Choosing Film Stock
Explore the captivating world of film stock selection, where each option brings a unique personality to your portraits. Dive into this gallery of examples, showcasing the distinct qualities of various film stocks. Find the perfect canvas for your vision and elevate your portraiture to new artistic heights.
This page features Thomas's frequently used film selections for portraiture, accompanied by sample images and specifications for your reference.
Please note: Images are for reference only. All images on this page have been lightly edited in Adobe Lightroom. The actual colour tone of each film stock may vary due to shooting conditions, the development process, and scanner settings. While the following film stocks are showcased, availability may vary during your shoot. Film stock availability depends on factors like current supply and expiry date. Rest assured, Thomas aims to provide the best options for your session.
Understanding Film Types & Developing Process
Before diving into the world of film and selecting your favourite stocks, it's crucial to comprehend the developing process. There are four primary developing processes: C-41, Black & White, ECN-2, and E-6. This page provides insight into the characteristics of each processing type and their associated film stocks.
C-41 is the standard method used to develop colour negative film – the most common type of film for everyday photography. It produces warm, soft tones with rich colours and wide exposure latitude, making it very forgiving and versatile.
Black and white film is developed using a different chemical process to colour film, resulting in timeless monochrome images with striking contrast and beautiful detail. It captures light and shadow in a more dramatic way, making it ideal for classic, artistic portraiture. Black and white processing offers a unique texture and mood that can’t be replicated digitally, giving your photos a distinctive and emotive quality.
ECN-2 is the chemical process used to develop motion picture film – the same type used in Hollywood productions. It produces soft, cinematic tones with fine grain and a wide dynamic range, capturing detail in both highlights and shadows. Though originally designed for cinema, many photographers now use ECN-2 film for its distinctive, filmic look and natural colour palette. It’s a great choice if you’re after a dreamy, cinematic feel in your portraits.
E-6 is the process used to develop colour slide (or reversal) film, which produces vibrant, true-to-life colours and high contrast. Unlike negative film, E-6 film creates a positive image that can be viewed directly on a lightbox. It’s less forgiving with exposure but rewards careful shooting with crisp detail and punchy tones. This film is perfect if you're after a bold, polished look with vivid colours and a fine, professional finish.
Colour Film (C-41 Processing)
C-41 processing is a method used to develop colour-negative films. It's a standardised process that transforms exposed film into photographs. Think of it like following a recipe; each step enhances colours and details in your pictures, delivering ready-to-enjoy photos. C-41 processing is cost-effective, speedy, and available at most film labs.
The following film stocks are compatible with C-41 processing.
CineStill 50D
CineStill 50D is a daylight-balanced film with ultra-fine grain and exceptional sharpness, offering a clean, almost ethereal rendering of light and colour. It produces rich yet natural tones with a warm, slightly cinematic tint—ideal for high-sun, open-shade, or controlled daylight settings. With its low ISO, it excels in bright environments and rewards careful exposure with remarkable detail and smooth gradients.
Please note that this film is a repackaged and remjet-removed version of Kodak Vision 3 50D, allowing it to be processed using C-41 chemistry.
[Medium Format | Yashica Mat-124G | CineStill 50D]
In frame: Harriette St.Ledger
Kodak Ektar 100
Kodak Ektar 100 is known for its ultra-fine grain and incredibly rich, saturated colours. This film brings out vibrant reds, making it ideal for bold and dynamic portraiture with a punch. It excels in outdoor settings with good lighting, especially under bright sun or golden hour, rendering skin tones with clarity and depth—though it leans toward cooler hues, which may suit a more stylised or editorial look.
[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 105mm f2.4 | Kodak Ektar 100]
In frame: Lucie Poevaiki Regal
Fujifilm Fujicolor 100
Fujifilm Fujicolor 100 is a daylight-balanced colour negative film known for its fine grain and natural colour reproduction. Ideal for bright outdoor conditions, it offers excellent sharpness and accurate skin tones, making it suitable for portraits and landscapes where colour fidelity and detail are essential.
