There’s something special about flicking through a photo album as a family and holding a photograph that feels a little like a memory. The colours, the grain, the softness and those perfectly imperfect moments that bring you right back to how it felt to be there, and how quickly.
As a maternity and family photographer in Margaret River, I love working with both digital photography and 35mm film. Digital allows me to capture the little moments as they unfold, while film brings a different kind of feeling to the images — nostalgic, intentional and beautifully real.
If you’re planning a maternity photoshoot or family photography session in Margaret River or the South-West of WA, adding 35mm film is a lovely way to create a collection of photographs that feels a little different.
If you are wondering what makes film so special? And is it worth adding to your session?
What is 35mm film photography, and how is it different from digital?
35mm film photography is a traditional form of photography where images are captured onto a physical roll of light-sensitive film rather than a digital sensor. Once the roll is finished, the film is professionally developed and scanned to create digital images.
Unlike digital photography, where you can instantly review your photographs, shooting on film requires a little more patience and intention. I often tell families before a shoot that it will feel a bit slower as each frame is considered, the light is observed carefully, and there’s a certain excitement in not knowing exactly how the images will turn out until they come back from the lab.
I love combining film with digital photography because the two complement each other beautifully. Digital captures the fleeting expressions, playful chaos and in-between moments, while film adds another layer of texture, colour and nostalgia.
The result is a gallery that feels personal, honest and full of life.
Why does 35mm film photography feel so nostalgic and authentic?
One of the things I love most about 35mm film is its nostalgic quality. Film can have beautiful grain, gentle colour shifts, soft highlights and a depth that feels reminiscent of photographs from your own childhood.
There’s something about looking at a film photograph that can make a moment feel like a memory, even when it happened only yesterday.
For maternity sessions, I love how film can capture the softness of this season of waiting — hands resting on your belly, the way the afternoon light falls across your skin, or the quiet connection between you and your partner.
For family sessions, it might be your children running towards the ocean at Prevelly, little hands reaching for yours, sandy feet, wind-blown hair or everyone laughing at something that happened in the moment.
These photographs don't need to feel perfectly polished. They need to feel like you.
Film has a way of embracing the little details that make your family unique, creating photographs that feel less like a photoshoot and more like a glimpse into your life.
Is 35mm film photography meant to be imperfect?
Absolutely — and that's part of its beauty.
Film photography isn't about making every photograph look identical or perfectly controlled. It's about embracing the character of the medium and allowing the moments to unfold naturally.
A little grain, subtle variations in colour, movement, a strand of hair across your face or the unpredictable beauty of natural light can all contribute to the feeling of a film photograph.
Of course, I still take care with exposure, composition and timing. The imperfections aren't about being careless; they're about allowing the photographs to retain their character rather than striving for absolute perfection.
This philosophy carries through to the way I photograph families, too. Children don't need to sit still for an entire session, everyone doesn't need to look at the camera, and not every moment needs to be carefully arranged.
I want you to have those beautiful photographs of everyone together, but I also want to capture the real stuff in between — the cuddles, the chaos, the little personalities and the moments you might otherwise forget.
Sometimes, those are the photographs that end up meaning the most.
Why is shooting on film such an intentional experience?
There is something lovely about slowing down and being more intentional with each photograph.
With a limited number of frames on a roll, film encourages me to observe the light, notice the details and wait for a moment to unfold. Rather than taking endless photographs, I consider each frame and look for the moments that feel worth preserving.
This doesn't mean your session needs to be quiet or serious. Quite the opposite!
Family sessions can still be playful, energetic and full of movement. I want your children to explore, your family to interact naturally and everyone to feel comfortable being themselves.
It's simply about being present with what's happening rather than feeling like we need to capture every single second.
For maternity photography, this slower approach can be especially lovely. Pregnancy is such a fleeting season, and there's something meaningful about taking the time to appreciate it — the changing shape of your body, the connection between you and your partner, and the anticipation of meeting your baby.
Film reminds me that we don't need to photograph everything to preserve something meaningful.
What is it like waiting for your film photographs to come back?
I'll admit, one of my favourite parts of shooting film is the anticipation!
Once a roll is finished, it goes off to be professionally developed and scanned. Then comes the waiting — wondering how the light has translated, how the colours have turned out and which little moments will be waiting on the other side.
Unlike digital photography, there isn't an instant preview. You have to trust the process and let the photographs reveal themselves when they're ready.
And when they do come back, there's a real sense of excitement.
I often hear from families who are in awe of their film photographs and love the feeling they have when looking through them. They notice the colours, the nostalgic quality and the way the images seem to hold onto a particular feeling.
