Shooting Film for Clients

Film photography for clients requires a different approach than personal work. The slower workflow, higher cost per frame, and delayed feedback demand careful planning, clear communication, and professional systems. This guide covers how to run a successful client-focused film photography practice.

Why Shoot Film for Clients?

The Value Proposition

What film offers clients:

• Distinctive aesthetic that's difficult to replicate digitally
• Authentic, organic look that resonates with certain markets
• Tangible, craft-based approach that some clients value
• Timeless quality that ages well
• Differentiation from the majority of digital photographers

Markets where film thrives:

• Wedding photography (especially fine art/editorial style)
• Portrait photography (family, maternity, branding)
• Editorial and fashion
• Fine art commissions
• Documentary and personal projects

Understanding the Trade-offs

Client benefits:

• Unique aesthetic
• Photographer's expertise and vision
• Often more considered, intentional images
• Prestige and exclusivity

Client concerns:

• Higher costs (passed through or absorbed)
• Longer delivery times
• No instant review or chimping
• Perceived risk of lost images

Your job is to maximise the benefits while minimising—or addressing—the concerns.

Part 1: The Business Side

Client Communication

Setting Expectations Early

Before booking:

• Explain your workflow clearly
• Be upfront about what shooting film means
• Discuss turnaround times honestly
• Address the "what if something goes wrong" question

Key points to communicate:

The Film Conversation

Many clients won't know or care whether you shoot film—they want beautiful images. Others specifically seek film photographers. Tailor your approach:

For film-seeking clients:

• Discuss film stocks and their characteristics
• Share your aesthetic choices and why
• Connect your process to their vision

For aesthetic-seeking clients:

• Focus on the final result
• Mention film as part of your process
• Don't over-explain technical details

For uncertain clients:

• Show your portfolio and let work speak
• Address concerns directly
• Offer reassurance about your systems

Contracts and Terms

Include in your contract:

• Delivery timeline (and what affects it)
• Number of final images (not frames shot)
• Whether film costs are included or itemised
• Your backup/redundancy approach
• Policy on lost or damaged film (rare but possible)

Sample clause:

"Images are captured on professional film and processed through [lab name]. Delivery is typically [X] weeks from the session date. The photographer maintains professional systems and redundancies to ensure image delivery."

Client Communication Template

Initial Inquiry Response

"Thank you for reaching out about [event/project]. I'd love to learn more about what you're looking for.

A few questions:

• What's the date and approximate duration?
• What's the location?
• How many final images do you need?
• Do you have specific shots in mind?
• What's your budget range?

Once I understand your needs, I can put together a detailed quote."

Part 2: The Technical Side

Workflow Planning

Pre-Shoot Preparation

Film selection:

• Choose stocks appropriate for the lighting and mood
• Have backup rolls of your primary stock
• Consider whether you need multiple ISOs

Equipment check:

• Test cameras before every paid shoot
• Clean lenses and check for fungus
• Verify light meter accuracy
• Fresh batteries where needed
• Backup camera body (essential)

Shot list and planning:

• Plan more carefully than digital (you can't spray and pray)
• Create a shot list for structured sessions
• Identify must-have vs nice-to-have shots
• Plan for lighting conditions

During the Shoot

Metering discipline:

• Meter every lighting change
• Use incident metering for consistency
• Bracket critical shots if uncertain
• Note exposure settings for unusual situations

Frame management:

• Shoot deliberately, not frantically
• Focus on quality over quantity
• Get the shot right in-camera
• Allow time for the contemplative film process

Film handling:

• Label exposed rolls immediately
• Keep exposed film in dedicated bag/case
• Protect from heat and X-rays
• Track roll numbers if shooting multiple stocks

Post-Shoot Processing

Lab selection:

• Use professional labs with track record
• Develop relationships with your lab
• Understand their turnaround times
• Know their policies on issues

Processing timeline:

• Account for shipping time to/from lab
• Add buffer for scanning queue
• Don't promise what you can't control
• Communicate delays proactively

Hybrid vs Film-Only Workflows

Film-Only Approach

Advantages:

• Complete aesthetic consistency
• Simplified workflow
• Stronger brand identity
• No temptation to "fix it in post"

Challenges:

• No instant review for clients
• Higher stakes per frame
• Must be confident in technical skills
• Some clients uncomfortable without previews

Best for:

• Established photographers with strong technical skills
• Markets that value the pure film aesthetic
• Photographers with efficient, tested workflows

Hybrid Approach (Film + Digital)

Common hybrid strategies:

Advantages:

• Instant review capability when needed
• Backup for critical moments
• Flexibility in difficult conditions
• Can show clients previews

Challenges:

• Two workflows to manage
• Potential aesthetic inconsistency
• More equipment to carry
• More post-processing complexity

Making Hybrid Work

Maintain consistency:

• Develop a digital editing style that complements your film
• Or keep workflows completely separate (film portfolio vs digital portfolio)
• Be transparent with clients about what they're getting

Technical considerations:

• Match white balance approach between film and digital
• Consider exposure consistency
• Post-process to unified aesthetic if mixing in deliverables

Backup and Risk Management

Why Backup Matters More with Film

Digital photographers have instant verification. You don't. Your systems must account for:

• Camera malfunction during shoot
• Film damage before processing
• Lab errors (rare but possible)
• Lost shipments

Multi-Layer Backup Strategy

Level 1: During shoot

• Backup camera body (always)
• Multiple film backs if using medium format
• Verify film is advancing (check rewind knob on 35mm)
• Don't put all eggs in one basket (multiple cameras for events)

Level 2: Film handling

• Exposed film goes immediately into labelled container
• Track every roll with shot notes
• Never leave film in checked luggage
• Use reliable shipping with tracking

Level 3: Lab relationship

• Use established professional labs
• Discuss their error policies
• Consider splitting critical jobs between shipping days
• Keep lab phone number accessible

Level 4: Insurance

• Professional liability insurance
• Equipment insurance
• Understand what your policy covers

When Things Go Wrong

Prevention: Most "disasters" are preventable with proper systems.

