I get asked about my camera gear from time to time... honestly i wish it was more often - I love talking camera gear.


But if there's one piece of equipment I use that genuinely invites conversation, it's when I pull out an old film camera. Especially my Nikon F4.


It's a tank/brick of a camera from 1988 and has that unmistakable 'click clack' sound of the shutter when you fire it off.


I've actually had one previously, sold it, then instantly regretted that decision, and have since bought one again. I'll never make that mistake again.


It's rugged, reliable, designed to look like a piece of military equipment, and built for professionals in 1988.


It’s one of those cameras that still surprises people with how well it works for portrait sessions at weddings.


Film has a romance about it that is hard to replicate. Maybe its the depth, warmth, texture and permanence of it.  There’s a reason film photography hasn’t disappeared completely. It encourages slower, more thoughtful photography, which is perfect for portrait sessions at weddings.


Film images have a natural grain, beautiful skin tones, and subtle tonal transitions that give them a timeless quality. Your portraits won’t just look like a snapshot of the day, they’ll feel like a real moment that's been captured.


Now, I don't carry this this around ALL DAY. It's an extra kilo hanging around my neck after all. My aim is to save this one for the portrait sessions, to add something a bit special and exciting to the day. Not just for my couples, but for me too!


The Nikon F4 came out in the late ’80s as Nikon’s first professional autofocus SLR. Despite its age, it’s still a fantastic tool for portrait photography.


It has pretty fast and accurate autofocus which is great for catching natural expressions.

Works with amazing Nikon portrait lenses. So its perfect for dreamy backgrounds and some nice subject separation.

Built like a tank and able to handles shoots in vineyards, wineries, and outdoor settings with no issues.


It also adds that classic film look to a wedding gallery, with soft tonal transitions, natural skin tones, and organic grain that makes portraits feel timeless.


I've found that even adding a few film shots mixed with digital photos will elevate a wedding gallery. They bring a certain texture, depth, and a certain nostalgia that digital can’t easily replicate.