[35mm | Nikon F3 HP, 35mm f2.8 | Fujifilm Fujicolor 100]
In frame: Harriette St.Ledger
Kodak Aerocolor IV
Kodak Aerocolor IV was originally made for aerial photography. Rated 100 ISO, it is renowned for its exceptional colour accuracy, reddish skin tone and fine grain. It captures stunning landscapes from above with unparalleled clarity and precision.
Click here to read Thomas's review.
[35mm | Nikon F3 HP, 105mm f2.5 | Kodak Aerocolor IV]
In Frame: Charlotte Claire
Lomography 100
Lomography 100 is a fun and nostalgic colour film with a soft, pastel-like palette and gentle contrast. It offers a slightly vintage look, with warm skin tones and a subtle glow that feels airy and timeless. Its lower ISO means it performs best in bright daylight—perfect for sunny parks, gardens, or beach shoots.
[Medium Format | Bronica S2A, 75mm f2.8 | Lomography 100]
In Frame: Andrew Wong
Kodak Portra 160
Kodak Portra 160 offers the finest, with soft contrast and beautifully natural skin tones. It excels in bright lighting and well-lit environments, producing gentle, elegant results with a calm, pastel-like palette. As a lower ISO alternative to Portra 400, it’s ideal when lighting is consistent and precision is preferred. Thomas prefers to shoot this film one stop overexposed to enhance its softness, open up the shadows, and bring out its full tonal richness.
[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 165mm f2.8 | Kodak Portra 160]
In frame: Maya Cotton
Kodak Gold 200
Kodak Gold 200 delivers a distinctly warm tone with sunlit highlights and gentle contrast, evoking a classic, everyday aesthetic. Colours lean golden with a slight vintage cast, making skin tones appear naturally tanned and scenes feel inviting. It performs best in bright daylight, with a grain structure that adds a touch of analogue character without overwhelming detail.
[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 105mm f2.4 | Kodak Gold 200]
In Frame: Charlie Clark
Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400, a timeless elegant film beloved for its versatility, fine grain, and beautifully natural colour palette. Ideal for portraiture, it renders skin tones with exceptional warmth and subtlety. Thomas prefers to overexpose by one stop to enhance colour vibrancy, adding a touch more richness while retaining the film’s signature soft, classic look.
[Medium Format | Mamiya RB67 Pro-S, 90mm f3.8 | Kodak Portra 400]
CineStill 400D
CineStill 400D is a daylight-balanced film that brings a cinematic mood to still photography. It offers a unique balance of soft highlights, rich midtones, and a warm overall colour palette. The dynamic range is generous, retaining detail in both shadows and highlights. With its 400 ISO speed, it performs well in varied lighting—from golden hour to overcast days—while maintaining a characteristic filmic softness and subtle halation around bright light sources.
Please note that this film is a repackaged and remjet-removed version of Kodak Vision 3 250D, allowing it to be processed using C-41 chemistry.
[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 165mm f2.8 | CineStill 400D]
Lomography 400
Lomography 400 is a versatile colour negative film celebrated for its vibrant tones, fine grain, and exceptional adaptability in various lighting conditions. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned photographers, it delivers sharp details while maintaining the playful, analogue charm Lomography is known for.
[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 165mm f2.8 | Lomography 400]
CineStill 800T
CineStill 800T is a high-speed, tungsten-balanced film designed for low-light and night-time shooting. It’s famous for its signature halation effect—glowing red halos around bright lights—which gives portraits a dreamy, cinematic quality. Colours lean cool with bluish shadows and muted skin tones under natural light, but it thrives under artificial lighting like neon, lamps, or streetlights. Grain is noticeable but adds to its character, especially in atmospheric or experimental portraits.
Please note that this film is a repackaged and remjet-removed version of Kodak Vision 3 500T, allowing it to be processed using C-41 chemistry.
[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 105mm f2.4 | CineStill 800T | Pushed to ISO 1600]
In frame: Lucie Poevaiki Regal
Kodak Portra 800
Kodak Portra 800 is a high-speed colour negative film that maintains the signature Portra look—natural skin tones, gentle contrast, and warm hues—even in low-light conditions. It handles mixed lighting with grace, offering rich saturation and surprisingly fine grain for its speed. This film is ideal for evening shoots, overcast days, or indoor settings, delivering beautifully balanced results without the need for flash, while preserving a soft skintone.
