MY top 50
MOVIES ALL TIME

Photographers for your intimate destination wedding or elopement

For the Nostalgic, Storyteller, MUSIC and Cinema Lovers

THE CINEMA CORNER: FOR MOVIE LOVERS

BY ERIC RENE PENOY

LET’S TALK ABOUT MOVIES

As a wedding and elopement photographer, every story I tell through my lens is inspired by my deep love for cinema. Over the years, my passion for film has shaped the way I approach photography, bringing cinematic elements into every frame I capture. The power of storytelling, dramatic visuals, and evocative imagery that I’ve admired in my favorite films have all come together to help me craft unique, emotionally charged narratives for my couples.

In this article, I’ll share my top 100 favorite films of all time, explaining how each one has influenced my approach to wedding photography. These films range from epic dramas to intimate stories, and every one of them has had a lasting impact on how I view visual storytelling. From the use of light and shadow to how landscapes play a role in setting the tone, these movies have taught me how to capture not just moments, but the essence of the love, emotion, and significance of a wedding day.

Whether it's the power of a sweeping landscape or the intimacy of a tender moment, these films have inspired me to capture more than just photographs. They have influenced how I photograph, how I frame shots, and how I connect with the people in front of my camera.

Let‘s have a Simple but Deep Connection

Cinematic Photography Influenced by Cinema

1. Storytelling
Every wedding is a narrative. Cinematic wedding photographers focus on telling a unique story with images that capture the depth, emotions, and significance of the couple’s journey together. Just like directors build a storyline, wedding photographers must capture the intimate and grand moments that make up the couple’s love story—from the pre-ceremony anticipation to the final dance.

2. Composition
Composition is one of the most crucial elements of cinematic wedding photography. Like filmmakers, wedding photographers use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to guide the viewer’s eye and create dynamic, visually appealing photos. Photographers often incorporate symmetry, asymmetry, and negative space to add balance or drama to their images. Each frame should be thoughtfully arranged to tell a compelling visual story.

3. Lighting
Lighting in cinematography is key to setting the mood of a scene, and wedding photographers should treat light with the same reverence. Soft, natural light creates romantic, ethereal tones, while dramatic lighting—such as backlighting or harsh shadows—adds mystery and intensity. The photographer should be adept at working with different lighting conditions, from outdoor sunlight to indoor candlelight, in order to create varied, cinematic effects.

4. Emotion
In cinema, the ability to evoke emotion through visuals is a mark of great filmmaking. Wedding photographers must be skilled in capturing raw emotions—tears, laughter, joy, nervousness, excitement—through subtle, candid moments. The ability to frame these emotions in a cinematic way helps to immortalize the emotional journey of the day and makes the photos feel like stills from a film.

5. Pacing
Pacing in cinematic storytelling refers to the rhythm and flow of a scene. In wedding photography, pacing can be reflected in the photographer’s ability to anticipate moments and capture them at just the right time. From the anticipation before a first look to the rapid movement during a reception dance, the photographer’s timing must be impeccable to capture the true essence of the event.

6. Focus and Depth of Field
Cinematic filmmakers often use selective focus to direct the viewer’s attention to specific elements within a scene. Wedding photographers utilize this technique to emphasize the couple, their hands, or a momentary glance, while blurring the background to create a dreamy or intimate effect. Using a shallow depth of field brings attention to the most important elements of a moment, making the image feel more personal and cinematic.

7. Color and Tone
Cinematic films use color grading to evoke certain emotions or set the mood of a scene. A wedding photographer can apply similar principles by using natural tones or bold contrasts. A warm, golden tone evokes a sense of nostalgia, while a cooler, more muted palette might convey elegance or intimacy. Choosing a consistent color scheme that complements the couple’s wedding style can elevate the photos, giving them a cohesive and cinematic feel.

