Hi, I’m Christian Margain, a documentary wedding photographer based in San Antonio, Texas. When people ask me about my editing style or where my color inspiration comes from, the answer is simple: 35mm film. Specifically, I draw from the classic, rich tones of Kodak Ektar and Kodak Portra—two film stocks that have had a massive impact on how I see and document weddings.

These aren’t just colors—they’re feelings, memories, and moments frozen in time. My goal as a wedding photographer has always been to tell real stories with honesty, subtlety, and a sense of timeless beauty. And for me, no digital trend or preset can beat the emotional depth of film.

Why 35mm Film Inspires My Work

I fell in love with photography through 35mm film. Loading a roll into a camera, carefully composing each frame, and then waiting to see the results—it taught me patience, intention, and trust in the moment. It’s a slower process, but that’s what makes it so meaningful.

That foundation still shapes how I shoot today. Even though I use digital cameras now, I approach each wedding with that same mindset: thoughtful, observant, and present. My editing style is directly inspired by those old film rolls I used to develop—warm, cinematic, and full of life.

Wedding at La Cantera Resort San Antonio Texas by Christian Margain San Antonio Wedding Photographer

Why Film Colors Just Hit Different

Let’s be honest: film colors are simply better.

There’s something about the way film captures light, texture, and skin tones that digital just can’t fully replicate. It’s more than just “a look”—it’s an emotional quality. Film adds depth, softness, and character that doesn’t feel filtered or forced.

When I edit my wedding photos, I’m always chasing that film feel. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s real. I want your images to feel lived-in and full of soul—not overly retouched or washed out like so many of today’s fads.

Why Kodak Ektar & Portra Are My Color North Stars

When I need a reference point, I go straight to Kodak Ektar 100 and Kodak Portra—two of the most iconic film stocks ever made.

Kodak Ektar brings vibrant, punchy colors and ultra-fine grain. It’s perfect for those big, joyful wedding moments—like confetti tosses, golden hour portraits, and dance floor madness. The reds, blues, and greens absolutely pop without looking fake.
Kodak Portra, on the other hand, is the master of subtle emotion. It gives me that perfect skin tone, soft shadows, and a dreamy warmth that makes intimate moments feel cinematic. I pull from Portra when I want a photo to feel nostalgic and deeply personal.

The way I edit is all about blending those two styles—the energy of Ektar with the intimacy of Portra—to create something that feels dynamic, emotional, and completely you.

Timeless, Not Trendy

In a world full of fleeting trends—dark and moody one year, washed-out pastels the next—I stay true to a look that won’t age. Film-inspired color grading is timeless. It’s not about chasing the latest Instagram aesthetic; it’s about creating images that you’ll still love 20, 30, 50 years from now.

When I deliver a wedding gallery, I want you to see more than pretty pictures—I want you to feel everything again: the nerves, the joy, the laughter, the tears. That’s the power of documentary photography paired with film-inspired tones. It’s honest. It’s beautiful. And it lasts.

If you’re looking for a San Antonio wedding photographer who values storytelling, emotion, and timeless color above all else—I’d love to chat. Let’s create something that will live on for generations.