Landscape Photography with Kodak Portra 160

Unlike the usual landscape film choices of Velvia and Ektar Portra 160 is a lot more subtle. In this video I take a look at how it an be used to capture a different sort of landscape and why you might want to give it a try.
See the full size images here:
www.flickr.com...
Equipment Used:
Nikon F80 (N80)
Tamron 28-200 XR f/3.5-5.6
Manfrotto X55Pro B
Kodak Portra 160
Vlogging Equipment:
GoPro Hero 7 Black

[@arildedvardbasmo490]

That close-up of the rocks with water in-between them at about 7:15 is gorgeous... Thank you for your (as always) amazing content!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@thevalleywalker]

Refreshing to have a vlog with just the ambient sounds of the surf against the pebbles and the wind creating the mood for the shoot. I used to be (and still am occasionally I would admit) to being someone who goes for the garrish look as you say but over time I have found a fondess for the less subtle tones & colours and can appreciate these images more now than I would have have a few years ago. As today is the 12th December my vote is going for that last image. :) Was interested to see you mention how the scan came out on that, I didn't realise that would have an effect on the film. atb Alan PS The contrast of your BRIGHT orange jacket worked a treat on the day :)

[@SteveONions]

Cheers Alan, it’s the subtle images that seem to have the long lasting appeal for me. As far as the jacket goes I noticed when I started vlogging that certain colours stand out a lot more than others and I’ve jet to find a video camera that doesn’t live orange!

[@wcwendychapman]

The second photo of the rocks and water flowing over them is beautiful.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Wendy.

[@cdl0]

Yes, the rocks @7:10 is the best!

[@lensman5762]

I agree 100%.

[@I-SelfLordAndMaster]

I’ve just been given my first roll of this film and have always shot the 400 and 800 versions but I have to admit your video has made me realise just how good it would look in 5x4 so I think my next purchase is going to be a box of 5x4 Portra 160 thank you for the inspiration.

[@SteveONions]

It’s well worth a try, a very natural look and good latitude.

[@MarcHillM]

Another masterclass in composition and colour

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Marc.

[@ralphgeronilla]

Love the fight against Cliches. Love the subtleness

[@sunnzboz9482]

Again, lots if things to take with me. Thank you! The wet feet shot is the one I like most. Those teal colours!

[@EvmolposCompany]

Hello Steve. As a matter of fact the rock formation in 8:39 called Stylolites. These are serrated surfaces usually within a limestone which calcareous material has been removed by pressure dissolution. It is a tectonic event. Excellent portfolio and point of view.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks for the detailed information Andreas.

[@gregsvoice5628]

That's a good point about a film with such low saturation actually being an alternative to B&W film. I think most situations wouldn't suit Portra 160 as well as Portra 400 or Ektar would, but it definitely works well in the right situation. Lovely shots.

[@SteveONions]

It’s a strange film for landscapes Greg, less saturation than the 400 and not as fine grained as Ektar. It does have its uses though and I’d consider it for images with a lot of warm tones such as sand and midsummer bright lights scenes.

[@jameslane3846]

Really loved the last two photos. Very soft and pastel colours which was pleasing to my eye!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks James.

[@braixeninfection6312]

I love the shot at 8:35! Reminds me of the old IOS 6 wallpaper that I used to use!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@alanstanway6118]

Some of my favourite recent images in this vlog Steve. A lovely change to the usual seashore images and I liked the pebbles a great deal.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Alan, I am surprised how much there was to discover in such a small area.

[@alanstanway6118]

@@SteveONions that's what I enjoyed about it tbh. Concentrating on such small areas revealed images that others may have ignored. Film stock choice was revealing in other ways too as I liked the muted colours, something that we seem to have lost in the vibrancy of digital.

[@SteveONions]

There’s definitely something to be said for more muted colours Alan.

[@JamesBillingsPhotography]

Some nice images there - I've been looking over a few Portra 160 videos and am pretty much decided on taking a couple of rolls to Iceland next month - I think it'll suit the starker areas of the country I'm visiting.

[@SteveONions]

That’s a good choice, the 800 speed version would work well too.

[@runninblue9415]

Beautiful and a v refreshing change

[@august570]

Fantastic images Steve! Your videos and photographs was what inspired me to pick up my photography again.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you, that’s very kind 👍

[@jbairdexp]

Fascinating as always Steve, but more importantly lovely set of images. I particularly like that last one of the rock. Like the subtle tones. 👍

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Julian, that was by far my favourite too.

