There's few things that compare to outdoor film photography whether you're on a walk, travelling or just capturing your home town.
Shooting nature, landscapes, or street photography all pivots on choosing the right film stock that is symapthetic, and adapatable to the weather conditions.
From vivid colour renditions to dramatic black-and-white contrasts, if you're new to film photography and looking for some inspiration, here are seven of the best films to get started with outdoor photography.
7 of The Best Films For Outdoor Photography
What To Consider
There are actually so many films that are well suited to outdoor photography, but it totally depends on the shooting conditions - the weather and light, or lack of it, plays a huge roll in what types of films are best to use.
A good guideline to follow for shooting outdoors;
Very, sunny bright conditions - choose films with an ISO 100/200 and above, depending on preference.
Cloudy, overcast, dark days - choose films with an ISO 400 or 800 which are more adaptable to dark, and changeable conditions.
Evenings shooting outside with bright lights - opt for ISO 800 which is able to capture the glow of bright lights, a film stock such as Kodak Portra 800 is a great choice.
With that in mind, here are some 35mm films to help you get started!
1. Kodak Ektar 100
If you’re after the finest grain and the most vibrant colours, Kodak Ektar 100 is an unbeatable choice.
It’s ideal for landscapes, travel photography, and any outdoor scene where you want rich saturation and incredible detail.
However, being ISO 100, it performs best in bright sunlight and not on cloudy, overcast days.
2. Kodak Portra 800
If you're looking for a dependable film that will work harder for you no matter the weather or circumstances, Kodak Portra 800 is a fine choice.
Being more light sensitive with an 800 ISO it performs well in low light conditions and is great for capturing bright neon lights on streets scenes, as shown below on a nightime shot on Ocean Drive in Miami.
This is one of my favourites to shoot with, knowing it performs no matter the changeable weather conditions, whilst also benefiting from more realistic colours than Portra 160 and 400.
3. Kodak Portra 400
One of the most versatile colour films, Kodak Portra 400 handles a variety of lighting conditions exceptionally well.
It has a wide exposure latitude, making it forgiving if you overexpose slightly. The film produces soft, natural tones and is great for portrait and landscape photography alike.
4. Ilford HP5 Plus 400
If you prefer black-and-white film, Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is an excellent choice for outdoor shooting.
With its classic grain structure, high contrast, and rich dynamic range, this film is perfect for street photography, dramatic landscapes, and moody skies.
5. Cinestill 800T
Though primarily designed for tungsten lighting, Cinestill 800T delivers dreamy, cinematic outdoor shots, especially in urban environments at dusk or night.
The halation glow around highlights adds a distinctive filmic quality that sets it apart.
6. Fujifilm 400
An excellent all-rounder for outdoor photography, offering vibrant colours, fine grain, and reliable performance in various lighting conditions.
With its balanced colour rendition and solid dynamic range, Fujifilm 400 is a versatile 35mm film for those who want a film stock that can handle both bright and overcast outdoor scenes.
7. Kodak Gold 200
A budget-friendly yet high-quality film, Kodak Gold 200 is perfect for casual outdoor photography. It's one of the cheapest colour films and is popular with both entry level and advanced photographers.
It has warm tones, pleasant contrast, and a nostalgic feel that makes it ideal for capturing everyday moments in natural light.
With its ISO 200 rating, it's best for use on bright, clear days.
Choosing the right film for outdoor photography is just as much about taking note on the weather, and the mood and aesthetic you want to achieve.
Whether you want the crisp details of Kodak Ektar 100, the classic monochrome of Ilford HP5, or the cinematic glow of Cinestill 800T, each film brings something unique to the table.
Experimenting with different film stocks is part of the fun when shooting outdoors. Do you have a go-to film for shooting outdoors? Let us know in the comments below!
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