I get asked the question all the time: What does it mean for you to be a hybrid photographer? It’s a fair question that comes with some preconceived notions and assumptions. I would like to clear a few of those up right now, if I may…

SO…WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A HYBRID PHOTOGRAPHER?

It means that I use both film and digital cameras to capture your day. Rather than just have one or two digital cameras, I have one digital (a Nikon Z7II) and one film (a Pentax 645 2NII). I carry both on my harness, so they are never too far from reach.

…WHY?

There’s perks to both technologies, and there are also limitations. I like to use both because it allows more flexibility and creativity in how I capture your day. I don’t have to stay in the confines of one piece of technology; I can have a foot in both photographic worlds, as it were.

DO YOU TAKE AS MANY FILM PHOTOS AS YOU DO DIGITAL?

Film coverage is more supplemental; I love having a film camera because I can sneak captures that I can’t get with a digital body. I still mostly shoot with my digital camera, but I do more and more with the film as I use it. At this point, however, it is meant to be almost like a back-up to add a little flair to your day.

HOW MANY FILM PHOTOS DO YOU CAPTURE?

The quantity of film photos varies. My goal is always at least one roll (16 images), but ideally I go through three rolls. There are so many factors that go into film coverage (location, weather, exposure, etc.) so there is no guarantee on quantity as quality matters most; as a hybrid photographer, the film guarantee I make is that I will definitely try.

HOW DO YOU DEVELOP FILM THESE DAYS?

It’s the same as always: The film goes to a lab. There are fewer local labs this day and age, so I send my rolls to the lovely folks at The FIND Lab in Utah. They develop the film and send the digital scans back so I can deliver them. I then do some tweaks (yes, even film requires a few edits now and then), and then upload into the digital gallery. This process takes a little time (4 weeks) but it is always a good day when those scans are delivered.

While it is a little work, it adds a little extra to your gallery, and I am always here for that. I love being a hybrid photographer, and I will never, ever be anything different.

What questions do you have about hybrid or film photography?

Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer (and handcrafter and designer on the side). She serves elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!