Why I believe everyone should bring a film camera to their summer gatherings.
You don’t need an expensive film camera to start. Even a simple one-time-use 35mm film camera can create magic. The simplicity of these cameras allows you to focus on the moment rather than technicalities, and the anticipation of developing your film adds excitement.
Intentionality in Each Shot: Shooting on film requires a mindful approach. Each frame is precious, leading to more thoughtful and meaningful photos.
Unique Aesthetic: Film offers a distinctive look that digital can't replicate. The grain, colors, and contrast add a nostalgic beauty to summer memories.
Tangible Memories: Unlike digital photos that can get lost in the endless scroll, printed film photos provide a lasting presence, evoking memories every time you hold them.
Less is More: With a limited number of shots, film encourages quality over quantity, ensuring each photo has significance.
Embrace the Simplicity: You don’t need an expensive film camera to start. Even a simple one-time-use 35mm film camera can create magic. The simplicity of these cameras allows you to focus on the moment rather than technicalities, and the anticipation of developing your film adds excitement.
Why You Should Try It
This summer, I challenge you to bring a film camera to your next beach or pool party. Capture the sun-kissed smiles, the splashes of water, and the candid moments that define summer. Your photos will stand out not just for their aesthetic, but for the timeless memories they hold—memories that won’t get lost in the digital abyss.
5 Tips for Incredible Getting Ready Wedding Photos
The getting ready portion of your wedding day is more than just hair and makeup, it's the quiet buildup, the nerves, the laughter, the soft moments before everything begins. As a photojournalistic wedding photographer, I’ve learned that some of the most emotionally rich and editorially beautiful images happen in those early hours. Here are 5 essential tips to help you make the most of your getting ready photos, so your story is captured with honesty, heart, and a refined sense of style.
By Gerard Lalo, California Wedding Photographer | Photojournalistic + Editorial Style
The big day is here. The coffee is brewing. The playlist is on. The room is buzzing with anticipation. You're in getting-ready mode, surrounded by your favorite people, and your photographer just walked in with cameras in hand.
This quiet part of the day? It’s where some of the most authentic, storytelling-rich photos come from. Not just the picture-perfect details, but the real moments, the nervous laughter, the deep breaths, the energy before everything unfolds.
As a photographer who blends photojournalism with editorial imagery, I’m always chasing two things: how it felt, and how it looked.
So here are 5 ways to make your getting ready photos feel effortless, honest, and absolutely stunning:
1. Light. Is. Everything.
Choose a space with windows and soft, natural light if possible.
Good light doesn’t just flatter. It tells the story. The way the morning sun falls across your face while you sip coffee, or the glow through your veil as you stand by the window — these are the moments that give your images that cinematic, editorial feel.
Think of your space like a film set. Light sets the tone before anything else.
2. Keep the Chaos Contained
A little mess is real. A mountain of bags and Starbucks cups in every shot? Not so much.
Designate one area for personal items, and ask a bridesmaid or sibling to keep the main space clean. This lets your environment support the story, not distract from it.
Less clutter means more clarity in the frame.
3. Prep Your Details in One Spot
When your photographer arrives, having your dress, shoes, rings, florals, and invitations gathered in one place saves time and creates space for intentional, styled images that still feel cohesive with your day.
These flat lays are more than pretty. They’re chapter one of your visual narrative.
4. Wear Something Photogenic Pre-Dress
Whether it’s a silk robe, a linen button-up, or something custom, choose something that feels like you and looks good in motion.
You’ll be photographed before the gown goes on, and these in-between shots often end up being some of the most intimate and real.
Avoid logos and neon colors. Think soft, timeless, and flattering.
5. Don’t Perform. Just Be.
Here’s the secret: the best photos don’t come from perfect poses.
They come from presence. Take a moment. Breathe. Laugh with your people. Wipe that happy tear. The camera sees everything, especially the in-between moments.
You don’t need to “do” anything special. Just feel it. That’s more than enough.
Final Thought
The getting ready part of your day isn’t just prep. It’s a story within the story. It’s where your people are close, your energy is electric, and everything begins.
Ready to have your wedding morning documented with intention and artistry?
If you're looking for a photographer who captures real moments with an editorial eye, I'd love to hear your story.
Reach out here to check availability and learn more about my approach.