8. Wide Angles & Scenic Shots
Cinematic films often use wide-angle shots to emphasize the vastness of a landscape or the scale of a dramatic event. In wedding photography, wide-angle shots can be used to show the grandeur of a venue, the dramatic skyline of an elopement location, or the emotional significance of a ceremony. These types of shots place the couple within their environment, elevating their relationship to the context of the world around them.

9. Close-Ups
Close-up shots in film focus on subtle, intimate moments, such as the flicker of a tear or the clasp of a hand. Similarly, wedding photographers can use close-ups to capture the details that make a wedding unique, like the couple’s intertwined hands, a teardrop on the bride’s cheek, or a tender kiss. These close-ups highlight emotions in a way that wide-angle shots can’t, making them a powerful tool in cinematic storytelling.

10. Movement
Cinematic films rely on movement, whether it’s a character walking through a doorway or a sweeping camera pan. Wedding photographers can mirror this by capturing movement, such as the bride walking down the aisle, a swirl of a dress, or guests dancing during the reception. Movement within the frame helps add energy to the photos and can elevate the dynamic quality of wedding photography.

11. Symbolism and Metaphors
Much like in film, symbolism plays a powerful role in wedding photography. Photographers often look for symbolic elements to weave into the narrative of the day—whether it's the exchange of rings, the lighting of a candle, or the couple walking hand-in-hand into their future. These elements not only hold personal significance for the couple but also contribute layers of meaning to the visual story being told.

12. Post-Processing and Editing
In cinema, editing is a crucial process in determining the pacing, tone, and emotional impact of a film. Similarly, wedding photographers use post-processing to enhance their images, ensuring they match the cinematic aesthetic of the couple’s day. From adjusting colors and contrasts to creating consistent tones across the entire set of images, post-processing brings the photographer’s vision to life, ensuring that each photo feels like part of a larger narrative.

13. Setting and Atmosphere
The environment in which a story takes place greatly influences the atmosphere of the film, and wedding photographers must consider how the venue and surroundings contribute to the narrative. The grandeur of a church, the rustic charm of a barn, or the elegance of a beach wedding all offer different backdrops that shape the photos. A photographer must blend the couple’s energy with the mood of the environment, ensuring that each image fits into the larger story of their wedding day.

14. Cinematic Music Connection
While not an immediate part of wedding photography, cinematic music is often a big part of weddings, especially in how it sets the tone for the day. Many couples even request specific songs that have sentimental value or an epic sound to accompany their photo slideshow. A wedding photographer can enhance this connection by understanding the emotional role music plays and seeking to match the visual style to the musical energy of the day.

15. Narrative Arc
In filmmaking, a narrative arc refers to the progression of the story from the beginning to the end. In wedding photography, this arc is reflected in how the day unfolds, from the anticipation before the ceremony to the joyful moments of celebration at the reception. A cinematic wedding photographer captures each phase of the day, ensuring that each chapter of the wedding story is documented with care.

16. Timelessness
The best films are those that stand the test of time, remaining relevant and emotionally resonant long after their release. In wedding photography, capturing timeless moments ensures that the couple can look back on their photos years from now and still feel the same joy, love, and emotion they felt in the moment. By focusing on the enduring aspects of love, such as a loving glance or the exchange of vows, wedding photographers can create photos that will never lose their impact.

17. Attention to Detail
Great filmmakers pay attention to the smallest details that contribute to the overall story. Wedding photographers, similarly, should focus on capturing the tiny yet significant moments—the intricate lace of a wedding dress, the sparkle in a groom’s eye, or the delicate curve of a wedding band. These details may seem insignificant on their own, but together, they help tell the full story of the wedding day.

18. Epic Scale vs. Intimacy
One of the hallmarks of cinematic photography is the ability to balance sweeping, grandiose shots with intimate, personal moments. A wedding photographer must strike the same balance, ensuring that the epic scale of the wedding venue is showcased without losing the intimacy of the couple’s connection. Whether photographing a grand ceremony or a private moment between the couple, the photographer’s goal is to make each moment feel epic in its own right.

