Creative deep tones film recipe for exploring the details found in nature
Here’s a fresh new look at the Reala Ace film simulation, found on the newer Fujifilm X Series cameras. I have it on my X-S20 via a software update, but models like the X100VI, X-M5, X-E5 and X-T50 will have it available too.
In this recipe, I’ve explored a deeper look that keep the low contrast character of Reala Ace, but uses underexposure to dramatically change the look of the resulting photos. Blacks become a dominant feature, but with the impressive tone control of our cameras, we actually see a lot of mood and detail in the deep tones.
The colour balance here is fairly neutral, working well with forest and woodland finds, and a reduced saturation adds to the character of the resulting photos. In dull weather, the result can almost look moonlit, and I’ve come to prefer using this recipe when the weather is damp or grey.
It’s a fun recipe to experiement with, presenting your familiar favourites in a very different way. I love it for woodland walks, but I am excited to see what you make of it too. Have fun!

Underwood Film Recipe
- Simulation: Reala Ace
- Grain Effect: Strong, Small
- Colour Chrome Effect: Strong
- Colour Chrome Blue: Weak
- White Balance: Fluorescent 2
- WB Shift: -4 Red, +4 Blue
- Dynamic Range: DR200
- Highlights: -2.0
- Shadows: +4.0
- Color: -4
- Sharpness: -4
- ISO Noise Reduction: -4
- Clarity: -4
- EV compensation: -1 (important to underexpose)
If you enjoy the look of these deeper tone images, don’t forget to check out the Film Recipes app, which has over 800 film recipes, including all of those on this site, and a wide selection of deeper look recipes to try.






























3 responses to “Underwood, Deep Forest Mood Film Recipe”
Finally, something new! Great, looks georgous, thanks as always!
BTW do you plan an update to your app, I find it rather cumbersome to navigate.
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Thanks for the comment. Yes .. at last I have some time to add recipes to the site. All Summer the new ones have been in the app only, but now I can begin to share on the site again.
In the app, with 800 recipes it is a big task to just scroll through. Have you seen the filter option (click the 🔍, then the ⏬️)? You can choose by simulation or by theme. There is also the featured section, new recipes list, shuffle and under each recipe, related ones to look at. Also, you can make your own favourites list with just the ones you like so that getting to those is faster 😊
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Thanks for your hints, will try these!
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