Super 8 Videography: The Most Artistic Way to Tell Your Story

If you’re here, reading this blog, chances are that you’re passionate about film photography. You’re drawn to its vintage soul, the gorgeous grain, and even the way a light leak can turn into something beautiful. Well, you’re in good company! I’m Rachel, an East Coast film photographer who loves capturing your most important moments on film. And if you love film photography as much as I do, I’m willing to bet that you’ll also fall in love with Super 8 videography. 

What is Super 8 Videography (and Why is it So Special)? 

Super 8 videography (aka, 8mm film) is an analog film format from the 1960s. It’s known for its soft focus and organic film grain. But it’s not just a cool, retro way of capturing videos. Super 8 is literally moving pictures. Instead of recording movement electronically, like modern cameras, Super 8 cameras etch each frame into the silver of the film. This process turns your fleeting moments into something physical. Once we fill the sprocket, we send the exposed film to a lab that develops the film by hand and scans each frame to digitize it. We then work scene by scene to perfect the exposure, coloring, and contrast of the film. 

Once we’ve found the perfect balance in the film itself, we begin splicing the scenes together to tell your story. Whether we’ve used Super 8 to document your wedding, family, or portrait session, we will create a visual narrative of your experience! We pick the best frames, add music, and create a living memory that you can hold onto forever. 

Why We Love It So Much 

Super 8 videography lifts the curtain to a magical moment. Whether you’re rewatching your wedding first dance or your kids play in the backyard, Super 8 videos just feel magical. Between the softness and the way the light leaks, these nostalgic videos give you the impression that time itself has been recorded. Super 8 videos are living, breathing documentation of what it felt like to be in that moment. I said the same thing about film in my blog Why You Should Hire a Film Photographer, and it’s just as true here: Digital videos show you what happened. Super 8 films show you how it felt. 

My Journey to Super 8 Videography 

As a lover a film, it’s no surprise that I’m drawn to Super 8 Videography, too. In the past few years, I’ve seen fellow wedding photographers begin incorporating Super 8. The world of Super 8 just hooked me and didn’t let go. I will always be a film photographer first, but I recommend Super 8 to all of my clients who want an artistic and nostalgic video of their day! It’s the natural evolution of my soft, dreamy film photography. 

That was three years ago. Since then, my team and I have created Super 8 films for weddings, engagements, family sessions, and portrait sessions! I think every event can benefit from nostalgic film, and happily offer it to all clients. My team is specially trained for Super 8 videography. This way, you can trust that whoever picks up the camera will capture a beautiful, intentional film. We’re super excited to be using the newest Kodak Super 8 camera for precise and perfect films! We can use the camera in every situation, any kind of light, and throughout the day and night.

Want to Add Super 8 Videography to Your Session? (So Do We!) 

Super 8 has made a huge comeback lately, and honestly, I’m not surprised. It is such a unique and special medium that appeals to all lovers of beautiful things and genuine moments. Super 8 is for those passionate about vintage film, who don’t just want to document what happened, but experience it all over again, even years from now. It’s also for art lovers, those who bake from scratch and listen to their favorite albums on vinyl. 

With every light leak and imperfection, Super 8 tells a story. In a world where AI makes us question reality, Super 8 video is utterly human and utterly beautiful. It gives us a way to express ourselves and form genuine connections. And I don’t know about you, but I want to feel human.  So if you’re like me, and you want all the feelings, joy-filled and sorrow-laden, if you  want to celebrate connections and accomplishments, if you want the passage of time to actually feel like it meant something to someone… Super 8 videography is perfect for you. 

“Rachel and her partner, Nate, shot my rehearsal dinner and wedding day. It was such a pleasure working with Rachel throughout the process of getting ready for our wedding weekend. She was a calm and knowledgeable presence with a keen sense of understanding our personal style and vision for our day. With her expertise in film, digital and super 8 she can cover your whole day and make it look effortless. You will enjoy your time with her no matter the context!” –Shannon & Alex

If you’re interested in adding Super 8 videography to your wedding, engagement, family shoot, or portrait session, we should absolutely chat. I would love to incorporate this incredible medium into your experience! Check out our Super 8 packages and contact us to start the process! Or, if you just want to watch more dreamy Super 8 videos, check us out on YouTube!