Fall brings a unique set of colors, lighting, and moods that make it one of the best seasons for film photography. From golden leaves to foggy mornings and soft evening light, the season provides endless opportunities to experiment with different stocks.
Here are some of our top recommendations for capturing autumn on film:
- Kodak Portra 400 – A versatile color negative film, Portra 400 excels with warm, natural tones. It’s ideal for portraits or outdoor scenes under soft sunlight, bringing a gentle warmth to every frame.
- Cinestill 800 – A high-speed color film, Cinestill 800 is perfect for shooting in low light, like overcast afternoons or early evenings. Its cinematic glow and subtle halation make fall street scenes and moody landscapes feel like they’re straight out of a film.
- Ilford HP5+ 400 – Black & white film with strong contrast and fine grain. HP5+ works beautifully for foggy mornings, bare trees, and scenes with dramatic textures, giving a timeless feel to autumn photography.
- Kodak Ektar 100 – Known for its ultra-vivid colors and fine grain, Ektar 100 makes reds, oranges, and yellows pop. It’s a great choice for landscapes where you want the foliage to really stand out.
Tips for shooting film in fall:
- Mind the light – Fall light is often softer and more diffuse than summer light, which is great for portraits but can make shadows less pronounced in landscapes.
- Overexpose slightly in cloudy weather – This helps retain detail in darker areas without losing highlights.
- Experiment with high-speed films – Overcast days and golden hour often call for ISO 400–800 film to capture enough light while keeping grain controlled.
- Embrace the season’s colors – Look for contrast between warm leaves and cooler backgrounds to make your shots pop.
Fall is a fantastic time to explore different stocks and see how lighting and color interact. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or street scenes, trying a mix of films can help you discover your favorite look for the season.
