When selecting the best 35mm film for portrait photography, understanding the characteristics of different films can greatly influence the mood, color tones, and overall feel of your images. Whether capturing portraits in natural light or under artificial lighting, each film has unique strengths that can help you achieve your desired aesthetic.
Shooting portraits with film offers a distinct experience that many photographers find rewarding. The film captures a depth and richness in color that often feels more natural compared to digital. The way film responds to light, with its unique grain and texture, adds character and a timeless quality to portraits.
Additionally, the film encourages a more deliberate approach to photography. With limited exposures on a roll, photographers often take their time to compose each shot carefully, leading to more thoughtful and intentional images.
Exploring Best 35mm Film for Portrait Photography
In this post, we’ll explore some of the top choices for the best 35mm film for portrait photography. We’ll discuss how each film handles colors, contrast, grain, and lighting conditions. This list includes a variety of films from Lomography, Kodak, Fujifilm, and CineStill, ensuring a diverse selection to suit different styles and environments.
1. Lomochrome Purple
Step into a world of vibrant, otherworldly colors with LomoChrome Purple. This unique film is crafted with the finest photon-reactive silver halide crystals, delivering psychedelic shades that transform earthy reds into crisp plums and deep violet hues.
Perfect for experimental photographers, it lets you capture surreal landscapes and dreamy portraits. Available in 35mm, 120, and 110 formats, LomoChrome Purple is ready to take your creativity to the next level.
2. Kodak Portra 400
Kodak Portra 400 is highly regarded as one of the top films for portrait work and is often considered the best 35mm film for portrait photoshoots. Its standout feature is its ability to reproduce natural and accurate skin tones, which is key for portrait photographers. Whether shooting in natural or artificial light, Portra 400 consistently delivers stunning results.
This film is praised for its smooth color gradients and fine grain, offering portraits a polished and professional feel. It handles a wide range of lighting conditions, from bright outdoor scenes to dim indoor environments, making it reliable for various portrait styles.
The high dynamic range helps retain detail in both highlights and shadows, ensuring your images remain well-balanced even in tricky lighting. Kodak Portra 400 is a top contender for the best portrait film stocks for those seeking consistency and quality in their portraits.
3. CineStill 400D
CineStill 400D is a versatile film designed specifically for still photography, offering a wide dynamic range with a base ISO of 400, but it can be rated anywhere from 200 to 800, making it adaptable for various lighting conditions.
For even more flexibility, it can be pushed to an impressive 3200 ISO, perfect for low-light situations. This film works well with both SLRs and auto-winding cameras, thanks to its process-surviving anti-static lubricant coating, ensuring smooth handling.
Processed in standard C-41 chemistry, CineStill 400D features motion picture film emulsions, delivering cinematic-quality images that elevate your photography.
3. Kodak Ultramax 400
Kodak Ultramax 400 is a budget-friendly option that still delivers impressive results for portrait photography, making it a strong candidate for the best 35mm film for portrait photography. It’s a versatile film, able to capture vibrant colors across various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dim indoor settings.
This film is known for its lively color reproduction, making portraits appear bright and dynamic. The grain is more noticeable compared to finer-grain films like Portra, but this adds a nostalgic quality to the photos. While Ultramax 400 may not offer the same level of refinement as Portra, it’s an excellent option for casual portraits or when shooting in mixed lighting environments.
If you’re looking for an affordable, everyday film that can still produce beautiful portraits, Kodak Ultramax 400 deserves consideration as one of the best 35mm films for portrait photography.
4. Kodak Gold 200
Kodak Gold 200 is another affordable option that works best in bright daylight. It’s known for its warm tones, which give portraits a soft, classic feel. This film performs exceptionally well in well-lit environments, making it ideal for outdoor portrait sessions, particularly under the sun.
Gold 200 produces a gentle, golden warmth that enhances skin tones, creating a nostalgic feel reminiscent of family photo albums. The lower ISO of 200 means it’s best suited for shooting in plenty of light, where it brings out the softness and warmth in your images.