[@MichaelZieschang]

I‘m quite lucky to have a similar location with such pebbles and rocks at the Baltic Sea coast not far from where I live. I love the ‚rock sounds‘. Could listen for hours.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Michael, I also love the sound of surf moving the pebbles around.

[@johnchappell302]

You were the first vlogger I ever followed, some time ago now, and you never disappoint in your delivery. I don't shoot film but find your knowledge and technical know how fascinating plus I'm picking up info about a side of photography I know little about. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the next one!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks John, that’s very kind of you to say.

[@strampy75]

I went to University in Bangor years ago. It's always nice to see pictures of North Wales.

[@wysrthvnu]

Hey Steve, I'm just getting into film photography and came across your channel. I love your content especially explaining your thought processes while out shooting. Keep up the great work

[@SteveONions]

Hi Fritz, I’m really glad you enjoy the videos 🙂👍

[@JHurrenPhotography]

I'm so glad I watched this before my winter camping trip in the Rockies. I've been shooting Fuji Provia 100, but I have had this pack of Portra 160 in my fridge for just a couple weeks now. Expecting clouds and rain, I want sure if it would work. Thank you for this encouragement! Love your videos. -James Hurren

[@SteveONions]

Thanks James, I hope the Portra works out for you.

[@oudviola]

An old video but just got to it. Inspiring as always, I didn't realize how different the Portras are besides just the speed. I will try 160 now! Thanks!

[@oldfilmguy9413]

Excellent images, and the subtlety of the film is as you note almost monochromatic. I particularly appreciate these videos focused on film types because, having been away from film photography for years, so much has changed. Your videos are demonstrating strengths and weaknesses of various films and helps me prepare for various shooting conditions/results. Very helpful! Cheers!

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked it, it’s definitely useful to see different films in action.

[@simonbarnes7124]

What I like about your channel, you take the good with the bad and just go with it whatever the weather. There’s another very popular landscape photographer from up north ( I won’t mention any names), who travels the world, to breathtaking locations, but he keeps whinging about his gear, the light, locations to the point that I just can’t watch his videos anymore without switching off mid way through. Shame! You prove that you don’t have to keep going to the most breathtaking parts of the planet to get awesome landscapes. A mark of a real landscape photographer. Just my opinion and observation.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Simon, that’s kind of you 🙂

[@BarwickGreen]

Thanks, I've decided to pack some Portra 400 for a trip to Harris & Lewis in October!

[@SteveONions]

Hope it works well Rupert, I can see it suiting those subtle green/blue seas.

[@jasongold6751]

Subtle and beautiful. I am heavy handed with strong colour! Vivid. No quite Ken Rockwell or Nikon's workshops! There one's eyes bleed. Sad way. Another bag of ideas. Thanks Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Oh yes, Ken Rockwell and his subtle colours!

[@buyaport]

Thanks for all the effort you put into this video (as per usual).

[@alanread6596]

Excellent video very informative I like the subtle tones of the porta 160. I have just ordered some to try.

[@PaulGJohnsonphotography]

Great video. Watching loads of film photographers on yt i keep returning to you. I really enjoy your content and honest opinions. I love the subtle nature of portra and i'm hoping it'll suit me going forwards

[@SteveONions]

Cheers Paul, I think you will definitely find Portra to your liking 👍

[@michaelofmelrose]

Mr O;Nions I must say you out did your self with this vlog!!!! Gave me some ideas to try out and expand my photo horizon, thanks

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Michael 👍

[@halromi73]

Thanks Steve. You are a good man with a beautiful passion. Keep it up.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Hal 🙂

[@hanskallafrasonen]

Very interesting photos and solid content once again.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@HV71851]

Thank you for this video and the wonderful images! I will consider getting some Portra 160 for my X-Pan.

[@SteveONions]

I’ll swap some Portra 160 for your XPan 😀

[@HV71851]

Steve O'Nions if we were a little closer, you could borrow it...😀

[@steveschnetzler5471]

Inspires me to go out and shoot on this cold and rainy day. Thanks.

[@SteveONions]

You’re welcome Steve 🙂

[@henkpeter1755]

Very nice images, looks like the film is perfect for this type of photography. My favourites are the image at 4:00 and the detail of the rock. Thanks for sharing Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Henk 👍

[@MrHero0220]

Steve. Great video. Thank you for posting it!

[@SteveONions]

You’re welcome Andy.

[@carstenlueter2250]

Great photographs of the sky and the sea with just a touch of colour. I shot both Portra 160 and Ektar medium format in late summer Tuscany two years ago. Portra 160 (shot at 100 ISO) was by far my favourite film for this, since it renders all these pastel yellow to light brown tones typical for the tuscan landscape much better than the slightly oversaturated Ektar. It's also great for the muted colours in misty or foggy situations, but here the slow speed could be a problem.

