Hurray, we have survived the cold embrace of winter, and spring, and not only are the warmer days a welcome benefit, but the longer, golden days make shooting extra special.
Dry and sunny days also open you up to a much larger range of 35mm films that are perfect for fair weather shooting.
Whether you're capturing sunlit beaches, lush green landscapes, or the energy of summer festivals, choosing the right 35mm film is key. Here are nine of the best film stocks for summer photography.
The Best 35mm Film Stocks For Summer Photography
A staple in the film world, Kodak Portra 400 is known for its fine grain, exceptional dynamic range, and warm, natural skin tones.
It handles bright summer light beautifully and is perfect for portraits, landscapes, and travel photography.
Budget friendly, and it performs!
One of the most affordable 35mm colour films on the market, this classic film stock is warm, slightly grainy and full of character. This is a highly versatile all rounder for everyday summer photography.
However, it does have a 200 ISO, so it's not the best film to use on overcast or dreary days.
Another versatile film stock for summer is Fujifilm 400. It offers fine grain, medium contrast and decent saturation. It's also fairly forgiving in lower light situations which makes it more of a solid choice than Fujifilm 200.
Whilst it is adaptable in differing light situations, it works best for medium daylight. The shot taken below is Matsumoto castle in Japan, and one of my favourite films that I used during this trip.
After what is often a bleak and dark winter, you might be wanting some colour in your life, but there's still very much a place for black and white photography in the summer.
Black and white offers a stunning contrast and mood and HP5 Plus 400 is perfect for capturing those dramatic summer shadows, architectural shots, or perhaps you're getting married in the summer and looking for something classic with a sultry feel. This film is a winner!
Originally designed for motion pictures, Cinestill 50D is a low ISO daylight-balanced film with cinematic colors.
It excels in bright sunlight and delivers a dreamy, filmic look, making it perfect for summer portraits and travel photography.
If you want bold, vibrant colors, Kodak Ektar 100 is unbeatable. With ultra-fine grain and rich saturation, it’s perfect for summer landscapes, bright city scenes, and any situation where you want colors to pop.
With a low ISO, this film is best for those super sunny and bright summer days.
Lomography’s Color Negative 400 film is a fantastic all-purpose stock for summer. It has a balanced colour palette with slight vintage tones, making it a great option for casual snapshots, street photography, and outdoor events.
This much loved T-grain film has been manufactured for over 80 years, and it's still a true black and white classic among the film community.
Kodak Tri-X 400 is perfect for capturing timeless summer moments with deep contrast and rich textures. Whether you're shooting candid street scenes, sunlit portraits, or moody landscapes, Tri-X 400 delivers a classic look with excellent latitude.
If you're looking for a film stock that excels in low light conditions and beyond, Kodak Portra 800 is an excellent high speed film with beautiful colour rendition and fine grain.
Just see how it performs below in the height of the sun on Miami beach, a beautiful rendition of the red on the lifeguard tower against the backdrop of the sky. Its punchy and has that perfect fine grain.
It also performs well in golden hour, dusk, and indoor summer parties, making it a great choice for capturing the season in a variety of lighting conditions.
This is just nine 35mm films that perform beautifully during the summer months, but the best stock also depends on the type of mood you want to capture, so this is always worth considering before selecting your film.
Whether you prefer classic black and white or high-speed versatility, these nine film stocks will help you create stunning summer memories.
Which is your favourite film for shooting in the summer and why? Let us know in the comments below!
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