Working with ILFORD FP4 Plus Posted On 2nd September 2025 To Magazine & Stories

A Timeless Story
This editorial came from a desire to tell a timeless story. Through mood and atmosphere, using the expressive tools of analog photography, I wanted to create a visual world that felt both intimate and slightly surreal. One where the character and setting merged to suggest a narrative without spelling it out. Working with ILFORD FP4 Plus allowed me to craft this vision with precision and texture, embracing the constraints and beauty of natural light and medium format film.
Each Frame Matters
In my creative process, working with analog film is not simply about aesthetics, but about embracing a slower, more deliberate approach that sharpens both my awareness and connection to the subject. Shooting on film pushes me to prepare more intentionally: each frame matters, and that precision trains both the eye and the mind to be present. Shooting on film slows everything down in the best possible way: it heightens focus, sharpens your eye, and teaches you to trust your instincts and intuition.
Its Flexibility
My choice of film stock is always closely tied to the mood I want to convey. For this series, ILFORD FP4 Plus was the perfect match, used with a Contax 645. My preferred lens is the 80mm, which consistently delivers stunning results for portraiture, with a subtle magic I never tire of. I also work with the 45mm (equivalent to 28mm in 35mm format) when I want to incorporate more of the environment or to create a different kind of intimacy with the subject. FP4 Plus stands out for its flexibility—it's a film that responds beautifully to a wide range of lighting conditions, always with a timeless, elegant finish.
The Fading November Light
This series was shot at dusk, ending in near darkness. To address the fading November light, I pushed ILFORD FP4 Plus by approximately two stops (to ISO 400), which resulted in beautiful grain and increased contrast. Those technical decisions weren’t just practical—they shaped the visual language of the shoot. Using slow shutter speeds and available light, I embraced motion blur and shadow falloff, bringing a quiet tension to each frame. That subtle imperfection deepened the surreal tone I hoped to evoke.
Alice in Wonderland
Two additional elements helped enhance this atmosphere. A door placed in the middle of a field and, an old refurbished train wagon nestled in the green landscape of the mountains of Madrid.
Styling and makeup by Luna and Vale were thoughtfully crafted to support the dreamlike tone. Meanwhile, model and actress Laura embodied a character that subtly echoed Alice in Wonderland, bringing depth and quiet narrative to each image, moving with intention and playfulness.
Roll After Roll
In the end, I believe film photography is about being intentional and creating resonance. Observing the world closely through a slower pace, in a focused atmosphere. Forming a relationship with light, and choosing to say more with less. I love the rhythm of working with my hands. Loading the film, hearing the shutter, and not knowing exactly what I’ve captured until much later. That delay cultivates patience, heightens anticipation, and invites a deeper respect for the process. It slows everything down just enough to help you connect more fully—with the subject, the moment, and yourself. And ultimately, that’s what continues to inspire me—roll after roll.
Creative Team
Art direction & photography: Luis Martin | Instagram: @lsmartphoto
Talent: Laura Fernández Dickmanns IG: @laurafdickmanns
Styling: Luna Rodríguez Carretero IG: @lunarocarre
Hair & Makeup: Valentina Bologna IG: @baddestval
Gear: Contax 645 with 80mm and 45mm lenses
Film Stock: ILFORD Fp4 Plus pushed +2
Images ©Luis Martín
About The Author

Luis Martín
Luis Martín is a portrait and fashion photographer working primarily with analog film. Based in Madrid, he travels frequently, with Berlin and New York as common and upcoming destinations. His work combines an expressive, emotionally driven style with natural light, medium format film, and a deep commitment to simplicity, naturalness, and authenticity.
Instagram: @lsmartphoto
Website: www.lsmartphotography.com