Film newborn photography in Cleveland is something I am so passionate about and this session is the perfect example of why. This is the companion film post to a full digital newborn session I shared recently – you can see all of those images right here: Lifestyle Newborn Photographer Cleveland – A Spring Session with a Very Good Dog. This sweet family added a roll of film to their session. Honestly it elevated the whole gallery in a way that is really hard to put into words. So let me try anyway!

by Alison Nicole Photography | Cleveland Lifestyle Photographer

What Is Film Newborn Photography and Why Does It Matter?

Film photography captures light differently than digital – there is a warmth, a grain, a softness to it that feels timeless. For newborn sessions specifically film adds something really special. Those first days are so fleeting. Having images that feel like they belong in a beautifully worn photo album just feels right. Furthermore film requires a different kind of intentionality – every frame counts since you only have so many on a roll. As a result the images tend to feel more deliberate and considered. Also there is something about holding a film print that feels different from scrolling through a digital gallery. It just hits differently!

Film Newborn Photography Cleveland – How It Works in a Session

Adding a roll of film to your session is so easy! I simply bring my film camera along and shoot alongside my digital work throughout the day. So you are not choosing one or the other – you get both. For this particular session I wove film shots in throughout the whole day as moments presented themselves. Then we finished the session outside to wrap up the roll which gave us some of my absolute favorite images from the entire day. Because the light was so beautiful outdoors that afternoon everything just came together perfectly!

This Session – A Hammock, a Dock, and the Most Beautiful Reflections

The outdoor film portion of this session was something else entirely. First we got some of Dad and baby in their hammock which turned out so dreamy. The soft light and the film grain made those images feel like a memory even while we were still in the moment. However my absolute favorites came when we made our way to their little dock. The lake nearby had a channel that went right to the back of their home. The reflections in the water that afternoon were stunning.

Shooting those dock shots on film felt so right – the combination of the water, the light, the grain, and those two together is honestly one of my favorite things I have ever captured. Furthermore I also did a double exposure on film during this session – using an image of the lake we visited at the very beginning of the session and layering the three of them right into it in camera. You never know how a double exposure is going to turn out but they often become the most magical images you would never get otherwise. Something truly one of a kind that could never be recreated. As a result the film images span the whole story of the day rather than just one isolated moment at the end!

Film Newborn Photography Cleveland – Is It Right for You?

If you are on the fence about adding film to your newborn session I would say go for it! You do not have to love photography or know anything about film to appreciate the results. The process on your end is exactly the same – you just show up and enjoy your session. I handle everything else!

Film adds a layer of beauty and timelessness that digital alone simply cannot replicate. One of my favorite things about film is that it naturally smooths skin in the most beautiful and organic way – no editing needed. Additionally film converts to black and white so effortlessly and beautifully that I will always include the black and white version of your film images in your gallery alongside the color ones. You get both! Plus you still get all of your digital images too – so there is truly nothing to lose and so much to gain. It is one of my favorite things to offer. And one of the most common things clients tell me they are glad they added!

Add Film to Your Session!

Are you interested in adding a film roll to your newborn, family, or lifestyle session? I would absolutely love to make that happen! You can learn more about my film photography work here: Cleveland Film Photographer. I am currently serving families in Cleveland and surrounding areas including Westlake, Bay Village, Rocky River, Lakewood, Avon, Avon Lake, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and more. If you would like to learn more about sessions please click here: Newborn Sessions. To see more sessions on the blog click here: Blog. To get the booking process started fill out my contact form here: Contact Form.

Thank You!

Thank you so much for reading through this film session! If you are looking for something else please know that I also offer family, branding, couples, and senior sessions. Check out these links: Cleveland Family Photographer, Cleveland Branding and Headshot Photographer, Cleveland Couples Photographer, Cleveland Senior Photographer. I would love to work with you!