If something goes wrong:

• Communicate immediately with client
• Be honest about what happened
• Propose solutions
• Learn and update your systems

The film photography community is small. How you handle problems defines your reputation.

Pricing Film Photography

Research Your Local Market

Pricing varies dramatically by region. Research what other film photographers in your area charge. Look at their portfolios, experience levels, and what's included. Position yourself appropriately — undercutting established photographers devalues everyone's work.

Cost Components

Direct costs per job:

Example: 10-roll portrait session

• Film: 10 × £10 = £100
• Processing: 10 × £8 = £80
• Scanning: 10 × £10 = £100
• Shipping: £15
• Total direct cost: £295

Pricing Strategies

Option 1: Include film costs in package

• Simpler for clients
• You absorb cost variability
• Price packages to cover expected film use
• Build in margin for extra rolls

Option 2: Film costs as line item

• Transparent to clients
• Passes variability to client
• Can seem nickel-and-diming
• Requires careful tracking

Option 3: Tiered packages

• Different film allocation per tier
• Clear value differentiation
• Allows client choice
• More complex to explain

Communicating Value

Focus on outcomes, not inputs:

• "Timeless images with an organic, authentic feel"
• "A curated collection of [X] finished images"
• "The distinctive aesthetic you've seen in my portfolio"

Avoid:

• Emphasising how expensive film is
• Making clients feel like they're paying for your hobby
• Itemising every small cost

Proofing and Selection

Contact Sheets and Previews

Traditional approach:

• Provide contact sheets or proof prints
• Client selects from proofs
• Final scans/prints of selected images

Modern approach:

• Low-resolution scan gallery (online or print)
• Client selects favourites
• High-resolution scanning of selections

Direct delivery:

• Scan everything at final quality
• Deliver curated selection
• Photographer does all editing/selection

Editing and Selection

Photographer-led selection:

• You choose best images
• Consistent quality control
• Faster workflow
• Suits "trust the artist" clients

Client-involved selection:

• Show more options
• Client picks favourites
• More time-intensive
• Suits clients who want control

Hybrid selection:

• You pre-select viable images
• Client chooses from your edit
• Balance of control

Delivery and Archiving

Digital Delivery

Scanning specifications:

• Resolution appropriate for client use
• Colour profile consistency
• File naming conventions
• Delivery format (TIFF, JPEG, both)

Delivery methods:

• Online gallery (Pixieset, Pic-Time, etc.)
• Direct download link
• USB drive (premium option)
• Combination approach

Print Products

Film-to-print workflow:

• Lab prints directly from negatives (best quality)
• Digital prints from scans (more control, wider lab options)
• Darkroom prints (premium offering)

Print offerings:

• Include prints in packages
• Offer print credits
• Sell prints as add-ons
• Partner with quality labs

Archiving Negatives

Your archive:

• Store all negatives properly
• Maintain negative index/catalogue
• Consider climate-controlled storage
• Back up all scans

Client negatives:

• Define policy in contract
• Options: retain, return, or store for fee
• If returning, provide archival sleeves
• Communicate storage requirements

Building Your Film Practice

Developing Consistency

Technical consistency:

• Standardise your film stocks
• Develop metering habits
• Create repeatable processes
• Document what works

Aesthetic consistency:

• Define your style
• Stick with stocks that support it
• Develop signature looks
• Let your portfolio show coherent vision

Marketing Film Photography

Portfolio presentation:

• Lead with your best work
• Show consistent aesthetic
• Include variety within your style
• Update regularly with recent work

Finding your clients:

• Some clients seek film specifically
• Others discover film through your work
• Target markets that value craftsmanship
• Network with complementary vendors (wedding industry)

Educating your market:

• Blog about your process (if it attracts your clients)
• Behind-the-scenes content
• Explain value without being precious
• Let work speak first, process second

Continuing Development

Keep improving:

• Invest in personal projects
• Test new films and techniques
• Learn from mistakes
• Study master photographers

Stay current:

• Film stocks change (discontinuation, new releases)
• Lab landscape evolves
• Stay connected to film community
• Adapt workflow as needed

Summary

Communication is paramount:

• Set clear expectations
• Address concerns proactively
• Include key terms in contracts
• Keep clients informed of progress

Systems ensure reliability:

• Backup equipment always
• Tested workflow
• Trusted lab relationships
• Risk management at every stage

Pricing reflects value:

• Include costs appropriately
• Price for value, not just inputs
• Be transparent but not apologetic
• Premium service justifies premium pricing

Quality defines reputation:

• Technical excellence is non-negotiable
• Deliver on promises
• Handle problems professionally
• Let your work speak for itself

Professional film photography requires more planning and systems than casual shooting, but the results—both images and client relationships—reward the investment. The photographers who succeed with film professionally combine technical mastery with clear communication and reliable systems.