Pro Neg film simulation recipe with deep intensity for a contrasty look
Inspiration for my film recipes often comes as ideas after seeing the work of other creators. In this case, I was inspired by the great work of Captn Look and his moody Dune film recipe. I loved the deep intensity of this look, and it led me to explore this style with my own recipe creation.
For my deep tones recipe, I used a base of Pro Neg High, which is shifted to a warm setting. Other adjustments, which use a lot of 3s include undexposure by -2/3ev, lifted highlights to +3 and reduced saturation to -3. Clarity is reduced too for moody softness, also at -3. This last part is important to the look, so it does mean that this recipe needs a recent camera with clarity, or a bloom/mist style filter on the camera.
For the best results with Three Degrees, I’d recommend shooting in bright light, and, importantly, don’t forget to underexpose by the two stops or so to make the highlights stand out from dark backgrounds, but not be so bright as to burn out. If the highlights are burned out, underexpose some more.
Rich and deep tones fly agaric, captured with Three Degrees film recipe
Three Degrees Film Recipe
Simulation: PRO Neg. Hi
Grain Effect: Weak, Large
Colour Chrome Effect: Off
Colour Chrome Blue: Weak (IV) / Off (V)
White Balance: Auto
WB Shift: +3 Red, -6 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlights: +3.0
Shadows: +1.0
Color: -3
Sharpness: 0
ISO Noise Reduction: -3
Clarity: -3 or mist/bloom type filter
EV compensation: -2/3 or more
I have a bit of a thing for fungi photos! Three Degrees film recipeA bright day on the shore of the lake, with Three Degrees film recipeSparkles on the water, captured with Three Degrees film recipeResting in the sunshine. Three Degrees film recipeThree Degrees film recipe works well with sunlit subjectsSpring leaves making their debut, Three Degrees film recipeThe green season is well on its way, Three Degrees film recipeWinter flowers in a sunny spot, Three Degrees film recipeAfter sunset, with the Three Degrees film recipeAnd speaking of sunset, here’s an obscured one with Three Degrees recipe
Last moments of the day, captured with Three Degrees film recipeSummer time mood, looking through the green. Three Degrees film recipeSunlight and deep shadow with the Three Degrees film recipe
Yes. More mushroom shots, with Three Degrees film recipeFrozen puddle, captured using Three Degrees film recipeBubbles in the ice, with Three Degrees film recipeBaby cairn, taken with Three Degrees film recipeSunlit spider web, with Three Degrees film recipeUnderexposure brings out the highlights, with Three Degrees film recipeRich and deep tones, a feature of Three Degrees film recipe
Yew tree greens, captured with Three Degrees film recipe
It’s the end of a television highlight, as the compelling and dramatic HBO series, Succession draws to an end. This TV series has been one of my favourites. Watching the desperate infighting and grovelling of the Roy family children, has been equal parts stressful and hilarious. As I write this, I have the final episode still to go, so don’t worry, there will be no spoilers here!
In the promotional imagery for the series, and in some of the scenes, there is a strong use of blue, including in the set dressing and suits and outfits that the cast wear. So, for this recipe, I’ve looked to make the most of blue, with Classic Chrome and a striking cobalt tone.
Whilst this recipe started as a bit of fun, it’s actually an impactful look when used for coastal shots or landscapes with large sections of blue sky. Maybe you’ll give it a try, and will enjoy making power moves of your own.
Jetting off to a meeting? Billionaire blues with the Waystar film recipe
Waystar Film Recipe
Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Colour Chrome Effect: Strong
Colour Chrome Blue: Weak (IV) / Off (V)
White Balance: 4000K
WB Shift: 0 Red, -4 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlights: -1.0
Shadows: 0.0
Color: +1
Sharpness: -2
ISO Noise Reduction: -4
Clarity: 0
EV compensation: +1/3
Intense blue skies at the beach, with Waystar film recipe
A stormy day on the shore, using the Waystar film recipePine needles and sand dunes, with Waystar film recipeA path through the dunes, captured with Waystar film recipe
Natural selections, with the blues of Waystar film recipeAbout 50cm across :O Waystar film recipeSuspended by a single thread. Waystar film recipe
It’s a golden hour turned blue, with Waystar film recipeLet’s take a walk aloung this wooded trail. Waystar film recipeSpring is arriving at full speed, Waystar film recipe
The unstoppable force of nature is powering on. Waystar film recipe
It’s all about the blues, with Waystar film recipeA Mediterranean port, captured with Waystar film recipeShall we go for a sailing trip? Waystar film recipe
Different angles at the rape seed field, Waystar film recipeA winter day walk on the heathland, Waystar film recipeA beautiful white pony, using the Waystar film recipeSunlight on the treetops, captured with Waystar film recipe
Blue and aqua tones, from the Waystar film recipe
Blue Styles with Fujifilm Film Recipes
There are a number of blue tone looks within the recipe collection on this site. Here a few blue optimised recipes to consider.