[@SteveONions]

Definitely agree Carsten, Ektar would have produced some ugly colours and killed the mood.

[@MileyonDisney]

Your photos turned out great (as always). In the 70's and 80's, I mostly shot with Kodachrome 25 or 64. I enjoyed the bold color and contrast. Now, I like Portra 160 (or 400 if I need to). I mostly shoot portraits and headshots. I just joined a local photo club and expect to be shooting points of interest in my neighborhood, if I can learn about the good spots (I'm new to this area).

[@SteveONions]

Sounds like a interesting project, the Portra films should be ideal.

[@matteovrizzi]

i once shot a roll of portra 160 together with a roll of portra 400 both at 160 , same light same compositions, and strangely (or not so much) i could not tell which was which as they looked identical.

[@SteveONions]

Maybe they are the same film 🤔

[@juanarroyo5324]

stunning shots steve !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Juan.

[@JohnTomasella]

Love the rocks with the water. Someone on the large format forum shoots 160 but he must really push the sliders because it looks more like Velvia.

[@SteveONions]

Needs to be kept subtle John, may as well use Ektar for more colour.

[@jimwlouavl]

The photograph of the rocks at 7:17 was fantastic. I’m enjoying your film projects and am on the same journey you once described of moving back to film. I’m going to experiment myself with using Portra for more subtle light and Ektar or Provia for more saturated light.

[@SteveONions]

Good luck Jim, enjoy the journey 👍

[@phillipP8848]

Very interesting Steve. I did not know that there was a difference between portray 400 and 160, I would have thought they only had a speed difference between them. Interesting. Thanks for the video.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Phillip. The films are a close match for each other but I do find 160 is more muted.

[@CyrilViXP]

Wow...This fearsome cold ocean looks very atmospheric. Reminds me the seas from my nightmares. Great opportunity to use color film with realistic saturation. It is almost pictorialistic

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Cyril, the sea did look very menacing.

[@ruudmaas2480]

Beautiful work Steve !! Would like to see Porta 160 with photgraphs of your local forest.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve done a fair bit locally with Portra 400 Ruud, wonderful in the right light.

[@davidpearce2981]

I'll try a roll of that steve, very subtle tones

[@asherdog9248]

Steve, I am not a professional photographer by any means, but I think the lens plays a big part in the film choice. Portra lanscaps with my Mamiya 7ii are jaw dropping, but not so much from my Zeiss Hasselblad lenses. They favor Ektachrom and Velvia... I think. This video was interesting BTW.

[@SteveONions]

Good point. My Hasselblad’s Zeiss lenses gave a better rendering in B&W (to my eye) than the Mamiya 645 lenses.

[@zx7-rr486]

I love Portra 160. I used it recently in the Mid West USA to shoot some sunny desert scenes and derelict buildings with a polariser on 35mm. They came out really nice. I can't explain why, but the grain levels seem to vary a lot depending on the light. In bright light good exposures, it goes hyper fine, but in poorer light the grain is more noticeable (but in a nice way). I know this happens with many films, but Portra 160 seems very sensitive to this. I have shot portraits with Portra 160, and they came out really nice too (but that's what it's traditionally aimed at I guess). I must try the Portra 400 next. I came to your video to relax after watching a Tony Northrup video where he (again) equates film with "low resolution". Drives me nuts when people perpetuate nonsense like that, especially when they have large followings. I'm scanning my Ektachrome at 36MP and getting way more detail than my 24MP D610. One reason I'm so looking forward to getting a MF camera is to make some truly huge detailed prints... and Portra is available in 120 of course! Maybe I should post one to Tony .... :-)

[@SteveONions]

Food point about the varying grain levels of the 160, I have seen the same thing with bright light delivering super smooth images. Portra 400 is also an excellent and even more flexible film.

[@lars-goranabrahamsson9337]

Fantastic photos Steve !!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Lars.

[@carls.2649]

Beautiful. I love your video and photography style. I just bought my first medium format camera and think I'm going to try the 160 for some mellow landscapes. Cheers. Liked and subbed.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Carl and I hope you enjoy the Portra 🙂

[@katharinemovertonphotographer]

Great set of photos

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Katharine.

[@millerviz]

I always hear the cadences of the Beatles when I hear you speak. I was interested to find that you seem to be from the Liverpool area. Always enjoy your content!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Curtis and yes, I am from Liverpool 😀

[@gui4j]

love the last 2 images, I use portra 160 quiet heavily in landscapes.. I prefer the quieter , gently , less saturated look sometimes ...

