Autumn in the UK generally means its time to embrace the duller weather, and adapting the films you use during this season is key to avoid dull, lacklustre photography.
But, it's also one of the best seasons to shoot if you get the right film stock - moodier tones, rich, rusty reds and contrasts of autumnal colours.
Choosing the right film stock can make all the difference, so here’s a rundown of eight of the best 35mm film stocks for autumn photography that will elevate your images and bring out the richness of the season ahead.
8 of The Best 35mm Film Stocks For Stunning Fall Photography
Film Type: Colour Negative
ISO: 400
Kodak Portra 400 is a classic choice for many photographers, especially in autumn. Known for its fine grain, natural colour rendition, and ability to handle a wide dynamic range, this film performs exceptionally well in the soft, diffused light typical of fall.
The skin tones are warm and flattering, making it an excellent choice for portrait photography amidst autumn’s golden hues.
Film Type: Colour Negative
ISO: 100
If you're after bold, punchy colors, Kodak Ektar 100 is perfect for capturing the vibrancy of autumn.
With its ultra-fine grain and rich saturation, it beautifully enhances the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall foliage.
Ideal for landscapes and detailed close-ups, Ektar 100 delivers high-quality, sharp results, especially in bright daylight.
Film Type: Black & White Negative
ISO: 400
Black-and-white film in autumn? Absolutely! Ilford HP5 Plus brings a dramatic, timeless quality to your autumn photography.
With its versatility and impressive dynamic range, this film captures deep blacks and glowing highlights, giving a moody yet refined look to fall scenes.
It’s particularly effective on overcast days when light and shadow play an important role. Not sure if this Ilford stock is the one for you? We do a deep dive into comparing both Ilford FP4 and HP5.
Film Type: Tungsten-Balanced Color Negative
ISO: 800
For night-time autumn scenes or interiors lit with artificial light, Cinestill 800T is unmatched.
Originally a cinema film, it handles tungsten light beautifully, creating cool tones with minimal color shifts.
The film’s high ISO makes it ideal for low-light situations, capturing the subtle glow of city lights or candle-lit interiors against the warmth of autumn.
Film Type: Colour Negative
ISO: 200
Kodak Gold 200 is a budget-friendly option that still delivers beautiful results, especially during autumn. Known for its warm colour balance and nostalgic feel, it’s perfect for outdoor family portraits or casual day-to-day shooting.
The film’s low grain and pleasing contrast make it great for sunny autumnal days when you want a balanced, natural look.
Film Type: Colour Negative
ISO: 800
For those who want to experiment with a more creative look in autumn, Lomography Colour Negative 800 is a fun option.
It offers high saturation and contrast, delivering unpredictable yet often stunning results.
This film handles low-light conditions well, so it's great for shooting during the golden hour or capturing twilight scenes with a bit of grainy flair.
Film Type: Black & White Negative
ISO: 400
Another excellent black-and-white choice, Kodak Tri-X 400 has been a favourite for decades, and it remains unchanged. Its ability to capture rich textures and deep contrasts makes it ideal for those looking to add a bit of raw, emotional depth to their autumn photos.
Whether it’s the mist rising from a lake or the texture of fallen leaves, Tri-X 400 captures the drama of the season like no other.
Kodak Ultramax 400 is a versatile, budget-friendly film that performs well across various lighting conditions, making it an excellent choice for autumn’s unpredictable weather.
With its warm colour balance and slight saturation boost, Ultramax 400 beautifully enhances the reds, oranges, and yellows of fall foliage, giving your images a classic, nostalgic feel.
It’s also ideal for capturing everyday moments, outdoor scenes, and family portraits during autumn outings.
Autumn is a season of transition, full of stunning colours, unique lighting conditions, and atmospheric moods.
The right film stock will help you capture these moments authentically, whether you prefer vibrant colour or moody black-and-white.
Each of these film stocks offers a distinct look and feel, allowing you to express the beauty of the season in your own unique way. The only thing stopping you from getting started is which one to try first, happy shooting!
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