A Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Right Film Stock

The realm of film photography, rich in variety and nuances, can be an overwhelming journey for beginners. Understanding the array of film stocks available is not only crucial for achieving desired photographic results but also forms the backbone of a photographer's artistic expression. This helpful video will show you everything you need to get started.

Coming to you from Teo Crawford, this great video will show you how to pick out the right film stock. It delves into various 35mm film stocks, offering insights and personal experiences with each. Crawford begins by discussing Kodak's range, from the more affordable and neutral ColorPlus 200 to the punchier Ultramax 400 and the balanced Kodak Gold 200. This segment is particularly valuable for beginners, as it breaks down the characteristics of each film stock, such as color saturation, grain, and ISO sensitivity, helping novices make informed decisions based on their creative needs and shooting environments.

The discussion also extends to other brands like Fujifilm, highlighting the differences in color tones and characteristics between brands. This exploration is crucial for photographers to understand the diverse aesthetic possibilities each film stock offers. The video also touches on more specialized films like Kodak's Ektachrome E100 and Fujifilm's slide films, albeit advising beginners to explore these more complex options later in their journey, especially as slide film can be very unforgiving of even minor exposure errors. 

If you are new to film, it is well worth experimenting with a variety of stocks to find your favorites. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Crawford. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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