[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 165mm f2.8 | Kodak Portra 800 | Pushed to ISO 1600]
In Frame: Charlie Clark
Lomography 800
Lomography Color 800 is a high-speed colour negative film with ISO 800 sensitivity, ideal for low-light conditions and fast action shots. It produces vivid colours and noticeable grain, adding character to images. Perfect for creative photography, it delivers warm tones and a vintage aesthetic.
[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 165mm f2.8 | Lomography 800]
In Frame: Charlotte Claire
Ilford XP2 Super 400
Ilford XP2 Super 400 is a unique black-and-white film designed to be developed using C-41 colour processing, making it highly convenient and accessible. It produces smooth tones with low grain, wide exposure latitude, and soft contrast, giving portraits a clean and refined monochrome look. Highlights and shadows are well retained, and its forgiving nature makes it suitable for varied lighting. The result is a polished black-and-white image with excellent detail and minimal fuss.
[Medium Format | Mamiya RB67 Pro-S, 90mm f3.8 | Ilford XP2 Super 400]
In frame: Lucie Poevaiki Regal
Monochrome Film (BW Processing)
Black and White processing is a photographic technique that transforms images into shades of grey, accentuating contrast, shadows, texture, and mood. It's a timeless and artistic approach that removes colour, allowing the raw beauty and emotion within each frame to shine. Please note that Black and White processing is slightly more expensive and time-consuming compared to C-41 processing.
The following film stocks are compatible with Black and White processing.
Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100 II
Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100 II is a professional black and white film renowned for its ultra-fine grain and exceptional sharpness. With ISO 100 sensitivity, it delivers smooth tonal gradation and rich contrast. Ideal for landscape and portrait photography, it excels in long exposures due to outstanding reciprocity characteristics.
[Medium Format | Bronica S2A, 75mm f2.8 | Fujifilm Neopan Acros 100 II]
In frame: Maya Cotton
Ilford Delta 100
Ilford Delta 100 is a medium-speed black and white film renowned for its fine grain and exceptional sharpness. With wide tonal range and rich contrast, it excels in bright conditions. Ideal for detailed landscape and portrait photography, it delivers professional-quality images with outstanding clarity.
[Medium Format | Bronica S2A, 75mm f2.8 | Ilford Delta 100]
In frame: Andrew Lim
Ilford FP4+ 125
A great, high-quality black and white film. Its very fine grain and outstanding sharpness make it the film of choice whenever a job demands great enlargement or the subject contains a wealth of fine detail.
[Medium Format | Mamiya RB67 Pro-S, 90mm f3.8 | Ilford FP4+ 125]
In Frame: Al Lumsden
CineStill BwXX
This black and white motion picture film wonder captures scenes with classic noir aesthetics, offering rich contrast, fine grain, and an evocative mood. Ideal for crafting dramatic and timeless imagery.
Please note that this film is a repackaged version of Kodak Eastman Double X.
[35mm | Nikon F3 HP, 105mm f2.5 | CineStill BwXX]
In Frame: Adam Bologna
Ilford Delta 400
Ilford Delta 400 is a black-and-white film engineered for a clean, contemporary look. It features a finer grain structure and smoother tonality than traditional B&W stocks, offering high sharpness and excellent detail. The contrast is well-balanced, with rich blacks and soft highlights, making it a strong choice for controlled, elegant portraiture. It performs reliably across varied lighting conditions and delivers a polished, almost medium-format feel even in 35mm.
[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 165mm f2.8 | Ilford Delta 400]
In Frame: Clemence Balland
Ilford HP5+ 400
Ilford HP5+ 400 is a versatile black-and-white film renowned for its timeless look and forgiving exposure latitude. It delivers punchy contrast, rich shadows, and detailed midtones, with a noticeable but organic grain structure that adds depth and texture. Ideal for dynamic lighting situations, it performs well both outdoors and indoors, making it a staple for expressive, documentary-style portraits with emotional grit and a vintage soul.
