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Travel Photography with a Classic Kodak Ektar 100 Aesthetic
October 01, 2025
Travel photography is all about showing a place the way it feels, not just the way it looks. If you want your shots to jump off the screen with rich, punchy colors, try the Kodak Ektar 100 presets for Lightroom. These presets mimic the beloved film stock known for deep blues, glowing reds, and smooth contrast—perfect for crowded city streets, quiet coastal towns, or golden countryside scenes.
01.
Start with the Right Setup
Great color begins before you click the shutter. Shoot in RAW so you keep every bit of detail your sensor can capture. A full-frame camera like the Sony A7 IV or a travel-friendly body such as the Fuji X-T5 both give you room to work later. Keep ISO at 100–200 to reduce noise.
Pair a wide-angle lens for big scenery or a fast prime lens for intimate market scenes. A simple polarizing filter can cut glare and make skies richer before you even open Lightroom.
02.
Editing for a Classic Film Feel
Once you’re home, apply a Kodak Ektar 100 preset to set the base. From there, adjust white balance to match the light you remember. Warm tones suit sunrise or sunset, while cooler settings help midday photos. Use Lightroom’s HSL panel to fine-tune.
A slight boost in Red Saturation adds drama to rooftops and clothing. Lowering Blue Luminance deepens skies and oceans without crushing detail.
How do you get Classic film Colors for Travel photos?
Shoot in RAW with low ISO, apply a Kodak Ektar 100 preset, adjust white balance to match your scene, increase Red Saturation slightly, and lower Blue Luminance for richer skies and water.
Quick Adjustment Table
| Setting | Suggested Range | Why It Matters |
| White Balance Temp | +200 to +500 | Warms up sunset shots |
| Red Saturation | +5 to +15 | Bold rooftops, market stalls |
| Blue Luminance | –5 to –15 | Deeper skies and oceans |
| Clarity | +5 to +10 | Adds texture without harsh edges |
| Shadows | +10 to +20 | Keeps detail in darker corners |
03.
Weave in Local Color
Travel photos tell stronger stories when you capture a variety of settings. Bright souks in Marrakech, blue-domed rooftops in Santorini, and jungle greens in Costa Rica all react beautifully to Ektar-style edits.
Based on an April 2024 infographic from Statista, nearly half (48%) of travelers are motivated to visit a destination that they can “show off” on social media. The infographic cites an American Express study that also found almost half of respondents chose a destination because it would look good in photos or videos. This highlights the significant role that photography and social media play in influencing travel decisions.
04.
Keep It Natural
While the Ektar look is bold, it’s easy to go too far. Check skin tones if people are in the frame. Pull back on Orange Saturation if faces look too warm. Use Lightroom’s Range Mask to adjust only the sky or a single market stall so other colors stay balanced. Subtle changes make a big difference.
05.
Ready for the Road
Finish with a light vignette or slight sharpening to guide the viewer’s eye. Compare before-and-after shots to be sure the photo still feels true to the place. When you pair smart camera settings with careful edits, your travel photos will carry that unmistakable Kodak Ektar 100 presets for Lightroom look from start to finish.
