A San Francisco Engagement Session on Super 8 Film

Daniel and Christina on Super 8 Film

Daniel and Christina’s engagement session on digital photography and Super 8 Film was a perfect blend of personal and cinematic elements. They chose Pier 7, with its iconic view of the Bay Bridge, and a cozy neighborhood coffee shop as their two primary locations. The combination of San Francisco’s urban charm and a more intimate spot made the session feel uniquely theirs. I cannot wait to capture their wedding this August at Villa Montalvo.

To capture the session, I used both digital photography and Super 8 Film. This allowed me to document timeless stills while adding a vintage, nostalgic vibe through the motion of Super 8. Balancing both mediums required careful planning, but the result was a mix of crisp, modern images and dreamy, retro footage.

If you’re curious about the magic of Super 8 Film and how it adds a unique touch to your memories, continue reading to learn more!

What is Super 8?

Super 8 is a film format introduced by Kodak in the 1960s. It quickly became a favorite for home movies due to its simplicity and compact design. The iconic grain and soft, vibrant colors give it a nostalgic and cinematic quality.

Unlike digital, Super 8 captures light and motion on physical film, creating a distinct texture. It’s ideal for those who want a vintage aesthetic and a tactile filmmaking experience. Most Super 8 filmmakers shoot at either 18 or 24 frames per second (fps). While 18 fps offers the classic vintage look, 24 fps creates a smoother, more modern feel. Its distinct aesthetic makes it perfect for capturing nostalgic, cinematic moments, whether for personal projects, weddings, or creative storytelling.

Creatives love Super 8 for its raw, imperfect charm and the emotional connection it brings to footage. It’s an excellent alternative to traditional cinematic digital videography for those wanting something more organic and nostalgic. While digital offers sharpness and precision, Super 8’s unique grain and light flares add an artistic quality that’s hard to replicate. However, shooting Super 8 comes with a higher cost. A single roll of film, including development, ranges between $150 and $200. Despite the expense, it remains a favorite for those seeking a truly timeless and artistic medium.

Ready to explore Super 8 for yourself? Keep reading for the essentials to get started.

What You Need to Get Started

Super 8 Camera

To start shooting Super 8, you’ll need a camera. Popular brands like Canon and Minolta are excellent choices for beginners and professionals. Look for models such as the Canon 310XL, or any Canon Autozoom, or a Minolta Autopak 8. Both offer reliable features and are easy to use.

You can find Super 8 cameras on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Be sure to check for a working motor and functioning light meter before purchasing. Some sellers even include original manuals, which can be helpful for first-time users.

Super 8 Film & Developement

Kodak is the primary producer of Super 8 film today. The most common stocks are Kodak 50D and 500T. The key difference? 50D is best for outdoor daylight filming, offering bright, natural colors. In contrast, 500T is more versatile in low-light conditions, making it perfect for indoor or evening shoots. Each roll of Super 8 film is 50 feet long, which gives you about 3 minutes and 20 seconds of shooting time at 18 frames per second (fps). If you’re shooting at 24 fps for a smoother look, the roll will last around 2 minutes and 30 seconds. This limited shooting time requires planning, as every second counts when working with physical film

Once you’ve finished filming, it’s time to develop your Super 8 film. Services like Pro8mm and Negative Space specialize in processing Super 8. Each studio has unique options, so it’s worth exploring their offerings before sending your film.

Pro tip: Always ship your film via ground to preserve its integrity. Air transport can expose the film to harmful x-rays. Development times vary but typically take 1–3 weeks after the studio receives your film.

Production

Once your Super 8 film is developed, it’s time to edit and bring your vision to life. For beginners, CapCut is a user-friendly app that works well for basic editing. It’s intuitive and perfect for assembling clips with minimal fuss.

For professionals or those looking to create polished projects, Adobe Premiere Pro is the go-to software. It offers advanced tools for color grading, audio adjustments, and seamless editing. Both options allow you to enhance your footage while maintaining the nostalgic charm of Super 8.

Whether you’re editing casually or professionally, the final product will always carry the timeless, cinematic quality unique to Super 8.

Conclusion

Super 8 Film offers a nostalgic, cinematic way to capture moments with charm and character. While it requires more planning and investment, the results are undeniably unique.

Curious to see how it all comes together? Here’s Daniel and Christina’s photo gallery from their session!

Need a California Wedding Photographer?

Hello, I’m Arianna, the photographer and storyteller behind the lens. My passion lies in capturing authentic beauty and crafting timeless images through a blend of film-inspired artistry and editorial precision. Whether it’s seamlessly organizing family portraits, perfecting the details of your gown, or ensuring you feel relaxed and radiant for your couple’s portraits, I’m here to elevate your experience. I find inspiration in light, shadow, and refined compositions, creating photographs that are both emotive and enduring. If you’re seeking a professional who brings both expertise and a warm, effortless energy to your day, I would be honored to document your story.

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This blog post of, A San Francisco Engagement Session on Super 8 Film was written by California wedding photographer Arianna Maddox.