5 Frames from a Family Walk in West Hudson Park on Ultramax 400

Some of the best moments in life are the simplest. On this day, my family and I took a slow walk through West Hudson Park in New Jersey, enjoying the fresh air, open space, and the small joys of just being together. Armed with my Kodak Ultramax 400, I set out to document the day on film—freezing memories in a way that digital just can’t replicate.

A Moment to Pause

We started on a park bench, taking a break before diving into our walk. The kids, full of energy, were already ready to move, but for a second, we sat still, feeling the warmth of the afternoon sun.

Scenes from the Park

As we walked, we passed by the volleyball courts where two players were mid-game, completely focused. A little further, the basketball courts were buzzing with energy—people shooting hoops, laughing, and soaking in the last golden light of the day.

A Quiet Walk by the Water

We made our way to the park’s lake, where fishermen lined the water’s edge, casting lines and waiting patiently. A group of kids waved from across the shore, a reminder of the joy that parks bring to a community. The bridge in the distance stood tall, reflecting in the still water.

The Beauty of Everyday Moments

Nothing extravagant happened on this walk—just family, movement, laughter, and small observations of life around us. And yet, these are the moments that stick. Capturing them on 35mm film gives them a timeless feel, like a little time capsule of a regular day spent together.

Simple days like these remind me why I love film photography—it slows things down, forces you to be present, and turns fleeting moments into something tangible.

A Walk to Remember: Exploring Bear Mountain Through Ultramax 400

Last year, I embarked on a small yet memorable walk through Bear Mountain with my baby. As the crisp autumn air embraced us and the vibrant fall foliage transformed the landscape into a masterpiece, I decided to bring along my trusty camera loaded with Kodak Ultramax 400. Months later, after the negatives were developed and scanned, the images have finally surfaced, and with them, the emotions of that beautiful day.

Capturing Autumn’s Palette

Bear Mountain, nestled in New York’s Hudson Valley, is a haven for anyone seeking nature’s splendor. That day, the mountains were painted in warm hues of amber, crimson, and gold, and the camera film brought those colors to life in a way that only Ultramax 400 can. Its vibrant yet natural color rendition felt like it was made for this moment.

One image captured a view of the parking lot framed by the rolling hills, their tree-covered slopes alive with the essence of fall. The contrast of the mundane—cars lined up in neat rows—against the breathtaking backdrop of nature reminded me of how accessible beauty can be, even in everyday moments.

Nostalgia in Every Frame

The rustic charm of the lodge at Bear Mountain appeared next in the series of images. With its stone facade and timber-framed architecture, the building exudes a timeless quality that Ultramax’s warm tones amplify beautifully. As I held my baby’s tiny hand, it felt like a scene from a storybook—a moment I was grateful to preserve.

One of my favorite shots features the serene lake reflecting the fiery colors of the trees lining its shores. The stillness of the water, coupled with the kaleidoscope of colors, felt like a painting. Seeing it again now reminds me of the quiet magic of that day—a moment shared between nature, my child, and the lens of my camera.

The Joy of Shooting Film

Film photography, especially with Ultramax 400, always brings a touch of nostalgia and a reminder to slow down. Each shot is deliberate, requiring patience and thought. On this walk, it felt like the perfect medium to capture both the grandeur and the intimacy of Bear Mountain. The grain of the film adds texture to the images, evoking an old-world charm that digital photography can seldom replicate.

Reflections

Looking back, this walk was more than just a casual outing; it was a moment of connection—with my baby, with the season, and with the art of photography. Developing and scanning the film months later brought the memories flooding back, making me realize how precious these simple adventures are. They remind us to cherish the fleeting beauty around us and to savor the time spent with loved ones.

Bear Mountain, with its majestic landscapes and serene atmosphere, is a place I’ll return to, camera in hand, ready to capture the next chapter. And who knows, maybe one day, my little one will see these photos and feel the same sense of wonder that I did when I pressed the shutter.

Technical Notes

For those curious, all images were shot on Kodak Ultramax 400, a versatile film stock that handles various lighting conditions with ease. Its vibrant colors and balanced exposure made it the ideal choice for this walk, from shaded forest paths to open fields bathed in sunlight. If you’re considering exploring film photography, Bear Mountain’s diverse scenery is a perfect playground for capturing memorable frames.

As I look at these images now, I’m reminded not just of the beauty of the destination but of the joy in the journey—a walk with my baby, a roll of film, and the magic of Bear Mountain in the fall.

Why I Bring My Pentax 6x7 to Photograph Weddings: A Photographer’s Perspective

When it comes to wedding photography, choosing the right equipment is critical. I consistently rely on my Pentax 6x7 medium format camera, always paired with the 105mm f/2.4 lens and an ND filter, for capturing timeless moments. While digital photography reigns in convenience, shooting film on medium format brings unparalleled depth, richness, and emotion to a wedding day. Let me explain why this combination is my go-to for weddings.