Natural Astia – for wonderfully blue skies and natural tone
Fuji Five-O – a classic negative for life on the water
Classic Negative film simulation recipe for extreme blacks with X100V
Whilst I tend to try and find nostalgic puns for recipe names, the talented Mehdi Berrada seeks out intresting single word names with all sorts of meanings. The name Loki, seems fitting, with its roots in Norse mythology, suggesting power and mystery. I see the name here and there in other settings, often linked with darkness and power, so I feel that it suits the tone of the images well.
In this recipe, we have an extra deep look with extra dark blacks and a inky, almost glossy aesthetic. As with other recipes by Mehdi, there is an underexposure recommendation, which is an important part of achieving the intended style. Embrace the dark side, as some people like to say 😊
The image samples use this technique to show a striking contrast between light and shadow, and to produce a stongly styled look that draws your eye to different features in the images, such as patterns of light, and the textures of highlight areas, and of course the deep black shadows.
Images: Mehdi Berrada, X100V
Loki Film Recipe by Mehdi Berrada
Simulation: Classic Negative
Grain Effect: Off
Colour Chrome Effect: Off
Colour Chrome Blue: Weak (IV) / Off (V)
White Balance: Auto
WB Shift: +3 Red, -5 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR100
Highlights: +4.0
Shadows: +4.0
Color: 0
Sharpness: +3
ISO Noise Reduction: -4
Clarity: +3
EV compensation: -2/3 (you MUST underexpose to achieve the look)
Flowers and Leaves with Loki
I was excited to try this film recipe and see if my ham fisted attempts at photographing plants and flowers might look good with this super deep film recipe. I was very pleased with the result, and remind you that these images are all taken in full daylight, often strong sunshine. Such is the power of Loki.
This sequence of images were taken in the gardens of the Hotel Es Moli in Mallorca, on my X-S10 at -2/3ev ot -1ev underexposure
Dark tones Pro Neg film recipe for stylish and moody tone images
Members of our Film Recipes Facebook Group will have seen the stylish and deep toned images by Mehdi Berrada. Like me you’ll no doubt have bewen impressed the the use of black negative space and the patterns of light.
I’ve been gathering up Mehdi’s samples and am privileged to share them here, along with the setting details as a guest recipe for everyone to enjoy.
When using this recipe, please note the recommendation to underexpose or adjust to bring the highlights down and shadows to a deep and dominant black. It’s all part of achieving the charismatic Junichiro look.
Images: Mehdi Berrada, X100V
Playing with light and the textures of a stone floor. Junichiro film recipe
Junichiro Film Recipe by Mehdi Berrada
Simulation: PRO Neg. Hi
Grain Effect: Strong, Small
Colour Chrome Effect: Off
Colour Chrome Blue: Weak (IV) / Off (V)
White Balance: Auto
WB Shift: +2 Red, -5 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlights: 0.0
Shadows: +1.0
Color: -4
Sharpness: -2
ISO Noise Reduction: -4
Clarity: +2
EV compensation: -2/3 or lower
A Walk in the Woods with Junichiro
My house is far less impressive than Mehdi’s, so I took the recipe for a walk in the woods instead! Here are some of my shots with X-S10 at -2/3 in the evening sun.
Velvia film recipe for a bright summer sunshine style for fun, travel and vacations
Here’s a happy tone stylised recipe that brings a cheerful and bright summer look to your images. It’s super cosy and hazy, and it is perfect for holiday and vacation images and trips to the beach.
