film for weddings

[phillip_odwyer2]

Hi,I've been asked to photograph my cousin's wedding very soon, I've never done

one before other than taken shots at friends weddings for my own personal

use... I'm using a Mamiya 645 Pro TL with several lens and also CL45-4 flash

and I have a studio lighting set up for pre wedding shots of the bride and

groom etc.. I don't use color film very often mainly B/W so I'm wondering if

anyone can recommend the best color film to use for weddings....regards Phil

[yann1]

I'm not a wedding pro at all, but go for Fuji 400 NPH, I 've heard wedding photographers love it, I tried it myself in medium format the colors are beautiful.

[erik scanhancer]

I prefer Kodak Portra 160NC and 400NC for weddings because of its flexibility regarding

skin tones. Portra 160NC is good for outdoor use and studio settings, while 400NC is

great for fast reportage shooting without tripod. Since you are using MF there isn't much

chance of graininess with 400NC.

 

Also see these pages for samples I made:

 

http://www.scanhancer.com/index.php?art=23&men=10

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Jn5t

[Komatsu]

I've always liked the look of Kodak Portra 160 NC, and Fuji NPS 160.

These films are also used by most pro wedding photographers.

You'll be pleased with the results.

[fotografz]

I shoot weddings with a Hasselblad and use the Kodak or Fuji lower contrast films

mentioned above for most work ... especially outddors in contrasy lighting ... where it

outperforms most digital cameras in avoiding blown highlights (like in a Bride's dress) ...

while holding detail in the darks (like the Groom's Tux).

 

If you will be shooting in a dark church, note that flash is usually not allowed during the

actual ceremony, so bring a tripod and cable release. The reception is often dark also, but

you can use flash. To avoid backgrounds that go dead black, bring a few rolls of Porta 800

and drag your shutter to open up the background ambience.

 

Click on my name here and visit my wedding portfolio to see some of that in action.

 

Best of luck to you.

[russ_britt3]

Marc gave real good advice.....Be prepared for everything.

[steve_levine]

The medium contrast portrait films (Portra NC and Fuji's equal)are the only way to go. These films are designed for this type of work, and produce excellant flesh tones.

[phillip_odwyer2]

Thank you guy's.. you all put me in the right direction, I will try out the films you all suggested and I'm so happy I found this website.. Lovely wedding pics too Mark, they give me some good idea's :-)......Thank you again :-)

[gregory_c]

Kodak NC400

[ranong]

the films mentioned above work well. i would add, bring a bunch of 400 and 800 film for sure. this allows you to use larger F#'s and/or higher shutter speeds for when you may be using longer lenses. have fun.

 

eddie

[bigrue]

Phillip, I used Kodak Portra 160 NC in 120 MF, because of the wonderful color, details, and overall sharpness of the film, Rufus.