[@SteveONions]

Completely agree Gaius.

[@lensman5762]

Photographs containing subtle tones and natural colours, are unfortunately getting quite rare in the age of digital cameras, P.S, Luminar or similar image manipulation software. I for one really enjoyed the photographs, which IMHO conveyed the mood of the place splendidly. Great choice of film.

[@SteveONions]

It’s definitely the way I want to go, equally I prefer to shoot fairly anonymous countryside rather than iconic locations. I am of the opinion that we are overexposed to wonderfully dramatic and vivid images which can only go so far before appearing false. Subtle images have a far longer lifespan.

[@DizinEire]

Colour negative film hasn't been on the menu for quite some time. However, I have recently started to explore Ektar from my preferred Provia. Still a long way to a decision yet though. I can see the advantages of using Portra 160 in certain circumstances. This was well illustrated in your excellent vlog, thanks Steve. Cheers Diz

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Diz, it’s good to have a choice of materials.

[@jeff8289]

Hi Steve. A very interesting video. While Portra 160 does not seem to have the pop of other color films, it does give me things to think about. The film seems to support the types of photos from a Harry Callahan or Michael Kenna, except with a subdued splash of color. From a broader perspective, there is the suitability of the film for grand landscapes vs. intimate scenes. I think Portra 160 succeeds with intimacy, while transparencies are more suited to the great vistas, where you are trying to pack in as much information in the emulsion. You have given me much to think about.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Jeff. The subtlety of Portra for me makes it a viable alternative to my preferred monochrome materials. It would be unlikely that I’d chose a slide film for this sort of scene as you rightly say.

[@jeff8289]

@@SteveONions Thanks Steve. I had a late friend who would take photos in black and white, then hand color them. His palette was very subdued. In fact his work was purchased by the Whitney Museum. The subtlety of Portra made me think of him, in that you have in essence a monochromatic scene with the barest of color. A minimalist approach that is very satisfying.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve seen some very good hand colouring Jeff, the relatively new Ilford Art 300 paper is ideal for this given the fairly coarse texture.

[@ThatGamingGuyfromthe70s]

My photography teacher many years ago said that photography is a cliche, everything has been photographed and that there are very few original ideas. Even though i agree to a certain extent i still shoot the cliched. I find myself surprised as to how much i end up liking the image. It might be cliched but its my interpretation of the cliche that matters.

[@SteveONions]

Very good point.

[@john_murch]

Hey Steve, I had the same thought process recently when I was on holiday and wanted to capture some lovely soft light in an ocean setting. Shot a set on Portra 160 with my Hasselblad. Cheers!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks John, it is a wonderfully subtle film.

[@adamm4926]

Nice work Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Adam.

[@johnjon1823]

Good work as always. I hear ektachrome in medium format is back or coming back even 4x5 - I look forward to that!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks John.

[@exquofonte]

Would love to see you try portra800 and ektachrome!

[@SteveONions]

I do have some Portra 800 that I want to run in the Bronica.

[@geoffchaplin5601]

Nice video and shots. In Japan the general public go for super-saturated colours which I now find disgusting, and have no wish to pamper to poor taste! So generally B&W but I'll go back to using colour as well and will probably use the Portra films. Thanks for your review.

[@SteveONions]

It seems like we’ve been enduring extra colourful photographs since Velvia was introduced. They get tiring to look at very quickly in my mind.

[@oliviergimeno7330]

Hi Steve, nice video, as always. It's great to see you shooting with different films. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the Kodak Ektar (colors too much saturated, almost fluorescent...), I prefer soft color films... Anyway, my question is: Have you planned too shoot with the new Kodak Ektachrome? I'd like to have your opinion on it. Just continue to do what you do, it's always a pleasure!

[@SteveONions]

Hi Olivier. I don’t plan to use Ektachrome as I never liked it before it was discontinued. For subtle and accurate colours I much prefer Provia.

[@arty2917]

Do you mind sharing what shutter speeds you prefer for the surf? Beautiful shots!

[@SteveONions]

Of course. I tend to keep under 2 seconds if possible as I’m not a big fan of the milky water effect. Often 1 second or slightly less is enough to show movement effectively.

[@Topsyrm]

Another winner Steve. I'm just getting back into film both 120 (Bronica SQ-A1 inspired by your good self) and 35mm Leica MP. I am wanting a good all round film for the Leica that I can use for all circumstances that I can have developed and scanned but after the event can choose either colour or B&W as the final image (depending on the subject) without the need to carry and use 2 different film stocks. In UK I am thinking 400 asa, would you recommend Portra 400 for that?

