As much as I love color, there's something extremely timeless and comforting about a classic black and white photograph. With less distractions of material components, black and white film allows the viewer to immediately resonate with the emotion in an image rather than the subjects photographed.
I've always been inspired by historical photographs and how nostalgic they feel, regardless of the viewer's relationship to the subject. Even the simplest photo can be transformed into a timeless sentimental document, family history in my case. I always love to shoot at least one roll of black and white film at weddings and sessions. Film photographs tend to get better and better with time. I can't wait for us to look back on these memories forever.
Thank you to my amazing couples and families who let me photograph them in 2024. Thank you for your vulnerability, for being openminded, and for trusting me to photograph you on film.
An extremely classic, timeless portrait of Josh and his squad on his wedding day. Photographed on ilford HP5+ 120 film with my Rolleicord VA. Second shot for Kenzi Flinchum at The Estate at River Run.
One of the first portraits I took of Adrienne, butterflies in her stomach as she waited for her groom to see her for the first time on their wedding day. Photographed on ilford HP5+ 120 film with my Rolleicord VA at Wildrock Nature Play and Discovery Center, Crozet, Virginia.
Courtney and Jeff sharing a glance during their engagement session near Jeff's family home in Cape Charles, Virginia. Photographed on ilford HP5+ 120 film with my holga 120n.
Mallory, shortly after adorning herself in her wedding dress and veil, floating around her venue before the party started. Photographed on ilford HP5+ 120 film with my holga 120n at Westside Inn, my favorite waterfront OBX wedding venue in Manteo, North Carolina.
Jake and Carrie embracing each other in the sun as I took their engagement photos. Photographed on ilford HP5+ 120 film with my holga 120n at Forest Hill Park in Richmond, Virginia.
Grayson feeding her neighbor's horse, soaking up the last days of summer before welcoming her second daughter. Photographed on ilford HP5+ 120 film with my Rolleicord VA in Roanoke, Virginia.
Sydney and Andrew walking down the aisle, moments after saying I do. Photographed on kodak tri-x 120 film with my Rolleicord VA. Second shot for Josephine Manet at The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design in Richmond, Virginia.
Sam and Kevin in the rain, amidst the chaos of a family session as they celebrated being newly married. Photographed on ilford HP5+ 35mm film with my Canon EOS3 at Byrd Park in Richmond, Virginia.
Mallory and her best friend making their way towards the sand for their wedding party portraits. Photographed on ilford HP5+ 120 film with my holga 120n at Westside Inn, my favorite waterfront OBX wedding venue in Manteo, North Carolina.
Shruthi giving Paul a nose boop, shortly after marrying him at Maymont's Italian Gardens in Richmond, Virginia. Photographed on ilford HP5+ 120 film with my holga 120n.
Madison and Karl finishing off their engagement photos at Lake Anna by taking a dip in the water. Photographed on ilford HP5+ 120 film with my holga 120n.
Kristin and Cepehr cracking up after Kristin accidentally inhaled the dandelion Cepehr blew during their engagement photo session. Photographed on ilford HP5+ on my Canon EOS3.
Amanda and Sam, young and in love as they expect their firstborn. Photographed in Crozet, Virginia on ilford HP5+ 35mm film with my Canon EOS3.
Laura in her front yard, basking in the sun with her baby. Photographed in Skippers, Virginia on ilford HP5+ 35mm film with my Canon EOS3.
Logan, Kris, and their dog in the background at Logan's family home in North Carolina, where they were married shortly after. Photographed on ilford HP5+ 120 film with my Rolleicord VA.
Alyssa playing in the water with her daughter, Ren, before they welcomed her baby sister. Photographed in Warsaw, Virginia on ilford HP5+ 35mm film with my Canon EOS3.
Kadijah and JJ having a thumb war while I photograph them to celebrate their engagement. Photographed at The Branch Museum in Richmond, Virginia on ilford HP5+ 35mm film with my Canon EOS3.
About the photographer: Jesslyn McCartney is a hybrid digital and film photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. She takes a natural approach to documentation, capturing the beauty in little moments. With a focus on weddings, couples, and motherhood, Jesslyn's photographs are nostalgic, timeless, and emotion-centered.
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