My First Shoot with the Nikon N80: Aliyah & Marco's Dreamy Downtown Austin Film Photography Session

Brittany Berrish
Sep 7, 2025
4 min read

Two people relax on a rooftop, surrounded by tall city buildings. One reclines on the floor, the other sits against a wall. Mood is calm. — A serene moment captured on film: a couple relaxes on a parking garage rooftop, framed by the towering city skyline.

Hey babes! I'm literally still buzzing from this incredible film session, and I had to share it with you all because WOW – film photography will never stop taking my breath away.

Meet My New Baby: The Nikon N80

I just got my hands on a gorgeous Nikon N80 film camera, and let me tell you, it was love at first click. There's something so intentional and magical about shooting film – every frame matters, every moment becomes precious, and the anticipation of getting those images back from the lab? Pure excitement.

This beautiful camera was calling my name, and I knew I had to take it out for its first adventure. And what better way to break it in than with the sweetest couple in downtown Austin?

A couple stands embraced on a concrete ledge, with a reflective glass skyscraper in the background. The mood is intimate and serene. — A couple sharing a tender moment against the backdrop of a modern glass skyscraper in Austin, Texas.

Aliyah & Marco: Love That Radiates

Y'all, when I tell you these two are absolutely head-over-heels in love, I mean it. Aliyah and Marco have this incredible energy together – the kind of love that you can just feel when you're around them. They're playful, intimate, and so genuinely connected that photographing them felt effortless.

The way Marco looks at Aliyah like she hung the moon, and how Aliyah just melts into his embrace – this is exactly why I'm obsessed with couples photography. Love stories like theirs remind me why I picked up a camera in the first place.

Man sitting on rooftop, wearing jeans and a T-shirt, holds hand with woman lying down. Casual vibe, warm sunlight, relaxed mood. — A serene moment on the rooftop: A couple enjoys the tranquility as the woman lies back comfortably, her legs playfully resting against the wall, holding hands with her partner seated beside her.

Downtown Austin Magic: Convention Center Parking Garage

We adventured to the Austin Convention Center parking garage for this session, and can we talk about how incredible this location is? Those stunning blue glass buildings reflecting light, the urban architecture creating the most dreamy backdrop, and that gorgeous Tau Ceti mural adding the perfect artistic touch.

There's something so romantic about finding beauty in unexpected places. The concrete stairs, the metal railings, the way the light bounced off those glass towers – it all came together to create this perfect urban love story setting. Austin's downtown energy mixed with Aliyah and Marco's sweet connection was absolutely chef's kiss.

Couple walking and holding hands on a rooftop against a backdrop of tall, glassy buildings. The sky is cloudy, and they're smiling. — A couple enjoys a sunny afternoon in downtown Austin, Texas, with the city’s iconic skyscrapers reflecting the blue sky above.

Why I'm Obsessed with Film Photography

This session reminded me exactly why film photography holds such a special place in my heart. The way film captures color, that dreamy grain texture, the authentic skin tones – there's a soulfulness to film that digital just can't replicate.

Every single frame felt intentional. I was completely present for every laugh, every gentle touch, every stolen glance between these two. Film forces you to slow down, to really see your subjects, and the magic that happens because of that intentionality? Absolutely unmatched.

The colors that came back from this roll – those gorgeous blues from the glass buildings, the warm skin tones, the way the light felt so natural and dreamy – this is exactly what I've been trying to explain to couples about why film is so special.

A couple embraces with joyful smiles on a city rooftop, surrounded by tall modern buildings. She wears a white top; he wears light gray. — A couple shares a tender moment on a rooftop, surrounded by city skyscrapers, as they embrace under a cloudy sky.

Film Add-On Sessions: Bringing Magic to Your Love Story

After seeing these images, I'm even more excited to offer film photography as an add-on to all my sessions. Whether you're planning your Austin wedding, celebrating with an engagement session, or just want to document your love story, adding film creates something truly timeless.

Imagine having both digital images for immediate sharing and social media, plus these dreamy film photographs that will become treasured heirlooms. Film ages beautifully, and there's something so special about having physical negatives of your most precious moments.

A couple stands intimately on a rooftop balcony, with a modern glass building in the background. The sky is cloudy, creating a romantic mood. — A couple shares an intimate moment on a balcony, surrounded by the urban backdrop of towering skyscrapers.

The Magic Continues

This session with Aliyah and Marco, exploring downtown Austin with my new Nikon N80, reminded me exactly why I fell in love with photography in the first place. It's about connection, authenticity, and creating images that make your heart skip a beat every time you see them.

To all my couples out there – if you've been curious about adding film to your session, this is your sign! The magic is real, the experience is incredible, and the results? Absolutely dreamy.

Ready to create some film magic of your own? Let's chat about adding this nostalgic, timeless artistry to your next session. I can't wait to capture your love story on film!

Brittany Berrish Photography specializes in film and digital wedding photography, couples sessions, and engagement photography in Austin, Texas and beyond.