So why should you? 

Everyone knows why people shoot films in summer. With the warm weather and summer heat the warm tones of film stocks such as the Kodak Gold help personify that summer feeling and vibe.  

But why would you shoot film in winter? Why step out into the cold with your film camera when most people pack theirs away and replace it with their digital ones? 

Well, here At DarkLab, we believe every season has its own charm when it comes to analogue photography. However winter which is often overlooked might just be the most rewarding time of all to load up your camera. From snow-dusted streets to moody skies, film captures the season with a depth and honesty that digital often can’t match. Here’s why winter is the perfect time to shoot film.

1. Winter Light Loves Film

Winter’s low, diffused sunlight has a natural softness that film stocks thrive on. Harsh summer glare is replaced by painterly shadows and subtle tones, giving your negatives that timeless quality film is known for.

2. Snow Becomes Texture

Few things are as striking on film as fresh snow. Black and white film turns a snowy scene into pure drama, while colour stocks reveal the delicate blues, pinks, and even golden hues snow reflects. If you want an atmosphere, winter delivers it in spades.

3. Muted Palettes, Bold Results

Winter’s stripped-back colours are a gift for film shooters. Stocks like Kodak Portra warm up the pale sun, while cooler emulsions embrace the frosty blues of crisp mornings. Shooting in winter is about leaning into your film’s character and seeing how it interprets the season.

4. Golden Hour at a Civilised Time

The sun sits lower in the sky, meaning golden hour lasts longer, and happens earlier. No need to set an alarm for 5 am. With the film's generous dynamic range, you’ll capture detail in both the glowing sky and deep shadows, perfect for moody compositions.

5. Imperfection Adds Atmosphere

Fog, raindrops, even snowflakes on your lens, winter brings unpredictability, and film has a way of turning these little accidents into character. What might feel like a flaw in digital often becomes part of the story on film.

6. The Season of Slow Shooting

Loading film with cold hands and waiting for the right light slows you down in the best way. Winter encourages patience and intentionality, and those qualities translate into more thoughtful, striking photographs.  

Final Thought

Film and winter share the same spirit, they both invite us to slow down and pay attention to the details that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s a misty morning, the glow of a streetlamp in the fog, or a frozen landscape in monochrome, winter is the perfect backdrop for film photography.

So next time the temperature drops, grab a roll, wrap up warm, and head out with your camera. 

And don’t you worry, DarkLab is ready to help you process whatever the winter reveals.

Want your winter rolls developed? Well check out our film developing services