How to Choose Film for Photography | A Beginner’s Guide to Shooting Film
If you are curious about film photography, the hardest part is usually not the camera - it is the film. There are dozens of options (stocks), speeds (iso), formats (35mm, 120), and opinions, and it can feel overwhelming very quickly.
But the truth? You don't need to understand everything to begin. You just need one roll that makes sense for where you are right now.
This guide is here to help you choose your first, or next, film without overthinking it.
Start With the Light, Not the Film
Before choosing a film, think about how and where you will actually be shooting most often.
Will you be outside in daylight? Indoors by a window? Out in the evening? On the street? With a tripod or handheld?
Film does not adapt to light the way digital does. You adapt by choosing the film which matches the light. Once you understand the light you will be in, the right choice becomes much clearer.
Film Speed, Simply Explained
Film speed is measured in ISO. The simplest way to think about it is this.
Low ISO like 100 works best in bright light. It gives you very fine grain and lots of detail.
Medium ISO like 200 is flexible for general daylight use.
High ISO like 400 and above is more forgiving in low light and changing conditions. You get more grain, but also more freedom.
Lower ISO gives you cleaner results in strong light. Higher ISO gives you flexibility when the light is uncertain. Neither is better. They just do different jobs.
If You Are Brand New and Want an Easy Start
If you do not want to fight the light or worry too much about exposure, start with a fast, which means high ISO, forgiving black and white film.
Ilford HP5 Plus is fast at ISO 400 and works in daylight, indoors by windows, on overcast days, and even at dusk if you keep a steady hand. It forgives small exposure mistakes and still produces beautiful negatives. Many photographers shoot their first roll on HP5. Many still shoot it decades later. This shot in Toronto Eaton centre was from my early days of shooting film, on HP5+.
Ilford HP5 Plus 35mm - Get it from us at the slow down for a great price
If You Love Detail, Landscapes, or Still Subjects
If you are drawn to landscapes, architecture, still life, or careful tripod work, a slow fine grain film will reward you with incredible detail.
Ilford Delta 100 at ISO 100 is designed for clarity and sharpness. It works best in good light where its low grain and smooth tones really stand out. It asks you to slow down and it gives you everything back in the negative. This is an image I shot on a bright sunny day on Delta 100 in the Distillery District.
If You Want Colour That Feels Alive and Unpredictable
If what draws you to film is the feeling of it rather than perfect accuracy, experimental colour film can be a beautiful place to explore.
Harman Phoenix 200 is known for strong contrast, visible grain, and expressive colour shifts. It performs best in daylight and mixed light, and no two rolls look exactly the same. It is not neutral. It is emotional.
Black and White or Colour. Which Should You Start With
There is no rule, but here is a gentle way to think about it.
Black and white helps you learn light, contrast, and composition. Colour captures mood, warmth, and atmosphere.
If you want to study photography, start with black and white. If you want to feel photography right away, colour might speak to you faster.
Many people begin with black and white and return to colour later with a deeper understanding. The other great thing about black and white is that it's really easy to develop at home - trust me - you can do it and get GREAT results.
You Cannot Really Choose the Wrong Film
There is no permanent choice. Every roll is temporary. Every mistake is part of learning. Film does not punish curiosity, it rewards it - I've had so many "ruined" shots produce really cool images - ie, accidentally double exposing a roll. The only real mistake? Waiting too long to start.
A Simple Way to Choose Right Now
If you are unsure, start with HP5 Plus.
If you are shooting in bright light and want detail, choose Delta 100.
If you want expressive modern colour with character, try Phoenix 200.
Final Thoughts
Film photography is not about picking the best film. It is about choosing something simple enough that you stop thinking and start seeing. And the best film? As they say about cameras, it's the one you have with you!