It's one of the reasons I love offering film as part of my photography sessions. It's not just another set of images; it's a different way of experiencing and remembering the same season of your life.
Why is 35mm film a beautiful choice for maternity and family photos?
Maternity and family photography are about preserving seasons that change before we realise how quickly they've passed.
Pregnancy doesn't last forever. Little hands grow, favourite cuddles change, and the children who once wanted to be carried everywhere eventually run ahead of us.
Film offers a beautiful way to document these seasons with a sense of nostalgia and permanence.
For a maternity session, it can create soft, emotive photographs that celebrate your changing body and the connection you share with your growing family.
For family photography, it captures the character of your family as you are right now — whether that means exploring the bush, walking along the beach, playing in the garden or spending a slow afternoon together at home.
I photograph families throughout Margaret River and the surrounding South-West of WA, from coastal locations and native bushland to the comfort of your own home.
Wherever we meet, my approach is relaxed and natural. I'll offer gentle prompts when needed, but there's room for your family to move, play and connect in your own way.
Film fits beautifully into this approach because it celebrates the imperfect, fleeting moments that make your story yours.
Should you book an entire 35mm film photography session or add film to your digital package?
You don't have to commit to an entire film session to experience the beauty of 35mm photography. At Stills by Jordan, there are two ways to include film in your maternity or family photoshoot.
Option 1: Add 35mm film to your Signature session
If you're curious about film but still want the flexibility of a digital gallery, adding a roll or two of film to your Signature session is a lovely place to start.
Your session will include your digital photographs, with your film images professionally developed and scanned and delivered alongside your digital gallery.
You can choose colour film for its tones and nostalgic warmth, or black-and-white film for a more classic, timeless feel.
This option allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds: the variety and flexibility of digital photography, alongside the distinctive character of film.
Film add-ons:
Choose one or two rolls of 35mm film.
Select colour or black-and-white film.
Receive your developed and scanned film photographs alongside your digital gallery.
Pricing depends on your chosen film option. Get in touch for current pricing and to discuss what would suit your session.
Option 2: Book the Heirloom film session
If you love the look and feel of film and want to embrace it fully, my Heirloom session is designed for you.
This session is photographed entirely on 35mm film, with two rolls included — one colour and one black and white. Your collection also includes printed photographs, giving you something tangible to hold, display and frame in your home.
I love the idea of photographs becoming more than files sitting on a phone or computer. Prints allow your family memories to become part of your everyday life, whether they're displayed on the wall, tucked into an album or passed down through the years.
The Heirloom session is for families who want to slow down, trust the process and create a collection of photographs with a beautiful, nostalgic feel.
The Heirloom session includes:
A 60-minute maternity or family photography session.
Two rolls of 35mm film — colour and black and white.
Professional film development and high-resolution scans.
Printed photographs to keep and frame.
The Heirloom session is $800.
Whether you choose a few film frames alongside your digital photographs or an entire session on film, the intention is the same: to create photographs that feel meaningful now and continue to bring you joy as the years pass.
Is 35mm film photography worth the investment?
If you love the nostalgic look of film, appreciate photographs that feel natural and imperfect, and want something a little different from a traditional digital gallery, I think film is a beautiful addition to your session.
It's also worth remembering that film photography involves physical film, professional development and scanning, so it comes with additional costs and a different process to digital photography.
The value isn't necessarily in having more photographs. It's in the way these photographs make you feel when you look back at them.
I love hearing from families who tell me how much they adore their film images, often noticing a particular softness or feeling that makes them stand apart from the rest of their gallery.
And while film has its own unique character, you don't need to choose between film and digital to create meaningful photographs. Both have a place, and the right choice is the one that feels most like you.
How can you book a 35mm film maternity or family photoshoot in Margaret River?
If you're planning a maternity or family photoshoot in Margaret River, the South-West of WA, or you're visiting the region and want to document your time here, I'd love to help you create something meaningful.
At Stills by Jordan, my sessions are relaxed, playful and centred around connection. We'll choose a location that suits your family, whether that's the beach, the bush, a favourite outdoor spot or the comfort of home.
You can book my Signature session and add one or two rolls of 35mm film, or choose the Heirloom session if you'd love your photographs to be captured entirely on film.
If you're not sure which option is right for you, that's completely fine. Get in touch and we can chat about what you're drawn to, what you'd love to remember and how film might fit into your session.
Ready to create something a little different?
Visit Stills by Jordan to explore my maternity and family photography, view examples of my 35mm film photography, or get in touch to enquire about adding film to your next session.
I'd love to help you capture this season of your life in a way that feels natural, honest and beautifully yours.
