Flash photography can elevate your film photos by adding bold lighting, sharp contrasts, and enhanced color saturation. Choosing the right 35mm film stock is essential to achieve the best results, especially when working with artificial light. From the versatile tones of Kodak Portra 400 to the dramatic contrasts of black and white film, the interplay between flash and film opens up tons of possibilities when it comes to 35mm film. A huge advantage of shooting flash with 35mm film is you don’t have to be worried about low light scenarios as you are creating your own light source. Here’s a closer look at five film stocks that pair beautifully with flash photography and tips to make the most of them.

1. Kodak Portra 400

Versatility and Natural Tones

Kodak Portra 400 is obviously one of the most popular 35mm film stocks, but for good reason. Its exceptional color rendition, fine grain, and dynamic range make it a perfect match for flash photography, especially when shooting portraits or events.

Key Features:
- Natural skin tones and soft transitions between highlights and shadows.
- Wide exposure latitude, forgiving overexposure and preserving more detail.
- Available in both 35mm and medium formats.
Why It Works with Flash:
- Flash enhances Portra 400’s smooth, lifelike colors, maintaining detail in both highlights and shadows.
- Ideal for capturing balanced and professional quality film photos, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Best Use Cases:
- Portraits: Skin tones remain true and natural under flash even in bright daylight where flash in not required.
- Weddings and Events: Handles varying lighting scenarios very well.
- Studio Shoots: Perfect for controlled lighting setups where consistency is key.
Tips for Shooting:
- Slightly overexpose for softer, pastel like results.
- Use a diffuser on your flash to create smoother light transitions and avoid washing out your subject.

2. Kodak Ektar 100

Punchy Colors and Incredible Sharpness

If you’re looking for vivid, really high contrast film photos, Kodak Ektar 100 is a standout choice. Known for its saturated colors and extremely fine grain, Ektar pairs beautifully with a flash to produce crisp, vibrant images.

Key Features:
- Saturated reds, blues, and greens that pop even more under flash.
- Extremely fine grain for sharp, high resolution results.
- Best for brightly lit or controlled environments.
Why It Works with Flash:
- Flash enhances Ektar’s natural vibrancy, making it perfect for fashion, still life, or product photography.
- The film’s precision allows for capturing intricate textures and details in vivid clarity.
- Less recognizable than Portra, which might work well for highly stylized shoots where you want your vision as the photographer to really stand out.
Best Use Cases:
- Fashion Photography: Bold colors come alive under strong lighting.
- Product Photography: Flash highlights the textures and details of your subjects.
- Landscapes at Night: Neon lights and flash illuminated scenes look great.
Tips for Shooting:
- Avoid underexposure, as shadow detail can be lost really quickly with Ektar.
- Experiment with gels on your flash to emphasize specific colors, playing with the range of colors Ektar is known for .

3. Ilford HP5 Plus

Timeless Black and White Look

For those who love the classic look of black and white film photos, Ilford HP5 Plus is an excellent choice. With its wide exposure latitude and medium grain, HP5 excels in flash photography, creating dramatic contrasts and deep shadows.

Key Features:
- High contrast with smooth tonal gradation.
- Medium grain for a cinematic feel.
- Wide exposure latitude for flexible shooting.
Why It Works with Flash:
- Flash adds sharp definition to highlights and shadows, emphasizing textures and shapes.
- Perfect for creating bold, high contrast images with a timeless aesthetic.
Best Use Cases:
- Street Photography: Flash freezes motion and captures raw, dynamic moments.
- Portraiture: Dramatic lighting adds depth and mood to close ups.
- Editorial Work: Striking black and white images give your subject a timeless heir and sense of authority.
Tips for Shooting:
- Use off camera flash to create a more full and even look.
- Push the film to ISO 1600 for added grain and contrast if you want a grittier photo.

4. Lomography Color Negative 800

High Speed Flexibility

Lomography Color Negative 800 is a versatile 35mm film stock that thrives in low light settings. Pair it with flash, and you’ll get vibrant film photos with bold saturation and perfect grain.

Key Features:
- High ISO, great for dimly lit conditions.
- Saturated, slightly warm tones with a vintage feel (personally I think this film even has some color qualities that can make it look like Kodachrome) .
- Forgiving exposure latitude for experimentation.
Why It Works with Flash:
- Flash enhances Lomography’s playful color palette, adding vibrancy and depth.
- High ISO ensures great results in mixed ambient and artificial light scenarios.
Best Use Cases:
- Nightlife and Concerts: Captures the energy of events with vibrant tones.
- Street Photography: Adds a nostalgic vibe to urban nightscapes.
- Experimental Photography: Perfect for creative, unconventional compositions.
Tips for Shooting:
- Embrace the moderate grain for a unique, lo-fi aesthetic.
- Experiment with flash gels to enhance the film’s charm and sometimes unpredictable colors.

5. CineStill 800T

Cinematic Night Shots with Flash

CineStill 800T is a tungsten balanced 35mm film stock that excels in artificial lighting. Flash adds a cinematic glow to your images, making it a favorite for nighttime film photos and studio setups.

Key Features:
- Tungsten balance minimizes color shifts under artificial light.
- Unique halation effect creates an ethereal glow around highlights.
- High ISO for excellent low light performance.
Why It Works with Flash:
- Flash highlights CineStill’s halation effect, adding a dreamy, cinematic touch.
- The tungsten balance works well for flash lit portraits and indoor settings.
Best Use Cases:
- Night Portraits: Flash accentuates textures and lighting for dramatic effects.
- Urban Landscapes: Captures city lights with a filmic glow.
- Studio Photography: Flash and tungsten light pair perfectly for moody, cinematic setups.
Tips for Shooting:
- Use a tungsten gel on your flash to match the film’s color balance.
- Leverage the halation effect to create artistic, atmospheric highlights.

If you enjoyed this article, please visit nicefilmclub.com for all your film development and scanning needs!

5 Film Stocks That Look Great with Flash Photography