To achieve this bright and cheery look, I’ve chosen the Velvia film simulation as the base, and pushed the exposure with a +1 (three clicks of the wheel) over exposure recommendation. A hazy effect is added too, with -5 clarity, which you can skip if you can add a medium to strong mist/bloom filter to your lens.
Overall the image is lemon and lime toned, with lots of haze. It works especially well at the beach and in strong sunshine. I’d suggest that summer scenes and beach fun are the things to go for with this holiday recipe.
Taking phone snaps at the water’s edge, Spanish Summer film recipe
Spanish Summer Film Recipe
Simulation: Velvia/Vivid
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Colour Chrome Effect: Weak
Colour Chrome Blue: Off (IV) / Off (V)
White Balance: Shade
WB Shift: +5 Red, -7 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlights: -1.0
Shadows: +1.0
Color: -4
Sharpness: -4
ISO Noise Reduction: -4
Clarity: -5 or mist filter
EV compensation: +1 suggested
A morning on a Mallorcan beach, with Spanish Summer film recipePine trees and turquoise waters, with the Spanish Summer film recipeSunset over the beach, using Spanish Summer film recipe
Summer plants in teh sunshine, with Spanish Summer film recipeA golden dawn, captured using Spanish Summer film recipe
Greens and reds, with the Spanish Summer film recipeLooking along the shore in Formentor, Spanish Summer film recipeSummer pine needles, and the Spanish Summer film recipe
A yellow flag because jellyfish have been spotted. Spanish Summer recipeInflatables, with the Spanish Summer film recipe
On vacation in Mallorca, with the Spanish Summer film recipeWooden jetty at sunset, with Spanish Summer film recipe
Olive trees in the afternoon sun, Spanish Summer film recipe
At a fancy hotel with the Spanish Summer film recipeIn the marina, back in the UK. Spanish Summer film recipe
Sunsets like on vacation, with the Spanish Summer film recipe
Film Recipes for a Summer Pastel Style
The bright summer style is often pictured with pastel tones and bright overall exposure. It gives a summer feel that is also nostalgic at the same time. It’s been covered a few times by various recipe creators, so here are a handful of other bright sunshine looks sharing this mood.
Pastel Vibes – inspired by greek islands, by Willow Rotter
Classic Chrome film simulation recipe with fine grain and slide like color
I never shot slide film during my 35mm camera days, but I was always impressed with the rich color and deep contrast. Blues in particular seemed so vivid, and I never quite managed to replicate that with negative film.
Now that I’m shooting digital with my Fujifilm X Series, I get to play at shooting in a slide film style with a film recipe with some of the same qualities.
In this film recipe, I have used Classic Chrome as the base, but have boosted the colour with a +4 setting. The colour is further enhanced by shooting at 1 stop underexposed, with the -1/3 setting. Other elements include a fine grain, DR400 for smooth highlights, and a -1 shadows setting, which keeps shadows deep but natural with the underexposure.
Late afternoon on the riverbank, with the Slide Film 400 film recipe
Slide Film 400 Film Recipe
Simulation: Classic Chrome
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Colour Chrome Effect: Strong
Colour Chrome Blue: Weak (IV) / Off (V)
White Balance: Underwater
WB Shift: +4 Red, 0 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlights: +1.0
Shadows: -1.0
Color: +4
Sharpness: -2
ISO Noise Reduction: -4
Clarity: 0
EV compensation: -1/3
Rich blues like a slide film, using the Slide FIlm 400 film recipeBold colour from underexposure, and the Slide FIlm 400 film recipeFraming the view, with the Slide FIlm 400 film recipeSome sort of ruined jetty, captured with Slide FIlm 400 film recipeAbandoned boat is decaying and part submerged, Slide FIlm 400 film recipeAn Oystercatcher sits on the prow, sunset with Slide FIlm 400 film recipe
Spting greens, captured with the Slide FIlm 400 film recipe
Scenes from the blue hour, using Slide FIlm 400 film recipeAutumn colour richness, with the Slide FIlm 400 film recipeTaking a woodland walk, with Slide FIlm 400 film recipe
Shooting with Slide FIlm 400 film recipe in the winter forest.A few moments before dawn breaks, Slide FIlm 400 film recipeAnd now, the end of a day as the sun sets, Slide FIlm 400 film recipeThe fishing boats at Beer, with Slide FIlm 400 film recipeResting after a day at sea, Slide FIlm 400 film recipe
A misty morning on a hillside, captured using Slide FIlm 400 film recipe
Classic Negative film simulation recipe with a burned out desaturated look
It’s obvious to anyone reading this site that I love nostalgic looks and especially filmic looks that resemble aged prints, found many years after they were developed. These styles can evoke more feeling than clean modern looks, and are a fun way to shoot, especially for social media galleries.