The Beauty of Medium Format Film

One of the main reasons I choose my Pentax 6x7 is because of the distinctive look it offers. The medium format produces images that are softer, more organic, and carry a cinematic quality that digital can’t always replicate. It emphasizes textures, lighting, and colors in a way that feels more tactile and real. For daytime shoots, I rely on Kodak Portra 400 for its balanced, natural tones, perfect for outdoor ceremonies and engagement sessions. As the evening rolls in and light becomes dimmer, I switch to Kodak Portra 800, a film that handles lower light while still delivering that beautiful depth and detail.

Take a look at the recent engagement session I photographed in Tarrytown, NY—notice the way the colors pop with a natural vibrancy, from the subtle hues of the mural backdrop to the soft glow around the couple’s skin. Whether under bright daylight or the soft twilight of an evening, Portra film delivers a timeless and consistent quality.

The Importance of the 105mm f/2.4 Lens

Pairing my Pentax 6x7 with the 105mm f/2.4 lens is a choice rooted in versatility and creativity. This lens, known for its sharpness and beautiful depth of field, allows me to create images where the subject truly stands out. The creamy bokeh it produces, especially wide open at f/2.4, creates a natural separation between the couple and their background, giving each image a dreamy, romantic quality.

This lens is especially perfect for intimate moments like a couple’s embrace or close-up shots of rings and delicate details. In weddings, where emotions are raw and the moments are fleeting, the 105mm’s focal length allows me to stay at a comfortable distance while capturing all the emotion and intensity in a scene.

Why I Use an ND Filter

Using an ND filter (neutral density filter) is crucial when shooting with film, particularly when working with the wide aperture of the 105mm f/2.4 lens in bright conditions. Often, wedding ceremonies take place outdoors during the day, where the natural light can be overpowering. Without the ND filter, I’d need to stop down the aperture to balance the exposure, but that would compromise the beautiful shallow depth of field this lens offers.

The ND filter allows me to shoot wide open, even in full sunlight, maintaining the soft, blurred background that makes my subjects pop. It gives me control over the light, ensuring that I capture every moment exactly as I envision it, without losing the qualities that make medium format film so special.

The Intentionality of Every Shot

In a world where digital photography can result in hundreds of throwaway shots, shooting on medium format film is deliberate. Each frame counts. With just 10 exposures per roll of 120 film, I approach every shot with precision and care. It’s a philosophy that mirrors the significance of the day itself: every interaction, every smile, every exchange of vows deserves attention and focus.

This intentionality is something I believe my couples appreciate—there’s a certain trust that develops when they know that I am fully present with every shot I take. Film slows the process down, allowing for more thoughtfulness and less distraction.

Timeless, Lasting Quality

Film photography is timeless. With digital images, trends and editing styles can shift with the seasons, but the look of film remains classic. The shots I capture on my Pentax 6x7 feel enduring, making them perfect for a wedding, which is itself an enduring moment in a couple’s life. Decades from now, the couple will be able to look back at their photos with a sense of nostalgia, not for the trends of the moment, but for the genuine emotions of the day.

Just look at the images I took near the lighthouse. The richness of the tones, the soft gradient between light and shadow—these are characteristics that are hard to replicate digitally without a lot of post-production effort. Yet with film, they’re inherent.

The Element of Surprise

Another benefit is the element of surprise. Unlike digital photography, where you can immediately review the results, film forces you to wait for the development process. It adds an extra layer of excitement for both me and the couple. I’ve found that this anticipation brings the couple even closer to their images—they know that what they’ll receive will be something special and unique.

Merging Artistry with Technology

While I primarily shoot film during weddings, I also incorporate digital photography to ensure that I capture every angle and moment. This blending of traditional artistry with modern technology gives my couples the best of both worlds: they’ll have the candid convenience of digital, combined with the romantic timelessness of film. It’s a balance that speaks to today’s couples who value experiences and moments over volume and excess.

The engagement photos from this session—whether it’s the quiet moments shared by the water or the playful portrait of their dog wearing a “Humans Getting Married” bandana—demonstrate how film captures both the big moments and the small details with equal importance.

Why This Matters for My Clients

Weddings are a whirlwind of emotions, love, and celebration. My role is to capture that whirlwind in a way that speaks to the heart and soul of the day. My Pentax 6x7, paired with the 105mm f/2.4 lens and ND filter, helps me deliver on that promise. I believe the quality and artistry of film resonate deeply with couples who value the finer details, those who cherish the authenticity and depth of the experience over fast results.

For my clients it’s about more than just pictures. It’s about preserving the beauty of their wedding day in a way that feels personal, intimate, and everlasting.

As an experienced wedding photographer, I aim to create a blend of artistry and storytelling through my lens, capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments with a medium that’s as meaningful as the day itself. The Pentax 6x7 enables me to do just that, producing images that will be cherished for a lifetime.

By blending film and digital photography, I offer a comprehensive package that resonates with those who appreciate both creativity and craft, ensuring that their wedding is remembered in the most authentic, beautiful way possible.

This approach has allowed me to continuously capture the emotions, joy, and love in a way that feels classic, yet modern. I look forward to bringing this artistry to many more weddings, including yours.