After a cold, dark and sometimes gloomy winter, nothing feels better on film than spring!
Spring is such a lovely time to shoot, blooming flowers, soft golden light and an abundance of opportunities to shoot at different times of the day.
Whilst spring still brings some challenges and changeability to the weather, the right film stock can make all the difference. Here's our round up of the best 7 35mm films for bringing out the best in your spring photography this year.
The Best 35mm Films for Capturing Spring
ISO: 400
Best for: overcast and bright days
Renowned for its excellent colour accuracy and dynamic range, Kodak Portra 400 is a versatile choice for spring.
Its warm tones highlight golden light, while its fine grain and subtle contrast are perfect for capturing the pastel hues of cherry blossoms or fresh greenery.
This film handles overcast days just as well as bright sunlight, making it a reliable option for unpredictable spring weather.
ISO: 100
Best for: bright, sunny skies
For photographers who love vivid, punchy colors, Kodak Ektar 100 is ideal. This film shines in bright, sunny conditions, making it perfect for capturing blooming flowers or crystal-clear skies.
Its fine grain also ensures exceptional sharpness, ideal for detailed shots of spring’s intricate beauty.
ISO: 125
Best for: Overcast days
Spring isn’t only about colour—sometimes, the textures and contrasts of a scene call for black-and-white film.
Ilford FP4 Plus is a firm favourite of ours, it offers rich contrast and fine grain, making it perfect for capturing the structure of budding trees, soft clouds, and striking shadows in monochrome.
ISO: 200
Best for: Sunny, bright days
A classic and affordable choice, Kodak Gold 200 delivers warm, saturated tones that make it perfect for springtime photography.
This film works beautifully for sunny days, capturing vibrant blooms and golden-hour light with a nostalgic touch.
ISO: 50
Best for: Bright conditions
Known for its cinematic quality, CineStill 50D is a daylight-balanced film that excels in bright conditions.
Its low ISO ensures incredible detail and soft, vibrant colours that are perfect for outdoor spring photography. Think open fields, gardens, or charming springtime streets.
ISO: 400
Best for: Overcast days, bright days and indoor shoots
Kodak Ultramax 400 35mm film offers similar results to Kodak Gold but with a signature rendition of saturated greens.
Kodak Ultramax 400 captures balanced tones & colours beautifully and with 400 ISO it can be best used for overcast walks or bright, indoor shoots. (See our full film review of Kodak Ultramax 400 in the spring in Japan).
ISO: 400
Best for: Overcast days and bright skies
For a unique twist, Ilford XP2 Super 400 is a black-and-white film that can be processed using C-41 chemistry. This is just one of our favourite qualities of the film as you can get this black and white film processed with us within 1-2 days of it arriving with us.
It’s a fantastic choice for capturing the subtle contrasts of springtime—from dappled sunlight through trees to architectural details against a bright sky.
Here are some extra tips to help you shooting with film during spring;
Embrace natural light: Spring light is soft and golden. Use it to your advantage during the early morning or late afternoon.
Experiment with angles: Capture flowers and greenery from unique perspectives to highlight textures and patterns.
Watch your ISO: Use low-ISO films for bright, sunny days and higher-ISO films for overcast or shaded conditions.
Shoot multiple exposures: Spring’s dynamic light can create interesting results when you try layering shots.
All of these 35mm films are available to purchase from us online. Which of these films is your go-to for spring? Let us know in the comments below!
Comments