For this nostalgic film recipe, I wanted to explore the style of childhood holiday snaps, taken perhaps on a sunny beach, but where the details have bleached away and the prints are fading and losing their colour.
This fading is acheived through overexposure and a mix of other settings, and is based on the Classic Negative simulation, for a print like look. One note is that I works best with sunny weather and bright light.
Whilst it’s a specialist style, it’s so much fun to use that it’s quickly become one of my favourite creations. It really is like shooting old prints in the style of those you rediscover after being hidden and forgotten. I’m really happy with the result, capturing a mood like old vacation prints, and especially the burned out bleachy look. I hope you’ll have some fun with it too.
That trip we took where the sea was warm, Childhood Vacation film recipe
Childhood Vacation Film Recipe
Simulation: Classic Negative
Grain Effect: Strong, Large
Colour Chrome Effect: Weak
Colour Chrome Blue: Off (IV) / Off (V)
White Balance: Shade
WB Shift: +3 Red, 0 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR100
Highlights: +2.0
Shadows: -1.0
Color: -4
Sharpness: -2
ISO Noise Reduction: -4
Clarity: -3
EV compensation: +1 (keep going to get the burned look)
Mallorca with the nostalgic look of Childhood Vacation film recipe
This film recipe was the focus of our Film Recipe Challenge in June 2023, and you can view the wonderful images shared from all around the world in the Childhood Vacation photo gallery.
Checking out the view from up high. Childhood Vacation film recipeThe sea was clear with little fish, Childhood Vacation film recipeYou remember visiting when you were young. Childhood Vacation film recipeThe prints have faded over the years. Childhood Vacation film recipeIt’s a creamy washed out look … Childhood Vacation film recipe
Memories of a summer trip, with Childhood Vacation film recipeWalks along the river, remembered with Childhood Vacation film recipeBurned out and bleached, with Childhood Vacation film recipeA dreamlike quality, when using Childhood Vacation film recipe
That boat trip on the lake, Childhood Vacation film recipeThose were happy days, Childhood Vacation film recipeWe spent so much time in the water, Childhood Vacation film recipe
The trees were not like at home, Childhood Vacation film recipeWe stayed out until sundown, Childhood Vacation film recipe
The little pigs were funny to watch, Childhood Vacation film recipeThe sunset over the boatyard, using Childhood Vacation film recipeSpring bluebells, styled by the Childhood Vacation film recipeThickety vegetation, captured with Childhood Vacation film recipeDays were warm and long, Childhood Vacation film recipeWe found lizards basking in the sun, Childhood Vacation film recipeAnd took photos of butterflies. Childhood Vacation film recipeNostalgic memories, captured with the Childhood Vacation film recipe
Eterna film simulation recipe for sunny vacations and bright days
With all of the recipe choices out there, and the 200+ on this site, you may wonder which are the ones that I actually use. Well, I do tend to have a habit of creating them for the jounrey ahead, and for a vaction to Mallorca, I did just that.
I wanted a mellow toned nostalgic look, but one that was particularly happy in bright conditions. The recipe needed to be warm toned, but not too orange, so I decided to use Eterna as the base. The palette of this simulation had the qualities that I was seeking, with a cinematic look, mellow greens and soft blues. Just right for vacation memories.
So, this is the recipe I chose for my vacation. I hope you like the look and might be tempted to try it too.