19. Creating Visual Tension
Filmmakers often create tension through visual cues, be it through lighting, composition, or pacing. Similarly, wedding photographers can use moments of quiet tension—such as a bride nervously awaiting her partner’s arrival at the altar—to create compelling images. The use of contrast, shadow, and emotional expression can evoke a sense of anticipation, heightening the drama and engagement in the photos.

20. The Power of Silence
In cinema, silence can be just as powerful as sound. Wedding photography can capture these silent moments—whether it’s the moment a couple shares an intimate look during the ceremony or a quiet, meaningful gesture at the reception. These moments of silence often speak louder than any words or noise and should be captured with the same attention to detail as any dynamic shot.

Blurred monochrome photo of a person writing with a pen on paper, beside a glass and a chocolate bar, giving a motion effect.

Top 50 Movies That Inspire My Cinematic Wedding Photography Style

  1. The Godfather (1972)
    The Godfather is not only a brilliant crime saga but a masterclass in lighting, composition, and storytelling. Its use of shadows and framing directly influences how I approach intimate moments in weddings. The way the film balances emotional depth with powerful visuals has inspired me to seek the same depth in my work, ensuring that every image tells a multifaceted story.

  2. Schindler’s List (1993)
    Steven Spielberg's masterpiece is a perfect example of the emotional power of black-and-white photography. The film's stark contrast and hauntingly beautiful cinematography have influenced how I use light and shadows in my own images to evoke emotion.

  3. Inception (2010)
    Inception is a visual wonder, and its layered, dream-like narrative encourages me to approach wedding photos with a sense of depth. I often think about the film's surrealism when capturing moments that feel almost otherworldly—such as the emotional vows exchanged between couples.

  4. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
    A story about hope and resilience, Shawshank taught me to focus on the subtle moments that speak volumes. It’s the quiet moments that often hold the most meaning at a wedding, and this film reminds me to look for them.

  5. Pulp Fiction (1994)
    Pulp Fiction’s unconventional narrative structure shows how stories can be told out of order yet still resonate deeply. In my work, I sometimes choose to highlight non-traditional moments, understanding that weddings don’t have to follow a strict linear narrative to be meaningful.

  6. The Dark Knight (2008)
    Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight taught me how to balance light and dark, both visually and emotionally. The film’s strong contrast between hope and despair is a concept I often explore through the moments of tension and release that unfold on a wedding day.

  7. The Revenant (2015)
    The sweeping landscapes and raw, intimate moments in The Revenant influence how I approach outdoor elopements. The film's emphasis on nature as a character within the story has led me to focus on the environment around couples, ensuring that landscapes complement their personal narrative.

  8. Forrest Gump (1994)
    Forrest Gump is a film that celebrates life's milestones with quiet dignity. The simplicity and beauty of its cinematography influence how I capture tender, understated moments between couples—those that reveal the quiet yet powerful strength of their love.

  9. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
    Wes Anderson’s iconic use of symmetry and vibrant colors influences how I frame shots and play with color at weddings. His distinct style has taught me to look for opportunities to create quirky, beautifully composed moments within the chaos of a wedding day.

  10. 12 Angry Men (1957)
    The tension and character-driven storytelling in 12 Angry Men inspire me to capture the emotional undercurrents at weddings. Often, the most profound moments are not the loudest but the smallest gestures, much like the film’s subtle yet impactful performances.

  11. Amélie (2001)
    The whimsical and colorful world of Amélie teaches me to look for the joy in the smallest details. Weddings are full of little moments of happiness, and I always strive to highlight these, whether it’s a glance between two people or the texture of a flower petal.

  12. The Tree of Life (2011)
    Terrence Malick’s philosophical masterpiece uses beautiful cinematography to explore life’s grand questions. Its slow pacing and focus on nature and relationships remind me to take my time in creating meaningful wedding photos that speak to the grander arc of life.

