If you're considering adding analogue to your wheelhouse, you already shoot it but haven't fallen in love with the results as much as you thought you would... or maybe you're just curious to see what else is out there - I know testing film stocks can be risky and expensive, so wanted to do the heavy lifting for you.
This summer I vowed to find the best analogue film stock for weddings, after trying the best reviewed and not being obsessed! Or making mistakes shooting the wrong ISO in the wrong settings... I've collated the results (both good and bad) of bestsellers including Portra, and some lesser known, cheaper film stocks that pack an equal punch.
Like all photography, what we're drawn to is instinctive, so I'm sharing a few images captured using different stocks, to help you assess your favourites.
Spoiler... my current go to is Kodak Ultra Max for it's punchy colours and vibrancy.
All analogue scans were developed using Take It Easy Lab. Use this Af code for 20% off.
Portra 160 Portra 160 is a Kodak color negative film known for its fine grain, true to colour tones and smooth glowy skin. At ISO 160 it's perfect for destination weddings or extra bright days. From personal experience, it doesn't work very well indoor so it's not great for weddings when you're going inside and outside all day. It is perfect for people looking for more muted colours.
Portra 800 has the highest ISO of the Portra range and therefore is my go to choice for indoors, but I love it for outdoors, too! It has a nice level of grain and really makes colours pop - definitely the most vibrant of the Portra stocks. This is my go to when I want to capture lots of details.
Kodak Gold 200 is weirdly versatile for a lower ISO film stock. I actually find this and the Kodak ultra max the brightest in terms of vibrancy and saturation and I have been really loving the brighter colours this summer.
Kodak Ultra Max 400 is one of the most affordable film stocks on the market but I love it not just for that, but the extra bright colours.
Il ford Black and White 400 is a classic black and white film stock known for its versatility and reliability, it performs well in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright daylight to low light. I particularly love the shadows in this film stock, and that it's so detailed even for a black and white film stock.
Do you have a favourite?