[Medium Format | Bronica S2A, 75mm f2.8 | Ilford HP5+ 400]
In Frame: Maëva Gachon, Spencer Duncan Booth-Jeffs
Kodak T-MAX 400
Kodak T-MAX 400 is a high-speed black-and-white film known for its incredibly fine grain and sharp resolution. It offers a cleaner, more contemporary monochrome look compared to traditional B&W stocks, with smooth tonal transitions and excellent detail in both highlights and shadows. Its wide exposure latitude and speed make it suitable for a variety of lighting conditions, while preserving a refined, polished aesthetic ideal for crisp, elegant portraits.
[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 165mm f2.8 | Kodak T-MAX 400]
In Frame: Charlotte Claire
Kodak Tri-X 400
Kodak Tri-X 400 is an iconic black-and-white film with a rich photographic legacy. It features a distinctively strong grain, deep blacks, and bold contrast that lend portraits a raw, emotive quality. With excellent flexibility in different lighting and exposure conditions, it delivers dramatic, expressive results whether shot in soft light or harsh sun. Its unmistakable texture and tonality make it a favourite for moody, character-driven imagery with a documentary edge.
[Medium Format | Bronica S2, 75mm f2.8 | Kodak Tri-X 400]
In Frame: Adam Bologna
Ilford Delta 3200
Ilford Delta 3200 is an ultra-speed black and white film, perfect for low light and fast-action photography, from nighttime shots to indoor settings where flash photography isn't an option. This stock excels in challenging lighting conditions. Its unobtrusive grain and rich tonality set it apart.
[35mm | Nikon FM2, 28mm f2.8 | Ilford Delta 3200]
In Frame: Laura Langley
Motion Picture Film (ECN-2 Processing)
ECN-2 processing is a specialised technique used primarily in the motion picture industry. It brings the magic of cinema to still photography, creating images with a distinctive filmic quality. Let's explore this unique process and the motion film stocks it brings to life. Please note that ECN-2 processing is slightly more expensive and time-consuming compared to C-41 processing.
The following film stocks are compatible with ECN-2 processing.
Kodak Vision 3 50D
Kodak Vision 3 50D film is renowned for its precise detail and vibrant colours. With fine grain and exceptional clarity, it delivers cinematic-quality images.
[35mm | Nikon F3 HP, 105mm f2.5 | Kodak Vision 3 50D]
In Frame: Laura Langley
Kodak Vision 3 250D
Kodak Vision 3 250D film brings the magic of cinema to still photography. Renowned for its fine grain and vibrant colours, it captures moments with cinematic brilliance.
[Medium Format | Mamiya RB67 Pro-S, 90mm f3.8 | Kodak Vision 3 250D]
In Frame: Sydney Scott
Kodak Vision 3 500T
Kodak Vision 3 500T is a high-speed, ultra-fine grain colour motion picture film often used for cinematic projects. Its remarkable sensitivity makes it ideal for shooting in challenging lighting conditions and achieving superb image quality. This versatile film stock offers exceptional performance and vivid colours, ensuring the image comes to life.
[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 165mm f2.8 | Kodak Vision 3 500T]
Slide Film (E-6 Processing)
E-6 processing is a method tailored for colour transparency films like slides. It retains vibrant, true-to-life colours in every frame, ideal for displaying breathtaking landscapes and vivid scenes. However, it's worth noting that slide film and E-6 processing are among the most costly options.
The following film stocks are compatible with E-6 processing.
Kodak Ektachrome E100
Kodak Ektachrome E100 is a professional-grade colour reversal (slide) film known for its exceptional clarity, fine grain, and true-to-life colour reproduction. It leans slightly cool, with crisp blues and greens, and renders skin tones with a clean, neutral precision. The contrast is moderate, and highlights are well controlled, giving images a polished, almost transparent quality. Best used in well-lit environments or controlled lighting setups to take full advantage of its narrow exposure latitude.
