35mm vs Medium Format

Format Matters

When booking a portrait session, one of the most impactful creative choices is the film format. This page breaks down the key differences between 35mm and medium format photography—two classic mediums that each offer a unique visual character. Whether you’re drawn to the intimacy and spontaneity of 35mm or the refined detail and depth of medium format, understanding their distinctions can help you choose the right aesthetic for your story.

35mm

What is 35mm?

35mm is the most versatile and widely recognised film format, celebrated for its spontaneity, speed, and classic aesthetic. It’s ideal for capturing candid, dynamic moments with a sense of intimacy and immediacy. With a natural grain structure and a slightly more compact frame, 35mm lends itself beautifully to lifestyle portraits, street scenes, and emotionally driven storytelling. If you’re after a timeless, documentary-style look with a touch of nostalgia, 35mm might be the perfect choice.

Key Features of 35mm Film:

Compact & Portable – Ideal for on-the-go shoots and spontaneous moments.
Classic 3:2 Aspect Ratio – Naturally suited for portraits and storytelling.
Distinct Film Grain – Adds character and texture to images.
Faster Shooting – More exposures per roll (typically 24 or 36).
Wider Range of Film Stocks – Greater availability of colours, contrasts, and moods.
Quicker to Load & Process – Efficient for both shooting and development.
Versatile Aesthetic – Perfect for lifestyle, editorial, and street-style portraits.
Rich in Nostalgia – A beloved format with timeless appeal.

What 35mm Brings to Your Portraits:

More Moments Captured – With more exposures per roll, we can photograph a wider variety of expressions, angles, and interactions during your session.
Natural, Honest Feel – Its subtle grain and classic look give your photos a warm, lived-in quality—perfect for telling real, unfiltered stories.
Great for Outdoor & Candid Shots – Whether we’re walking through the city or shooting in soft natural light, 35mm adapts beautifully to changing environments.
A World of Film Choices – From rich colour palettes to soft black-and-whites, 35mm offers the most diverse selection of film stocks, letting us tailor the mood to your style.
Light on the Feet – The smaller camera size means smoother, more flexible shooting—helping you feel relaxed and natural in front of the lens.
Fast & Flowing Sessions – 35mm helps keep the energy moving, so we capture more spontaneous, genuine moments without pause.
Soft Yet Structured – Images often strike a balance between clarity and artistic softness, creating portraits that feel both flattering and expressive.

Medium Format

What is Medium Format?

Medium format is known for its exceptional detail, depth, and tonal richness—perfect for portraits that feel polished, intentional, and timeless. With a larger negative size than 35mm, it delivers stunning image quality and a distinctive look often associated with fine art photography and high-end editorial work. Whether used for close-up portraits or quiet, composed moments, medium format lends a sense of calm and clarity that elevates your story with elegance and grace.

Key Features of Medium Format:

Unmatched Sharpness & Detail – With a significantly larger negative than 35mm, medium format captures refined textures and subtle tones, producing crisp, true-to-life images.
Creative Framing Options – From the cinematic 6×7, to the balanced 6×6 square, and the compact 6×4.5 format, Thomas works with a variety of aspect ratios to suit different moods and compositions. Click here for more details.
Fine Art Aesthetic – Medium format delivers a soft depth of field and painterly tonal transitions, often associated with editorial, gallery, and luxury portraiture.
Fewer Frames, Greater Intent – With just 10 to 15 exposures per roll, each image is composed with care and purpose, resulting in a more focused and intentional body of work.
Elegant Presence – Medium format portraits have a quiet sophistication, perfect for those seeking timeless keepsakes or standout statement pieces.
Ideal for Stillness & Storytelling – Its slower, more contemplative pace allows for moments of connection, reflection, and expressive depth to shine through in every frame.

Why Medium Format Makes a Difference in Your Portraits:

Exceptional Clarity – Expect portraits with stunning sharpness and fine detail—your skin texture, fabric, and even light falloff are captured with breathtaking precision.
Timeless, Editorial Quality – Medium format has a signature look often seen in fashion magazines and fine art galleries, elevating your images from everyday to extraordinary.
Artistic Aspect Ratios Options – Whether it’s a cinematic rectangle, perfect square, or elegant vertical frame, different aspect ratios allow for more expressive, creative portraits.
Soft Backgrounds, Strong Presence – Subjects stand out beautifully with a shallow depth of field that gently blurs the background, adding intimacy and focus.
Each Frame Feels More Intentional – With fewer shots per roll, every click is carefully considered, resulting in a curated, meaningful collection of images.
A Slower, More Thoughtful Pace – Sessions with medium format feel calmer and more deliberate, giving you space to settle into each moment and be truly present.
Perfect for Legacy Portraits – If you’re looking for images to frame, gift, or treasure for years to come, medium format offers the polish and permanence worthy of lasting memories.