A stroll by the bay before dinner, with Mallorca Mellow film recipe
Mallorca Mellow Film Recipe
Simulation: Eterna/Cinema
Grain Effect: Weak, Large
Colour Chrome Effect: Off
Colour Chrome Blue: Weak (IV) / Off (V)
White Balance: 6600K
WB Shift: +2 Red, -2 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlights: +2.0
Shadows: +2.0
Color: -2
Sharpness: -2
ISO Noise Reduction: -4
Clarity: 0
EV compensation: 0
Beach parasols, captured with Mallorca Mellow film recipeProm life, captured with Mallorca Mellow film recipe
The fancy restaurants had tables out on little piers, Mallorca Mellow recipe
Modern Mallorcan hotel, captured with Mallorca Mellow recipeBack street garage, using Mallorca Mellow recipePassing by … Mallorca Mellow recipeSimple colours and planters, Mallorca Mellow recipe
Mallorcan pine trees, captured with the Mallorca Mellow recipeA view along the shore at sunset, Mallorca Mellow recipe
Shooting towards teh setting sun, with Mallorca Mellow recipe
Shopping opportunities along the sea front, Mallorca Mellow recipe
Night captures, after an evening meal, Mallorca Mellow recipe
A trip to the ‘mirador’ to see the view, Mallorca Mellow recipeA sense of freedom, taken with the Mallorca Mellow recipe
They do that padlock thing here too. Mallorca Mellow recipeA duck, also on holiday in Mallorca. Mallorca Mellow recipe
A simple rowing boat, in Pollenca bay, Mallorca Mellow recipe
Looking out to sea, captured with Mallorca Mellow
Cinematic Film Recipes
Eterna film recipes have a cinematic feel, thanks to the qualities of the film simulation and it’s heritage as a move film stock. It’s not the only way to achiev a cinmeatic look however, so here’s a selection of recipes, with Eterna and others that share a cinematic quality.
Nostalgic classic negative film simulation recipe, like Kodak Gold prints
Kojak Gold. It’s a cool name, right? It’s an even cooler look!
It’s true that I get a silly amount of personal satisfaction from some of the film recipe names that I dream up. Hot on the heels of some of my other favourites, like Mother Superia, Karmachroma, Waldorf Astia and Flatpack is this new name for a retro Kodak film look. What could be more 70s than Kojak?
Living up to it’s name, this recipe looks to produce a nostalgic look based on Kodak Gold film, with a feel like 35mm prints from this popular film stock. It’s based on Classic Negative (which means newer cameras only, sorry), and uses a warm gold-like colour shift and a generally soft set-up, including negative clarity and reduced sharpness.
The results are warm and film-like, with a soft feel and nostalgic print style look. The nostalgic elements come through in sunshine, but the recipe is a good choice for a film like look in all conditions. I took it on holiday with me and it became an instant favourite. I’m sure that you will love it too.
Did you know? This is film recipe 200 on this website. Who knew there would be so many film recipe styles that our cameras could produce?
In a field of teasels, using the Kojak Gold film recipe.
Kojak Gold Film Recipe
Simulation: Classic Negative
Grain Effect: Weak, Small
Colour Chrome Effect: Off
Colour Chrome Blue: Weak (IV) / Off (V)
White Balance: Auto
WB Shift: +3 Red, -6 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR400
Highlights: -0.5 (or -1 if your Fuji doesn’t do -0.5)
Shadows: -1.5 (or -1 if your Fuji doesn’t do -1.5)
Color: +1
Sharpness: -1
ISO Noise Reduction: -4
Clarity: -2
EV compensation: +1/3
This film recipe was part of our Film Recipes Challenge, with photographers from all around the world sharing images. Take a look and their selections in the Kojak Gold user gallery!
Retro film like tones
It’s the Kojak Gold film recipe
A view of the Rursee, in the retro style of Kojak Gold film recipeSpring blossom on the lakeshore, with Kojak Gold film recipeOak leaves and sparkles on the water, Kojak Gold film recipe
You can see more samples of Kojak Gold in Goughie’s review of some favourite film recipes so far in 2023. Take a look on his YouTube.