It’s a great choice for sunny outdoor shoots or portrait sessions during golden hour. Though it may struggle in low light, when used in the right conditions, Kodak Gold 200 can create portraits with a timeless and beautiful quality, solidifying its place among the best 35mm films for portrait photography.
4. Kodak ProImage 100
Kodak ProImage 100 is a versatile color negative film known for its warm tones and fine grain. Ideal for portraits and everyday photography, it delivers natural skin tones and beautiful color reproduction.
With an ISO 100 rating, it performs best in well-lit conditions, making it perfect for outdoor shoots or controlled lighting environments.
ProImage 100 offers excellent color stability, making it a favorite for film photographers who want reliable results. Available in 35mm format, it’s a great choice for both beginners and seasoned photographers.
4. Fujifilm Pro 400H
Fuji Pro 400H was a fantastic option for portrait photography, known for its soft, pastel color palette and gentle contrast. Unfortunately, it has been discontinued, which is a disappointment for many photographers. However, an alternative that you might consider is Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400.
Superia X-TRA 400 offers a balance of vibrant colors and good exposure latitude, making it suitable for a variety of lighting conditions. It tends to produce pleasing skin tones and maintains detail in both highlights and shadows.
While it may not perfectly replicate the qualities of Pro 400H, Superia X-TRA 400 is a solid substitute for capturing beautiful portraits, positioning it as one of the best 35mm films for portrait photography.
4. CineStill 800T
CineStill 800T is another film originally designed for cinema but adapted for still photography. It’s tungsten-balanced, making it an ideal choice for portraits under artificial or low-light conditions. This film has become a favorite for photographers who want to add a dreamy, cinematic feel to their work.
One of CineStill 800T’s defining features is the halation effect, where bright highlights create a subtle red glow, adding an artistic touch to your images. This film excels in low-light environments, such as indoor portraits or nighttime shoots.
The tungsten balance gives portraits a cooler tone, setting a moody atmosphere that’s both unique and cinematic. For photographers who enjoy experimenting with light and want their portraits to stand out, CineStill 800T offers a creative edge that makes it one of the best 35mm films for portrait photography.
Portrait Natural Lighting Tips
When shooting portraits with film in natural light, timing and positioning are key. The golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the softest and warmest light, enhancing skin tones and creating a flattering atmosphere. On overcast days, the clouds act as a natural diffuser, providing even illumination that minimizes harsh shadows—ideal for capturing subtle details in your subject’s features.
Avoid direct sunlight, especially during midday, as it can create unflattering shadows and blown highlights. Instead, look for shaded areas or position your subject with the light coming from the side to add depth and dimension. Using reflectors can help bounce light back onto your subject, filling in shadows and giving a gentle glow to their features.
Finally, be open to experimentation; natural light changes throughout the day, so adjusting your approach based on the available light can lead to stunning results. Learn how to shoot better portraits with our best techniques.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best 35mm film for portrait photography comes down to the look and feel you want to achieve in your images. Lomography Color Negative 400 brings warmth and a vintage touch, while Kodak Portra 400 remains a top choice for natural skin tones and versatility.
For capturing portraits with 35mm SLR film cameras, Kodak Vision 500T and CineStill 800T offer a more cinematic approach, ideal for low-light and indoor settings. Meanwhile, Kodak Ultramax 400 and Kodak Gold 200 provide affordable options that deliver vibrant, nostalgic results. Kodak Ektar 100 shines in bright outdoor environments with its fine grain and bold colors, and although Fuji Pro 400H is discontinued, Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400 serves as a great alternative for those seeking lively colors and versatility.
Embracing the best 35mm film for portrait photography allows you to create images that resonate with viewers and tell meaningful stories. For travel photographers looking to capture candid moments with depth and texture, compact film cameras paired with our recommended 35mm films can enhance your street photography experience.
Whether you prefer a classic, natural look or want to experiment with a more cinematic or vintage vibe, these films will help you capture beautiful portraits that stand out. The unique qualities of film can add depth and richness to your work, making every portrait not just a photograph but a piece of art.
