If you’re new to film photography or even if you’ve been dabbling for a while, choosing the right film stock can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many types, and they all promise different results. We’re breaking it down in simple terms, so you can head out shooting with confidence.
What is ISO in Photography?
ISO refers to how sensitive the film is to light. A lower ISO number, like 100 or 200, means the film is less sensitive. It’s perfect for bright sunny days or shooting with lots of light. These lower ISO films give you super fine grain and lots of detail.
Higher ISO films, like 800 or 1600, are more sensitive to light. That means they’re great for indoor shoots, cloudy days, or nighttime street photography. The tradeoff? You’ll see more grain — which can add a cool, moody vibe to your shots.
Color Film vs. Black and White Film
Color film is fun, vibrant, and super versatile. It’s great for capturing everyday life, travel, portraits, you name it. Black and white film, on the other hand, brings a classic, timeless feel. It’s perfect if you want to focus on contrast, texture, and light while translating a moodiness that is unique to black and white photography.
Budget-Friendly Choices
You don’t have to spend a ton to shoot great film. Some stocks are more affordable and super reliable — perfect for beginners or testing out a new camera. If you're on a tighter budget, go for a basic 200 or 400 ISO film that works in a variety of lighting situations. Want to splurge? There are some beautiful high-end films out there with extra-rich tones and ultra-fine grain.
Come by our film lab for start-to-finish services. Pick up a roll of film, try it out, and bring it back to us for processing. Whether it’s color or black and white, our lab handles each roll with care so you can see your work come to life. Stop by, bring your film, and ask us anything — we love chatting about the magic of analog photography.