A carpet of fallen leaves, captured with Kojak Gold film recipeWalking hand-in-hand along a trail, Kojak Gold film recipeDisappearing into the distance, Kojak Gold film recipe
Golden hour in the marina, with Kojak Gold film recipeAnd a few minutes later, the sun has gone. Kojak Gold film recipe
Exploring along the river trails, with Kojak Gold film recipeKojak Gold is perfect for holiday photos, like here in Mallorca
A simple white row boat sits in the bay, Kojak Gold film recipeBeach toys to complete your vacation, with Kojak Gold film recipeLate afternoon blue skies, using Kojak Gold film recipe
After sunset with the little boats, Kojak Gold film recipeStorm clouds building up in summer, Kojak Gold film recipeMoody skies over the Solent, with Kojak Gold film recipeSame place, different day. Kojak Gold film recipe
Capturing seasonal details with the Kojak Gold film recipe
Sunlit summer leaves, using Kojak Gold film recipeDown on the farm, with Kojak Gold film recipeThey have smiling faces. Captured with the Kojak Gold film recipe
More Gold Looks
Kodak Gold was one the best selling films for several decades, and I’ve no doubt that many millions of photos were taken with it. In our world, we can also enjoy the Kodak Gold look as often as we like with Kojak Gold and other film recipes.
A go anywhere film simulation recipe using Pro Neg Hi for X-trans IV and V
We’re approaching another milestone in the life of the Film Recipes website, with the next recipe to be launched being, almost unbelievably, recipe number 200. For the moment though, we have ‘the one before’, which I have named one-nine-nine.
This recipe is an easy to use Pro Neg Hi setting that loves being used outdoors and throughout the year. It’s versatile, with a gently mellow look that is comforting in tone without being too heavily nostalgic.
Personally, I am a big fan of the base Pro Neg film simulations, and although they were designed with skin tones in mind, I’ve always enjoyed their look in natural environments. They are versatile, and whilst they are classically Fujifillm in their look, they’re less stylised than the chrome and negative simulations in their appearance.
This all adds up to a highly usable film recipe which is characterful without being overpowering, and is suited to general use through all seasons and weathers.
Sunny day brightness and bold colours, with One-Nine-Nine film recipe
One-Nine-Nine Film Recipe
Simulation: PRO Neg. Hi
Grain Effect: Off
Colour Chrome Effect: Weak
Colour Chrome Blue: Weak (IV) / Off (V)
White Balance: 2990K
WB Shift: +9 Red, -9 Blue
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlights: -1.0
Shadows: 0.0
Color: -1
Sharpness: 0
ISO Noise Reduction: -4
Clarity: 0
EV compensation: 0
Old leaves against new season greens, with One-Nine-Nine film recipeThe last leaf before the explosion of spring. One-Nine-Nine film recipe
The circle of life, captured with One-Nine-Nine film recipe
Mavis and brownie, early on a winter afternoon. One-Nine-Nine film recipeLet’s take a boat ride, with One-Nine-Nine film recipe
We will walk along the shore from here, One-Nine-Nine film recipeThere’s a gently retro tone to the images with One-Nine-Nine film recipe
It’s just before Easter, and signs of spring are appearingSoft buds agains the waters of the lake, One-Nine-Nine film recipeBack in the UK, the spring signs are here too, One-Nine-Nine film recipeFreshly ploughed for the new season crop, One-Nine-Nine film recipeLet’s go for a photowalk … One-Nine-Nine film recipeThere’s new life on the farm too. One-Nine-Nine film recipeSomewhere between piglet and pig. One-Nine-Nine film recipeNew leaves remind me of flower blooms, One-Nine-Nine film recipeThe actual flowers of many tree are green and understated.
The path is becoming more green each day. One-Nine-Nine film recipeDay’s end, down by the water. One-Nine-Nine film recipeSunsets have a blue-purple tone with One-Nine-Nine film recipeHere’s another one, in the winter woods this timeDisappearing behing the winter trees, with One-Nine-Nine film recipe
Sunny day sights from Simonskall, Germany. One-Nine-Nine film recipe
A fine collection, captured with One-Nine-Nine film recipeSunrise amongst the spring blossom, One-Nine-Nine film recipeIt’s going to be a lovely day, with One-Nine-Nine film recipe
Pro Neg for Natural Shooting
The Pro Neg simulations are well suited to general phtography and natural scenes. The look is natural and soft toned, with good presenation across the colour range. Here are some other Pro Neg recipes to review…