Assignment 2 – Film photos using Portra 400

I thought I would love this film stock, and there are some images I absolutely love. However, I was a little disappointed in the Portra 400, and I think it was completely my fault. I shot this roll of film for assignment two. Assignment two focused on using four different color film stocks to see which we liked best.

I had preloaded the camera for Sharla and Clark’s engagement session, but then the day ended up being overcast. In my opinion, film really looks so much better with a ton of light, especially a 400 speed film. During the engagement session, I rated my film at 200 ISO, used my light meter with my aperture set at 2.8 and a shutter speed of 250. To fix this issue, I think I should have slowed my shutter speed down to let more light in for the ones of Sharla and Clark.

I shot the photos of the tree-lined drive, the white flowers and the cactus rated at 200 ISO, with f/2.2 and shutter speed of 1000. I think these photos taken on a sunny day were so much better and more my style.

The photos Justin took of Wynn and I on the Saturday before Mother’s Day were also taken on an overcast day. I love them because they are of me and my baby, but I am really preferring the sunny photos!

One thing I am loving about taking film photos is the feeling the photos seem to have. I know they are a bit grainier than digital photos. But, I like to think it gives the photos the texture that I am loving.

Want to get in touch?

I hope you enjoyed these Portra 400 photos. If you’d like to book your session or wedding, you can contact me at kelsey(at)kelseyalumbaugh(dot)com. Check out my Instagram @kelseyalumbaugh ! And like me on Facebook to see the latest blog posts. 🙂 If you’re curious about the investment, you can check that info out here, but please feel free to reach out so we can better address your photography needs.