In a world dominated by digital photography, shooting on 35mm film remains more than a hobby - it’s a deliberate creative choice. I started shooting film from scratch, with no understanding of ISO, white balance, or when to use daylight versus tungsten films. Film stores seemed like alchemist shops where each roll was a mystery. Now, after shooting hundreds of rolls and countless frames, I’m confident in sharing my all-time favorite films - the ones I always keep in my fridge and that shape my visual DNA as a photographer.
A Brief History: Why 35mm Film Is a Classic
The 35mm format became popular in the early 20th century, but the real breakthrough came in 1925 with the Leica I - the first compact camera for this format. During the 1930s to 1960s, film photography skyrocketed thanks to brands like Kodak, Canon, Nikon, and Zeiss Ikon. Film became accessible, intuitive, and everywhere. Its golden age was the 1980s and 1990s, when photo labs were on every corner and prints filled family albums.
Today, film is experiencing a renaissance - not just as nostalgia, but as a unique way to express creativity. There’s something special about choosing your film, understanding how it reacts to light and shadow, and capturing each frame with intention. Every shot is not just a picture, but the result of thoughtful choices.
Why I Shoot on Film
My love for 35mm film rests on three pillars:
- • Unique atmosphere and color depth - no digital camera can replicate the rich, organic look of film.
- • The aesthetic process - from choosing a roll to developing it, film photography is a meditative ritual.
- • Artistic freedom - different film types deliver distinct results without post-processing.
My Favorite Film Rolls of All Time
Kodak Gold 200
"Sunshine in Every Frame"
This film is my go-to for casual shooting. Gold 200 delivers warm, honeyed tones and a soft nostalgic feel. It’s less about precision and more about capturing memories. Perfect for outdoor shoots and everyday moments you want to turn into something special.
Best for: lifestyle photography, family photos, golden hour shooting.
Kodak Portra 400
"When Color Whispers, Not Shouts"
Portra 400 is the benchmark for portrait photography. Its gentle color rendition brings skin tones to life with subtlety and depth. It strikes a near-perfect balance of sharpness, grain, and hue. A professional-grade film ideal for working with people.
Best for: portraits, fashion shoots, fine color work.
Kodak Ultramax 400
"The Pulse of the City"
Versatile, bold, and honest. I love Ultramax 400 for its vibrant colors and ability to capture urban light-neon signs, street lamps, and city movement. It’s contrasty, saturated, and perfect for dynamic, spontaneous shots.
Best for: street photography, reportage, fast-paced environments.
Expired Kodak Vision3 500T
"Memories on Film"
Expired Vision3 500T is more than a film - it’s an adventure. Shadows take on blue hues, highlights turn golden, and the grain resembles a dream-like texture. I often use it in low light, especially with manual development. It doesn’t just capture reality; it evokes a memory of it.
Best for: night shoots, cinematic aesthetics, artistic experiments.
Lomochrome Purple
"Color as an Artistic Statement"
For pushing creative boundaries, Lomochrome Purple is unmatched. It transforms the world into a surreal painting - greens turn purple, skies become pink, and skin looks porcelain. This film breaks the rules and is perfect for dreamy, fashion, or fantasy projects.
Best for: creative shoots, surrealism, fashion editorials.
Revolog Films (Full Range)
"Film as Visual Improvisation"
My favorite brand for experimentation is Revolog. They modify classic Kodak and Agfa films by adding unique effects like lightning, rainbows, galaxies, and laser textures. It’s more than a tool - it’s an art platform.
As of 2025, Revolog offers over 15 effect films, including:
- • Tesla 1/2 - lightning effects
- • Kolor / 460nm / 600nm - surreal color shifts
- • Kosmos / Nebula - cosmic impressions
- • Plexus / Volvox / Lazer - textures, grids, abstractions
Best for: art photography, unconventional projects, magazines, NFT series.
Conclusion
If you’re just starting with film photography, don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. Only through practice, curiosity, and passion will you find your own palette. There’s no universal "best film" - only your film, the one that resonates with how you see the world. Shoot more, develop yourself, experiment, and discover your style. And when you need to quickly and legally handle model releases on set, SnapSign makes it effortless in seconds.
