Here’s How I Decide Which Moments to Film on Super 8 Video
Super 8 forces you to slow down—and I mean that in the best way.
As a wedding photographer who also shoots Super 8 video, I don’t approach film the same way I approach digital. There’s no endless recording, no safety net, no instant playback. Every frame matters. So when I’m filming a wedding on Super 8, I’m not chasing moments—I’m waiting for them.
I Look for Feeling Before I Look for Action
The first thing I pay attention to isn’t what’s happening—it’s how it feels.
Super 8 excels at emotion, not spectacle. I’m drawn to moments that carry weight, even if they’re quiet:
A deep breath before walking down the aisle
Hands finding each other
A lingering look during vows
Laughter that comes out of nowhere
If a moment feels tender, nervous, joyful, or intimate, it’s probably right for Super 8.
I Film Movement, Not Posing
Super 8 loves motion. Wind in a veil, a dress brushing the floor, people moving naturally through a space.
Because of that, I rarely film stiff or overly posed moments. Instead, I watch for:
Walking instead of standing
Spinning instead of smiling at the camera
Dancing instead of performing
When moments are allowed to unfold, the film feels alive—like a memory instead of a production.
I Choose Moments That Don’t Need Direction
One of the biggest differences between Super 8 and digital video is intention.
I don’t ask couples to recreate moments or “do that again for film.” If it’s happening organically, that’s when I roll. If it’s already passed, I let it stay a memory.
This keeps the experience natural and respects the flow of the wedding day.
I Think About the Story as a Whole
I’m always thinking ahead to the final film.
Instead of filming everything, I’m collecting pieces that will eventually fit together emotionally:
Contrast between quiet and chaos
Build-up and release
Intimate moments paired with celebration
Super 8 works best when it feels like a series of memories—not a chronological recap.
I Work Around the Photographer, Not Against Them
Because I’m a photographer first, I’m very aware of how important certain moments are for photos.
I intentionally choose Super 8 moments that:
Don’t interfere with key shots
Happen alongside photography, not in front of it
Capture what’s happening around the photographer’s work
This ensures the photo team can work uninterrupted while Super 8 quietly adds another layer of storytelling.
I Save Film for Moments That Translate Best
Not every moment needs to be on Super 8—and that’s okay.
I prioritize:
Natural light
Emotional connection
Movement and atmosphere
Moments that feel timeless
Super 8 isn’t meant to capture logistics. It’s meant to capture emotion.
Why This Approach Matters
When couples watch their Super 8 film, I want it to feel familiar—but dreamlike. Like something they remember, even if they didn’t consciously notice it at the time.
By being selective, intentional, and emotionally driven, Super 8 becomes what it’s meant to be: a feeling preserved on film.
Not everything needs to be recorded.
Just the moments that matter most.
Looking for someone to document those moments for you on this vintage medium? I’d love to be that lucky person! Inquire with me here.