Looking for a Fujifilm film simulation that brings out vibrant colors while keeping a natural look? The Reala Pop recipe, inspired by Fuji Reala Ace 100 film, might just be it. Built on the Pro Neg Hi simulation, this recipe brings a rich yet balanced color profile with subtle warmth, ideal for capturing lively travel scenes or urban street shots. I developed it while photographing the lively streets of Penang, where the dynamic colors and historical charm of Georgetown made for a perfect testing ground.
In this post, I’ll go over the settings and share tips on why Reala Pop works so well for travel and street photography.
The Inspiration Behind Reala Pop
Fuji’s Reala Ace 100 film was celebrated for its color accuracy and natural warmth, making it a go-to for portrait and travel photographers. It enhanced greens, blues, and skin tones with a slight saturation boost that felt true to life. Reala Pop draws from this, using Fujifilm’s Pro Neg Hi as the base, balancing contrast and warmth to create a vibrant, film-like look.
Why It’s Great for Travel: This recipe really comes to life in daylight or well-lit outdoor settings. It enhances the natural warmth of tropical and urban scenes, like Penang’s Georgetown district, where Reala Pop helped capture the vibrant street art, colorful markets, and iconic old buildings.
Why Reala Pop is Perfect for Street Photography
Street photography is all about energy and life, and Reala Pop’s saturated colors bring out the vibe of a place without looking overdone. The increased color settings keep people looking natural, so skin tones and other details come through authentically.
The highlights at 0 and shadows at +1 add just the right amount of contrast, making bright areas stand out without losing detail in shadows. This is ideal for architecture and textures, especially under direct sunlight, as I experienced in Penang’s heritage buildings.
The slight adjustment of R: 0 and B: -1 in white balance brings out a warmer tone that feels nostalgic and timeless, perfect for travel. This small tweak balances cooler and warmer tones well, making it ideal for settings with mixed lighting, like shaded streets and direct sun.
Testing Reala Pop in Penang: A Perfect Match
Penang’s Georgetown is a dream location for street photographers, with its mix of historical architecture, vibrant murals, and bustling markets. Using Reala Pop, I was able to capture the essence of this unique setting—the colors of lanterns in Little India, the reds of shop signs, and the blues of Penang’s sky. The recipe highlighted these details without overwhelming the natural look of the place.