  13. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
    The film's dreamy narrative and its exploration of love’s complexities inspire me to create images that show the multifaceted nature of relationships. I want couples to see not just a moment in time, but the depth of their love and the layers of their connection.

  14. Moonlight (2016)
    Moonlight is a story about identity, love, and acceptance, and its stunning cinematography has inspired me to explore deep, emotional moments in my wedding photography. Its raw beauty and attention to detail encourage me to capture weddings with honesty and heart.

  15. Interstellar (2014)
    Like Inception, Interstellar combines science fiction with profound emotional storytelling. The vastness of space in the film mirrors the profound connection I try to capture between couples, using the surrounding environment to highlight their bond.

  16. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
    Stanley Kubrick’s mastery of disturbing yet visually compelling storytelling inspires me to push the boundaries of wedding photography. Though weddings are not often dystopian, this film teaches me how to be bold in my choices of framing and storytelling.

  17. Drive (2011)
    The minimalist yet intense style of Drive influences how I approach quiet but intense moments. The film's focus on subtle gestures and its cinematic use of light and shadow influence how I capture moments of intimacy during a wedding.

  18. Citizen Kane (1941) – Orson Welles

    A pioneering film that set a new standard for storytelling, visual composition, and narrative structure. A deep dive into the complexities of human ambition, power, and loss.

  19. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – Stanley Kubrick

    A visually stunning, mind-bending film that redefined the science fiction genre and remains one of the most influential movies of all time.

  20. Casablanca (1942) – Michael Curtiz

    A classic World War II romance and drama that weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and patriotism, featuring one of cinema's most iconic love stories.

  21. The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – Irvin Kershner

    The standout of the Star Wars franchise, blending adventure, heart, and a darker tone while delivering the saga's most memorable twist.

  22. Vertigo (1958) – Alfred Hitchcock

    A psychological thriller that explores obsession and guilt with Hitchcock’s trademark style and groundbreaking cinematography.

  23. Fight Club (1999) – David Fincher

    A subversive and violent exploration of consumerism, identity, and masculinity, with Brad Pitt and Edward Norton delivering incredible performances.

  24. Apocalypse Now (1979) – Francis Ford Coppola

    An intense, surreal depiction of the Vietnam War, full of stunning cinematography, a haunting soundtrack, and Marlon Brando’s unforgettable performance.

  25. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) – Jonathan Demme

    A thrilling psychological horror film with unforgettable performances from Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins. A masterclass in suspense and tension.

  26. Gone with the Wind (1939) – Victor Fleming

    A sweeping epic that combines romance, tragedy, and historical drama during the American Civil War, featuring powerful performances from Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh.

  27. Sunset Boulevard (1950) – Billy Wilder

    A dark and witty exploration of fame, obsession, and Hollywood’s decline, with a memorable performance from Gloria Swanson.

  28. The Seventh Seal (1957) – Ingmar Bergman

    A deeply philosophical and existential exploration of life, death, and the human condition, using striking imagery and allegorical themes that have influenced generations of filmmakers.

  29. The Terminator (1984) – James Cameron

    A low-budget sci-fi thriller that introduced one of the most iconic movie villains, with a brilliant performance by Arnold Schwarzenegger.

  30. Her (2013) – Spike Jonze

    A touching and thought-provoking exploration of love in the age of artificial intelligence, with Joaquin Phoenix delivering a mesmerizing, nuanced performance.

  31. The Shining (1980) – Stanley Kubrick

    A terrifying and visually stunning horror film that delves into madness, isolation, and the supernatural with an iconic performance from Jack Nicholson.

  32. The Revenant (2015) – Alejandro González Iñárritu

    A brutal and poetic survival epic, where Leonardo DiCaprio delivers one of his most powerful performances, set against the backdrop of the American wilderness.

  33. Citizenfour (2014) – Laura Poitras

    A gripping documentary about Edward Snowden and the NSA surveillance leaks, telling an incredibly important story with a level of suspense and tension rarely seen in non-fiction films.

