Bring the past to life with vintage photography.

How to run a vintage photoshoot.

Film photography is less instantaneous than digital photography. There’s a lot more time between making adjustments, taking shots, and seeing the results. So vintage photographers have to spend time internalizing what modern technology can do. “A lot of it is getting to know the camera you’ve chosen to work with,” says Froula-Weber. “You’re going to have a little bit of trial and error in the beginning.”

Because vintage photography encompasses a wide range of technology that begins in the 1800s and runs through the 20th century, it’s hard to generalize how cameras worked during those decades. But, in general, older photo technology tends to have a lower ISO than what today’s digital cameras are capable of.

“Because older film had a slower ISO, lenses, shutters, and aperture controls were designed for slower films,” says Froula-Weber. “That should be a key thing to keep in mind.” Because film was less sensitive to light in the past than it is now, photographers needed to compensate with a wider aperture, slower shutter speed, brighter lights, or some combination of all three. On a vintage photoshoot, bear in mind the particular light needs of your film and how that will affect the final product.

“Metering on a midtone is best practice,” Froula-Weber says, advice that is useful regardless of the vintage camera or film you’re using. “If you do not meter on a midtone you can blow out your image, but you could also underexpose it.” With some older cameras metering, or measuring light to gauge what aperture and shutter speed you should use, can mean using a separate, handheld light meter. Many cameras from the pre-digital era were not able to measure light on their own.

Photo by Paige Mercer

Vintage photoshoots can be a fun exercise in creative photography, especially if you’re trying to create an image that looks like it’s actually an antique photo. Dress models in retro fashions, pose your subjects like they’re from the time period, and find a setting that looks like it’s from another time. Ensure that mobile phones or other telltale tech devices aren’t visible, and locate a place you think could represent the 19th or 20th century.

“It’s important to think about what is timeless in your setting,” says Froula-Weber. “Things that can’t really be placed in one time period and have sustained through the years.”

A little bit of historical reference goes a long way. Froula-Weber advises to not overdo it with retro costumes, props, or other accessories. Dressing your models like they’re Abraham Lincoln or mid-century Playboy bunnies can be too specific a reference. “Try not to get too cheesy with it,” she says, “but play into it. If images are just whispering that they’re from a certain era, they’re way more impactful.”