[@SteveONions]

Definitely, I was already thinking Portra 400 as I read your comments. I did consider doing this myself about 5 years ago but I do like messing with different film stocks 🙂

[@Topsyrm]

@@SteveONions Thanks. I've ordered 5 rolls 35mm will see how it goes. Don't need to be one size fits all on 120 as I have 3 backs.

[@SteveONions]

Sounds good 👍

[@evgenygorshkov9893]

Great !!!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Evgeny.

[@FreezerKing]

Will you try the brand spanking new Ektachrome in 120? It looks super cool.

[@SteveONions]

I’m not a big fan really but I might see how it compares to Provia.

[@szentesandras7364]

Dear Steve I like your photos and vid. Could you tell me which is the best iso for portra 160 at landscape photo? Iso 160 or 100?

[@SteveONions]

It will depend on the range of lighting on the scene but in general 100 will result in a better image. Using 160 is fine providing the subject brightness range isn’t too great and you will retain more colour.

[@szentesandras7364]

Dear S. Thanks for fast ans. So 100 iso is better than 160 in most situations. Maybe iso 125 is also good as middle way.. I would like use it on 135 film without hand lighting meter. I use camera meter and I would like to use in rain cloudy day and bright sunsine too. Do you think the best method is iso 100 for most in cases?

[@obriska]

Portra 160 appears to be surprisingly grainy for such a slow film. Looks to be on par with HP5+.

[@SteveONions]

It doesn’t shine (literally) in low light and the scans were made with a basic flatbed - it is much finer than HP5+.

[@thorstenjaspert9394]

This Scenery has no native saturated colours. How does the Portra 160 looks at sunny days outdoor, standard exposed, box speed?

[@SteveONions]

I’ve never shot it on a sunny day Thorsten so couldn’t say to be honest. Portra 400 does work well in bright sun though.

[@zapallalla]

Please do a collab video with ”shoot film like a boss”. Maybe just a skype chat, but maybe shooting together and discussing how you guys work/think..

[@c.augustin]

Good results! I myself have used Portra 160 twice or so, and was not pleased by the results (I've got a color cast that I didn't like) - instead I found the Fuji Pro 160 more pleasing. Simpler for me to just stay with Portra 400, though … ;-)

[@SteveONions]

Interesting, I have been trying 400h recently and quite like it.

[@c.augustin]

@@SteveONions Yes, the 400H is a very interesting film stock. Not as good with overexposure and highlights as Portra 400, but colors are more "painterly" (in the sense of oil painting or impressionism) in my estimation. I find Portra 400 just more "universal" in use, very nice grain, good color rendition, and overall a "very robust performer". Lately I've become a fan of Lomography 800CN - a bit "rough around the edges", but astonishingly similar to Portra 800 (with a price tag more similar to Portra 400, though ;-)); whoever produces this stuff (it says "Made in China" on the packaging) does a really good job. A, well, even here in northern Germany the weather on weekends is just bad - I so miss going out shooting some rolls of film (and what I want to shoot at the moment does require a bit of light, I just want sunshine at the moment, and not only during the week …).

[@photog1529]

Hi Steve...I see you use the 28-200 fairly often. What's your take on its performance?

[@SteveONions]

It’s not bad but not great either. For scenes where there is no fine detail around the edges it is ideal (such as this video) but I’d you are in a forest on a clear day I’d avoid it.

[@iamyou111]

Did you push or pull?

[@owenweitzman8827]

These are gorgeous shots, and they would have looked terrible on velvia

[@SteveONions]

Very true!

[@heidkr00gaz]

My reaction to this video in a nutshell 6:56

[@SteveONions]

😀👍

[@StephenMilner]

Hey, I admire your photos, what an incredible video. I like the story too. It will be great if you looked at my channel to see if you rate any of my videos. Keep up the superb work! I look forward to your next video.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Stephen. You have some interesting videos that I've added to my watch list, strange that they haven't been flagged up to me before :)

[@StephenMilner]

Steve O'Nions thanks. I’m not sure why it hasn’t flagged up in your searches. I am using the obvious tags.

[@nelsono4315]

very nice video. I am getting back into film. How do you rate the Portra 160? Back in the day I shot Kodak VPS 160 for portraits and rated it at 80. Exposures were very good at 80. Thanks

[@SteveONions]

I’d be happy to shoot at EI 80 but I do like to keep as much colour as possible so often will rate it at 160 and meter carefully to preserve the shadows.