Film Stocks: How to Choose the Right One for Your Style
One of the first questions digital photographers ask when trying film is: Which film stock should I start with?
The answer? It depends on your light, your style, and the feeling you want your images to evoke. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense, so you can make your first roll count.
What Are Film Stocks?
A film stock is the type of film you load in your camera. Each one has a distinct look, from color rendering to contrast and grain. Choosing the right stock shapes the mood of your photos just as much as your lighting and lens choice.
Color Film Stocks to Know
✔ Kodak Portra 400
Warm, natural tones with soft contrast make this stock a go-to for portrait photographers. It handles a wide range of lighting conditions and has excellent latitude, which means it’s forgiving if you slightly miss your exposure. For beginners, this flexibility makes Portra 400 the perfect starting point.
✔ Kodak Ektar 100
If you love bold, vibrant color, Ektar delivers. With its extremely fine grain and punchy saturation, this stock shines in bright daylight and landscape photography. Just keep in mind, it’s less forgiving than Portra, so proper metering is key.
✔ Fujifilm 400
An affordable, versatile choice with cooler tones and vibrant greens, making it ideal for outdoor scenes. It’s a great option for photographers who want an easy-to-find, budget-friendly film for everyday shooting. Its color palette has a slightly nostalgic feel compared to Kodak stocks.
Black and White Favorites
✔ Ilford HP5+
This is a classic and versatile black and white film that’s perfect for beginners. It handles various lighting conditions well and has a beautiful tonal range, giving your images a timeless quality.
✔ Kodak Tri-X 400
Known for its strong contrast and bold grain, Tri-X is ideal for documentary-style or emotive portrait work. It adds a sense of depth and mood that digital black and white often struggles to replicate.
Think About Your Light
Bright, sunny conditions? Lower ISO stocks like Ektar 100 shine. Shooting indoors or in mixed light? Portra 400 or HP5+ gives you flexibility. Choosing the right film for your lighting ensures consistent results and less frustration.
Final Tip: Start simple. Pick one stock and master it before jumping into others. That consistency helps you truly understand your process and develop a signature look.
Want to take the guesswork out of film photography? In my course, I’ll show you how to pick the right stock and how to shoot it with confidence.
See examples of my 5 favorite film stocks!