[Medium Format | Bronica S2A, 75mm f2.8 | Kodak Ektachrome E100]
In Frame: Charlotte Claire
Expired/Discontinued Film
Expired and discontinued film stock holds a unique charm in the world of analogue photography. These elusive gems, no longer in production, offer a nostalgic and distinctive character to images, cherished by film enthusiasts.
Occasionally, Thomas has a stash of expired and discontinued film stocks in his collection. Shooting such film is an experimental adventure; results are unpredictable as the film ages. The mystery and uniqueness it brings cannot be replicated. If you're intrigued by this experimental journey, reach out to Thomas.
The film stocks and images provided are for reference purposes only. It's important to note that these images don't necessarily indicate that Thomas still has these specific films in stock.
Please be aware that refunds are not applicable for shooting with expired or discontinued film stocks.
Fujifilm Provia 100F
[Discontinued 2024]
Fujifilm Provia 100F film brings vivid colour to portraiture. Known for its fine grain and rich hues, it captures subjects with vibrant and lifelike precision.
[35mm | Canon F-1, 50mm f1.8 | Fujifilm Provia 100F]
In Frame: Charlie Clark
Fujifilm Superia 100
[Discontinued 2009]
Fujifilm Superia 100, a versatile ISO 100 colour negative film, offered sharp, vibrant colours. It was available in both 135 and 120 formats but was discontinued in 2009.
[Medium Format | Mamiya RB67 Pro-S, 90mm f3.8 | Fujifilm Superia 100, expired 2010, shot at ISO 50]
Fujifilm Pro 160NS
[Discontinued 2022]
Fujifilm Pro 160NS offers extremely fine grain and a soft, neutral colour palette with understated contrast. It renders skin tones with exceptional accuracy and smooth gradation, making it a favourite for natural, refined portrait work. Colours are gentle and muted, leaning slightly cool, with excellent tonal separation in both highlights and shadows. This film shines in controlled lighting or open shade, delivering calm, delicate results with a polished, almost painterly finish.
[Medium Format | Bronica S2A, 75mm f2.8 | Fujifilm Pro 160NS, expiry date unknown]
In frame: Harriette St.Ledger
Fujifilm Pro 400H
[Discontinued 2021]
Fujifilm Pro 400H is celebrated for its delicate colour palette and refined rendering of skin tones. With subtle greens, gentle blues, and a cooler overall balance, it creates a soft, airy aesthetic ideal for natural light portraiture. The film has wide exposure latitude, making it forgiving in high-contrast scenes and well-suited to overexposure for a bright, luminous look. Grain is fine, and the overall mood is calm, balanced, and graceful.
[Medium Format | Pentax 67, 165mm f2.8 | Fujifilm Pro 400H, expiry date unknown]
In Frame: Laura Langley
Fujifilm Superia X-Tra 400
[Discontinued 2024]
Fujifilm Superia X-Tra 400 is a consumer-grade colour film known for its vibrant greens, cool shadows, and energetic contrast. It offers a slightly saturated, punchy look with noticeable grain, giving portraits a lively and candid feel. With 400 ISO speed, it adapts well to changing light—suitable for casual outdoor shoots, street settings, or spontaneous moments where flexibility is key.
[35mm | Nikon F3 HP, 28mm f2.8 | Fujifilm Superia X-Tra 400, expired March 2025]
In Frame: Charlotte Claire
Agfa Vista Plus 400
[Discontinue Year Unknown]
Agfa Vista Plus 400 is a versatile C-41 colour film, ideal for freezing motion or overcast days. Capture daily life with beautiful analogue tonality.
[35mm | Canon F-1, 50mm f1.4 | Agfa Vista 400, expired 2009 | shot at ISO 200]
Fujifilm Reala 500D
[Discontinued 2012]
Fujifilm Reala 500D film is known for its realistic colour rendition and radiant hues. This Fujifilm motion picture film has a fine grain feature and exceptional clarity, it brings scenes to life with vivid authenticity.
[35mm | Nikon FM2, 50mm f1.4 | Fujifilm Reala 500D, expired 2011 | Shot at ISO 200]