Film photos just feel different.
The colours are softer, the contrast is lighter, the grain gives them texture — they’ve got that nostalgic, cinematic vibe that digital photos often miss.
The thing is, shooting film isn’t exactly easy.
Film cameras are expensive, rolls cost money every time you shoot, and then you’ve got to pay to get them developed.
You also don’t see your shots until days (sometimes weeks) later, and you kind of need to know what you’re doing to get consistent results.
That’s why so many people would rather get the film look on iPhone with presets instead.
You already carry your phone everywhere, and with the right presets, you can make your photos look like they came straight off a roll of film — without the cost or the wait.
Why the Film Look Is So Popular
Film has character.
It makes even boring everyday photos feel like they’ve got a story behind them.
Where iPhone photos can sometimes look too sharp or too digital, film-inspired edits bring back that softer, timeless feel — muted colours, warm tones, subtle grain.
That’s what people love about it.
Tips to Make iPhone Photos Look Like Film
Presets will get you most of the way there, but a few shooting tricks help too:
1. Use the Main Lens
Stick to the main iPhone camera. It’s the sharpest and gives you the most natural perspective — closer to what film cameras would capture.
2. Shoot in ProRAW
If your iPhone supports it, turn on ProRAW. It captures way more detail, especially in highlights and shadows, which makes your edits look smoother and more film-like.
You’ll have more flexibility to tweak tones and add grain later without the photo falling apart.
3. Lower Your Exposure
Film handles bright skies well, but iPhones don’t.
Tap the screen, then drag the exposure down a little.
It’ll save your highlights and give you more room to edit later.
4. Shoot in Soft Light
Film looks great in natural light.
Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) is perfect — warm tones, long shadows, cinematic mood.
Cloudy days work too because the light is nice and even.
5. Don’t Worry About Perfection
Film photos aren’t about being pin-sharp or perfectly lined up.
A little blur or an off-angle can actually make the shot feel more authentic.
6. Add Grain When You Edit
Grain is part of what makes film photos feel alive
Add just a little in editing to give your photos texture and stop them from looking too “digital clean.”
The Best Film-Inspired Presets for iPhone
At PlatSupply, we’ve built two preset packs made specifically to give your iPhone shots that film vibe.
The Film Collection
These presets keep colours soft, take the edge off highlights, add that sought-after grain, and make everyday iPhone shots feel a bit more classic without overdoing it.
The Film Emulation Collection
Inspired by real film stocks, this set recreates the colours and textures people love about film — but tuned to work perfectly with iPhone ProRAW.
Why Presets Beat Shooting Film
- No expensive cameras, rolls, or development costs
- You see your shot instantly (no waiting around)
- One tap gives your photos a consistent film look
- Works anywhere, anytime, right from your phone
Bringing the Film Look to iPhone
Getting the film look doesn’t have to mean buying old cameras or spending money on film rolls. With a few simple shooting habits — and presets designed for iPhone — you can get that same nostalgic, cinematic style in minutes.
That’s what our Film Collection and Film Emulation Collection were made for. They give your iPhone photos the tones, colours, and textures of film — without the cost or the wait.
