With My Nikon F & a Lot of Italian Light

There’s something magical about Milan — a city where architecture, fashion, and street life blend into a moving runway. So when I had the chance to shoot a fashion editorial here, I knew it couldn’t be digital. This project needed texture, tone, and timelessness. Enter: Kodak Gold 200 and my trusted Nikon F.

Why Kodak Gold 200?

Kodak Gold 200 is often underrated in the world of professional photography, but in my experience, it’s one of the most soulful color films out there.
Its warm tones, vintage feel, and generous exposure latitude make it perfect for capturing sunlight bouncing off Milan’s historic facades and the subtle shadows of narrow alleyways.

The colors? Golden, nostalgic, and dreamy — just what I wanted to evoke.

Gear Breakdown:

Camera: Nikon F (manual, mechanical, built like a tank — and my favorite 35mm)
Lens: Nikkor 50mm f/1.4
Film: Kodak Gold 200 (ISO 200)
Location: Brera, Navigli, and the Duomo area
Model: Wearing independent Milanese designers to match the vibe

The Process

I shot during golden hour and midday, intentionally playing with contrast. Kodak Gold performs beautifully in natural light, especially with some backlighting.

I metered for the shadows and slightly overexposed to let the film’s soft highlights sing. One of my favorite moments was catching the model mid-laugh while a Vespa zipped past in the background — it felt cinematic and spontaneous, like a frame from a 90s Italian film.

What I Loved Most

Shooting analog forces you to slow down. You compose more deliberately, wait for the right expression, and engage more with your surroundings. Milan felt alive and collaborative — the city became part of the styling, the narrative, the texture.

Kodak Gold gave the editorial a sun-soaked, retro vibe without feeling forced. The grain is soft but present, adding just the right amount of nostalgia to the images.

Takeaways for Shooting Film Fashion Editorials:

Scout for light, not just backgrounds — Gold 200 thrives in sunlight.
Manual focus helps you stay present and connected to your subject.
Limit yourself to a few rolls so every frame counts.
Embrace imperfections — they add soul to your work.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shoot fashion in a way that feels intentional, timeless, and intimate, I highly recommend taking Kodak Gold 200 for a spin — especially somewhere as evocative as Milan.
The results might surprise you with how real and emotionally charged they feel.

Check out the full editorial [here — link to gallery/blog post].
And if you're curious about shooting film or want to try Kodak Gold yourself, I’ve added links below to some of my favorite gear and resources.

🎞️ Want to try Kodak Gold 200?

→ [Buy Kodak Gold 200] (contains affiliate link :))
→ [My favorite light meter app for analog shooting]

Fashion Photography with a Kodak Gold 200 in the Streets of Milan