What the heck is Super 8 and why do I need it for my wedding?

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With analog cameras on the rise, so are super 8. If this is the first time you are coming across the term, I like to explain that super 8 is film on video format. 

But to go deeper into the meaning, it’s a motion picture camera (meaning video camera- it doesn’t take photos). Actually, that’s not going deeper into the meaning- that is what it is. A camera that takes videos and makes them look super retro, old school, something your grandparents might have used ‘back in the day’.

In this blogpost you will find several examples of how Super 8 looks (both for weddings and engagement session), as well as some thoughts on why you should consider it.


I think the fact that our grandparents used to use these cameras is what sold me on even purchasing such a camera. 

Being able to to sit down on the couch 20 years from now, with your kids, with your wedding party- with your parents, most importantly your spouse- and reminisce on the beautiful day. You want to relive it. You want to remember it. You want to cherish it. And what better way than when nostalgia hits?

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have any issues with hiring a videographer and getting a beautifully produced film of your wedding day. Where you can hear the laughter, the tears, everything is amazing quality. And if that is something you are interested in, I do not offer it but will leave links to some amazing videographers in Indiana that will blow you away. Their work has blown me away!

For All Time Films

Val Harding Visual Media 

But the thing about these films is that it’s more so a production. The videographer will curate an absolutely amazing video for you. 

But Super 8 is the emotions. It’s literally what happened on that day unfiltered It shows the day as is, and when you do sit down to watch it, it’s an easier way to relive it because the moments are so raw.

It’s expensive to process, and with that the person taking the video will make sure to only get small moments of the day and include almost everything that was recorded. They will have to know how to strategically use it, so you can get every penny worth from it.

Another thing to mention is whether it’s timeless or not. I don’t necessarily believe in anything being timeless, everything has a place, a trend, a meaning. 

But it’s also important to point out, not many things have been considered ‚timeless’ throughout the centuries. It’s also very subjective term.

But I think it’s important to point out that though super 8 might not be the literal definition of timeless, but it will always give us a feeling to have in the back of our minds. The love of art, what is old, the love of history. That’s what makes super 8 so special. That’s why I got into it in the first place!

So why get super 8? 

It’s not really about it being a necessity. It’s definitely a luxury that if you don’t need it or have the budget- maybe it is better to omit. Especially if the old doesn’t excite you all that much. Getting a camcorder and documenting it that way can also bring out a similar sense of nostalgia and you could ask a family member to document it for you in that manner. The only problem with it, is that a photographer or videographer often have an eye for the little details and know what to capture. Someone that doesn’t do this very often might not know what exactly to prioritize. Or they will want to be focused on your special day instead of recording it all.

But why you should get it? To have a form of your beautiful chapter in life documented. Loved on. Cherished on. A different form to be excited for. And you can have those feelings with just a regular video. With regular photos. With film photos. 

But we have some kind of excitement when we see film photos and how it sets us back a few decades. And imagine how much more a super 8 video can do that!

You have these examples shown to help you feel it in the moment. And if you are interested in adding super 8 to your wedding package- I’d love to chat! I’d love to document arguably one of your most important days. But even if my style doesn’t mesh with your vision, you’re more than welcome to contact me on Instagram (@halinowskaphoto) and ask me any and all questions you might have! No strings attached, I’ll send you a list of other photographers that offer this service in their packages. I’ll send you a list of other videographers if you are looking for one.

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