The lower light levels can sometimes mean slower shutter speeds and wider apertures, so film stocks with a bit of extra sensitivity, 400 ISO or higher, are especially handy for both seasons. Think of higher ISO stocks as a winter coat for your film camera. Without them you will definitely feel the chill.

If you are shooting in the winter and looking for some inspiration then look no further. DarkLab has got you covered. Here are some of the best film stocks for winter photography that are excellent for adapting to the ever changing seasonal weather and keeping your camera happier than you are in the cold.

Seven of the Best 35mm Film Stocks for Winter Photography

We had to include one of the more budget friendly options for winter. This is a similar price point to Kodak Gold 200 which is another popular and readily available film stock. Kodak ColorPlus is rated at 200 ISO so it is a perfect film choice for crisper sunnier days in the winter. It gives a more accurate rendition of colours than Gold which produces a warm summery cast. When well exposed it has very little grain visible. Just remember, winter sunshine disappears faster than the snacks in the DarkLab fridge, so choose your timing wisely.

Cinestill 800T is a tungsten balanced film stock that produces stunning results in low light and nighttime conditions, making it a strong choice for winter evenings.

It captures the warm glow of street lights and Christmas decorations beautifully while retaining detail in shadows. Its characteristic halation effect around bright light sources adds a magical cinematic touch to winter photos, perfect for cityscapes, Christmas markets and night photography.

Expect your images to look like a film set. Bonus points if anyone mistakes you for the director.

Kodak Portra 400 is known for its versatility and beautiful colour rendition, especially in low light conditions which is ideal for the shorter days of winter.

With its balanced colour palette and soft contrast, Portra 400 captures the subtle hues of snowy landscapes, pastel skies and festive decorations perfectly. It is highly flexible for both portraits and landscapes, delivering accurate skin tones and lovely detail even in dim lighting.

In the DarkLab household Portra 400 is basically a personality trait at this point.

If you are looking for vivid colours and fine detail, Kodak Ektar 100 is the perfect choice for winter shooting.

Although it is a low ISO film meaning it is better suited to well lit conditions, its bright saturated colours can make winter scenes pop on sunnier days.

Ektar 100 is excellent for capturing the vibrant colours of Christmas markets, decorations and daytime snow scenes with incredible sharpness and almost no grain. It is great for those rare winter days when the sun remembers it has a job to do.

Portra 800 is an excellent choice for winter photography especially when light levels are lower. It is known for its fine grain and beautiful natural colour rendering even at higher speeds which makes it versatile for capturing the warm hues of autumn leaves and the cool tones of winter landscapes.

The higher ISO is perfect for overcast days or shooting indoors where lighting is dimmer. Portra 800 also has a lovely latitude meaning it handles overexposure well. This is great for situations where the lighting changes suddenly such as moving between shadowed forest scenes and open sunlit fields. It is also the film you reach for when money is no issue.

Instead of waiting for those brighter winter days to come, lean into the darkness with a black and white film stock. You will not regret it.

For classic black and white winter photography, Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is a versatile medium speed film that provides excellent results in low light. It has a slightly higher contrast which enhances the texture and detail in snowy or cloudy settings. This film is ideal for capturing the timeless feel of winter landscapes, street scenes and moody low light shots.

If you want to fully embrace the darker side of winter then Ilford Delta 3200 is one of the most reliable high speed films you can choose. Rated at 3200 ISO, it handles extremely low light conditions with ease, making it ideal for night photography, indoor winter scenes or those gloomy days when the sun has clearly taken the season off.

Delta 3200 produces a distinctive grain structure that complements winter scenes beautifully. Shadows hold detail well, highlights stay controlled and the overall look leans towards a moody atmospheric style. It is perfect for capturing Christmas lights, nighttime street photography and dramatic winter portraits.

Its forgiving latitude also helps when shooting handheld at night or in poorly lit environments. Think of it as your winter survival kit for film photography.

Final Thoughts

Winter is a season that challenges every photographer but it also rewards those who embrace its quirks. From soft diffused daylight to glowing city nights, the colder months offer a unique atmosphere that film captures like nothing else. Whether you reach for a dependable all rounder like Portra 400, a budget friendly option such as ColorPlus or a low light specialist like Delta 3200, the right film stock can transform even the murkiest winter day into something magical. So wrap up warm, load your favourite film and let winter work its charm on your next roll.

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