the joyful chaos of the dance floor, and the little emotional beats no one else notices.

It’s the perfect partner to film: crisp, clean, versatile, and dependable in all lighting conditions.

Why Both Matter for Telling Your Story

Your wedding day is full of chapters—quiet, intimate, vibrant, emotional, celebratory. Using film and digital allows me to document each chapter in the way it deserves.

Film for the timeless, editorial moments
Bridal portraits, getting-ready details, ceremony emotions, soft natural-light scenes.
Digital for the dynamic, fast-paced moments
Wedding party energy, family hugs, reception festivities, sparkler exits.

Together, they create a gallery that feels complete—a true reflection of the day as it unfolded.

Charlotte: A City Made for Both Mediums

One of the things I love about being a wedding photographer in Charlotte is how beautifully this city photographs on both film and digital. Uptown’s sleek skyline brings an editorial edge, while neighborhoods like Myers Park and Dilworth offer cozy charm, and venues like Duke Mansion, the Mint Museum, and Quail Hollow Club provide backdrops that shine in both mediums. Charlotte’s mix of modern and classic mirrors my approach to storytelling—and that’s why I’m continually inspired to document love stories here.

For Couples Who Want Their Photos to Feel Like Them

If you’re a couple who loves a blend of timeless elegance and modern style…
If you appreciate artistry but still want natural, candid moments…
If you want a gallery that feels warm, emotional, polished, and true…

Then the combination of film and digital will speak directly to you.

Your story deserves depth. It deserves intention. It deserves to be told with both mediums working together in harmony.