What Even Is Super 8 Film, Anyway?

Faith Te Poel
May 30
2 min read

You’ve probably seen it without even realizing it: soft, flickering footage that looks like it was pulled straight from your grandparents’ attic. That dreamy, nostalgic film that just feels like a memory? That’s Super 8 film.

But let’s break it down a bit:

What even is Super 8? Why is it such a big deal right now? And how does it work in modern photography and videography?

Super 8 is a motion picture film format that was first released in 1965 by Kodak. It was designed to be an easy, portable way for families to document their lives. Birthday parties, vacations, backyard moments. The "8" refers to the 8mm width of the film strip.

The cool part? Super 8 was made for real people, not big Hollywood productions. So everything about it feels raw, candid, and authentic.

How Super 8 Film Works

I use a vintage Super 8 camera and real film to capture your session. Because it’s actual film (not digital), it has to be handled a little differently.

After I shoot, the film is physically sent off to a professional lab for development and scanning. Just like in the old days. Once it’s processed and turned into digital footage, I carefully edit it into a highlight film that tells your story with all the nostalgic, flickering beauty Super 8 is known for.

It takes a little more time, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Why do I love Super 8?

Because it's real, it's imperfect, it's gritty in the best way, and because every time you watch it it will feel like stepping back in time to an old memory. There’s something sacred about film. You don’t get hundreds of takes or unlimited reels. Every single second of footage has to matter. Every shot is intentional. It’s raw, real, and filled with feeling.

That's why Super 8 wedding, elopement, and even family films are becoming so popular again. Because it isn't just about how it looks, but how it feels. That is why I offer Super 8 as an add on to any of my packages, because being able to capture how it feels? It's priceless.