  34. Whiplash (2014) – Damien Chazelle

    An intense drama about the relationship between a young jazz drummer and his demanding teacher. The film features powerhouse performances and explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and obsession.

  35. Taxi Driver (1976) – A gritty, urban classic, this film uses harsh lighting and unconventional framing to evoke an unsettling sense of loneliness and despair.

  36. American Beauty (1999) – A deep, emotional exploration of suburban life, with stunning cinematography that uses color and framing to underline the movie’s themes.

  37. Blade Runner (1982) – Ridley Scott’s groundbreaking sci-fi film is a visual feast, using neon lights, dystopian landscapes, and atmospheric set design to create a hauntingly beautiful world.

  38. Roman Holiday (1953) – A timeless romantic film with breathtaking visuals of Rome, framing the city as a character itself in this delightful love story.

  39. The Departed (2006) – A gritty, intense crime drama, this film uses lighting, framing, and atmosphere to tell a tense story of deception and betrayal.

  40. No Country for Old Men (2007) – A dark, haunting thriller with minimalist cinematography, using wide shots and natural lighting to create a sense of isolation and menace.

  41. Chinatown (1974) – A classic neo-noir with elegant cinematography and meticulous framing, capturing the dark, morally complex world of 1930s Los Angeles.

  42. There Will Be Blood (2007) – A haunting epic, known for its striking use of color, lighting, and composition to portray the brutal nature of greed.

  43. The Shape of Water (2017) – Guillermo del Toro’s beautifully designed fairy tale, blending stunning set design, lighting, and color to create a world of fantasy and romance.

  44. Paris, Texas (1984) – A visually striking road movie, known for its sweeping desert landscapes and intimate, heart-wrenching performances.

  45. The Lobster (2015) – A visually quirky and darkly comic film, known for its unique framing, stark minimalism, and darkly humorous tone.

  46. A Beautiful Mind (2001) – The depiction of a brilliant mind struggling with schizophrenia, with beautiful cinematography that visualizes the complexity of its subject.

  47. The French Connection (1971) – This action-packed thriller is famous for its gritty, documentary-style cinematography, delivering high-octane suspense with realism

  48. Singin’ in the Rain (1952) – A dazzling example of old Hollywood musical cinema, filled with vibrant colors, brilliant choreography, and iconic framing.

  49. The Big Sick (2017) – A heartfelt romantic comedy with a unique visual style that complements the warmth and humor of the narrative.

  50. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) – A dark, fairy-tale film with surreal, fantastical imagery and meticulous, visually captivating set design.

CONCLUSION

As a wedding and elopement photographer, I find that my love for cinema informs every aspect of my work. These 20 films (out of my top 100) serve as a few prime examples of how the art of film-making influences my photography style. From the use of light and shadow to the ways in which landscapes become a character in their own right, each of these films has taught me valuable lessons that I incorporate into my work every day.

For me, cinematic wedding photography is all about creating moments that feel as epic and emotionally resonant as the films I love. Every wedding is a story, and the emotions, the connections, and the settings all need to be captured with the same care and artistry that goes into making a great film. Much like the directors and cinematographers behind these films, I seek to immerse myself in the narrative of the day, creating photographs that are more than just pretty pictures—they are timeless pieces of art.

The combination of composition, lighting, and storytelling that I’ve learned from cinema allows me to deliver images that not only document a wedding but also convey the depth of the emotions and the uniqueness of the couple’s love. Whether it’s the sweeping vistas that evoke the grandeur of an epic romance or the intimate close-ups that capture the raw tenderness between two people, I use cinematic techniques to ensure that each photo tells a story, just like the movies I hold dear.

Each wedding is unique, and each couple deserves to have their story told in the most meaningful way possible. Just like my favorite films, I aim to create photographs that capture the depth, the drama, and the beauty of their love. When I photograph a wedding, I am not just capturing moments—I am telling the story of a couple’s journey, from their vows to their lifelong commitment. And in doing so, I aim to create images that will be cherished for generations to come.