Kodak Portra 160 is my go to film stock I've used for fashion photoshoots for Playboy, Revolve, Good American, and Spell. I’m drawn to it most because of its beautiful contrast and vibrant tones which reminds me of the nostalgic photos of the 1960s and 1970s. I adore the way the colors burst while still looking natural while I’m shooting on the Caribbean Ocean in Tulum.
Since it is 160 speed, it has very little grain which creates super clean and crisp photos. (Grain increases as the film speed increases.) Portra 160 does best in direct sunlight and well lit rooms. You can expect vibrant colors and smooth grain in brightly lit locations such as the day time on the beach, which is my personal favorite. I love the various tones of the blues it gives in the sky and ocean. Since it’s lower speed, it’s not ideal for low light locations like dusk. Under exposed photos with Portra 160 can lead to more brown and red tones especially on skin. So, if you are shooting inside, make sure your subject is lit by sunlight through a window or add strong artificial light and it will turn out beautifully.
Try for yourself and let me know what you think! Purchase your Kodak Portra 160 here. If you’re a digital photographer, check out the Kodak Portra inspired Lightroom Presets I created to give your digital photos a film aesthetic. I used these for my Playboy Tennis Campaign and Fila campaign
Below are a few examples of some of my favorite photos I’ve shot on Portra 160.
Valyn Dobson shot on Portra 160 for Good American Spring 2022 fashion campaign in Tulum Mexico on Caribbean beach.
Bianca (Bibi) Rojas and Gabrielle Montes de Oca of Freedom Models photographed on Portra 160 in Venice Beach, California
Fashion photo of Aslayy for Lace by Tanaya shot on Portra 160 in Tulum, Mexico
Fashion campaign for Finders Keepers with model Ellie Lyon at the Thompson Hotel, Hollywood
Faith Irving shot on Kodak Portra 160 for Playboy
Morgan Cozy photographed on Kodak Portra 160 on sailboat in Marina Del Rey, California
Valyn Dobson shot on Kodak Portra 160 for Peppermayo's summer 2022 Tulum fashion campaign
Digital photographers!
Check out the Lightroom Presets I created based on Portra stocks. I used these when I shot digital campaigns for Playboy and Fila. It’s a great way to learn more about the different types of Portra speeds
