From the Arch Club Journal

Kodak Portra 400: a review on skin

The most loved colour film in the world, judged by what it was made for: people.

Written by Arch Club, which photographs its models on film, Portra included.

The short version

SpeedISO 400
TypeColour negative, C-41 process
Formats35mm, 120 and sheet film
Best forSkin, natural light, mixed conditions
VerdictThe safest beautiful film you can buy

What it does well

I
Skin.Warm, even and true, without the orange or magenta cast cheaper films can give. Blemishes soften; texture stays.
II
Forgiveness.It takes overexposure in its stride. Give it two or three stops too much and it still prints well. Underexposure is the thing to avoid.
III
Fine grain for its speed.Remarkably clean for a 400 film, especially in 120.
IV
Flexibility.Fast enough for window light and shade, calm enough for full sun with a small aperture.

What to know

I
It isn't cheap.Prices have climbed in recent years. It earns them, but it's no film for testing a camera.
II
It is gentle.If you want punchy saturation, Ektar 100 is the better choice.

How we shoot it

We rate Portra 400 at ISO 200 to 320 for skin, giving it a little more light than the box asks. Shadows open up, tones smooth out and the grain all but disappears. Under studio light we often reach for its slower sibling, Portra 160.

Meter for the shadows, give it a little extra, and let Portra do the rest.
White marble stilettos with red marble straps on a black marble plinth
Shot on film at Arch Club

ARCH CLUB

A members' club for foot photography, shot only on film.

Every Arch Club photograph is made on a Canon EOS-1V, a Mamiya 7 or a Fuji GW690II, with real models in New York and never AI. Members receive new film photographs every month, and collectors can own the original negative, sealed in display resin with a print of their choice.

Membership$49.99/mo
Polaroid$111
4×6 print$200
Negatives$1,100 to $2,000
Cameras35mm, 6×7, 6×9
Become a MemberBecome a Model

Anyone can find a picture. Few will ever hold a photograph.

Visit Arch Club

Published by Arch Club, Brooklyn, New York.