Top film emulating presets for wedding photographers
MANY GOOGLE SEARCHES AND SCOURING THE INTERNET AND INSTAGRAM LATER AND I HAVE COME UP WITH THE TOP 7 FILM EMULATING PRESETS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO WANT THEIR WORK TO MIMIC THE LOOK OF ACTUAL FILM STOCKS INCLUDING FUJI, KODAK AND ILFORD.
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I used this a couple years ago for most of my work. i would say it is a great preset to start on. I mostly USEd THE FUJI H NEUTRAL PRESET ON 99% OF MY WORK. I FOUND THAT IT IS SUPER CONTRASTY, SO I PULL THE CONTRAST DOWN AND COOL IT DOWN A LITTLE. IT IS A GREAT PRESET AND I ONLY EDIT A FEW THINGS ON IT. GREAT ALL-AROUND PRESET. MASTIN LABS ALSO HAS OTHER PRESETS THAT IMITATE FILM SUPER WELL. THEY'RE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.
I usually shoot with my medium format for details and bridals and then use the canon 1v with flash for reception.
Fuji: Mastin Labs
This is the current preset / profile that I use on my work - the green pack pro. IF YOU REALLY LIKE THE IMPERFECTIONS, GRAIN, SOFTNESS, THESE PRESETS ARE FOR YOU. I AM SUPER IMPRESSED THAT THEY ALSO HAVE SLIGHT VARIATIONS TO MIMIC WHAT KIND OF SCANNER YOU COULD USE IF YOU USE FILM - FRONTIER OR NORITSU. THAT IS A GREAT TOUCH THAT TRULY MIMICS FILM. I AM ACTUALLY ABOUT TO BUY THE FUJI PACK AND TRY THEM OUT. I KNOW SO MANY GREAT PHOTOGRAPHERS SWEAR BY THese presets as well.
Archetype Process
I love brady and he is a good friend, and I have always admired his work. He was able to work with G-presets to come up with a killer preset pack that truly imitates the look of the nostalgic high end film that I think people tend to think of when they think of high end california / laid back luxury. I use these presets as well when I feel like my clients vibe is truly aligned with that look. Its slightly more warm and grainy than my typical style, but blends in well with my brand. I recommend his presets to everyone.
Brady Bates - G presets
If you love a clean film look that feels like a mix of editorial and true to tone, Erich has a great preset pack. This pack is robust and can mimic the look of Fuji, ilford, and kodak film stocks. The price is a bit higher than other film stocks, but the support and scope of film imitation that they provide makes up for the cost. I would recommend these if you're looking for more magazine level edits that have film tonality.
Erich McVey Goodlight
KT Merry has a very unique style. Fine art film meets editorial. If you are drawn to those tones, I would recommend these presets. She mimics the look of fuji in the presets which are much cooler than kodak. U would say these presets are really close to fuji film stock, but definitely need to have a lot of exposure to look clean. If you're more of a dark/moody editor, this might not be for you.
KT Merry Refined Co
If you're looking for the light and airy preset that imitates film, this is a great one. I would recommend looking into the facebook group to see how other photographers utilize the preset to not lose detail and color in skin.
Noble Presets
Of course a list wouldn't be complete without showcasing jose villa's presets. He also replicates the look of kodak, fuji, or ilford film stocks at various ISO and film scanners - either on noritsu or fronteir. There is a lot of customization. I personally have tried the fuji pack and loved it. It is really close to the film stock. It is a favorite of mine because it isn't as punchy/contrasty as other presets. That is more of a personal preference than anything else.
Jose Villa For the love of film
look at the before and after photos to get a feel for how your tones will turn out. I would rather have alignment in the tones and colors than anything else. You can always adjust contrast and how punchy an image is. It is much more nuanced and difficult to edit colors.
Choosing the best film preset
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look at the support that the company offers. Do they have tutorial videos? Is there some kind of pdf that explains how to use the preset or maybe a facebook group? I have found the most success in using a preset through joining the facebook group it has created and asking other photographers how they use the presets.
remember that each photographer will see tones and photos differently than you. even if you use the same preset, you might not get the same results because when you edit, you see the raw image and final result differently than they might. it is okay that your photo isn't the same as theirs. IF you really want it to look like theirs, edit a photo you took next to a photo of theirs to try and match.
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Want to learn how to actually shoot film?
THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU IF...
1. If you are wanting to be able to shoot a larger portion of your sessions on film.
2. You want to find a way to quickly get film developed and scanned to sent to your clients.
3. You're not sure which cameras or formats you want to use and need someone to show you.
4. If you are not sure where to start with film and need step by step instructions.
5. You want to know which film stocks to choose and why.
6. You want to know how to shoot film in difficult lighting situations.
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