Black & White Medium Format Wedding Photography – Buxton Pavilion Gardens

There’s something timeless about black and white film, and Rob & Cat’s wedding at Buxton Pavilion Gardens was the perfect setting for it. I shot a series of portraits and quiet moments throughout their day on Ilford Ortho 80, using my Pentax 645 medium format camera. The results? Classic, crisp, and full of atmosphere.

The film was developed and scanned by DS Colour Labs, who always do a fantastic job preserving the tones and subtle contrast of Ortho 80. This particular film stock has a beautiful softness to the highlights, especially in bright summer light – and on a day as hot and sunny as this one, it really came into its own.

Shot around the horticultural conservatory and nearby shaded spots in Buxton Pavilion Gardens, the film images offered something a little different from the digital gallery – slower, more intentional, and packed with texture. A few frames even feature their dog, Poncho, who wandered into shot at just the right moment (of course).

Why Choose Black and White Film for Your Wedding?

Medium format film brings a distinct look you just can’t replicate digitally. The depth, detail, and grain of Ilford Ortho 80 adds a timeless quality to wedding portraits – perfect for couples who love the aesthetic of analogue photography. It’s especially well-suited to documentary-style coverage of smaller, relaxed weddings like Rob & Cat’s.

If you're planning a wedding in the Peak District or at Buxton Pavilion Gardens, and you’re interested in incorporating 35mm or medium format film into your day, I’d love to chat.

Keywords/SEO Tags:
black and white wedding photography, medium format film wedding, Ilford Ortho 80 wedding photos, Pentax 645 wedding, Buxton Pavilion Gardens wedding, Peak District film photographer, DS Colour Labs, black and white film portraits, documentary wedding photography UK