Kodak Portra 160VC (Vivid Color) was part of Kodak’s original Portra lineup introduced in the late 1990s, designed specifically for portrait and commercial photographers who wanted richer, more saturated colors than the neutral-toned Portra NC (Natural Color) variant. The “VC” version quickly developed a devoted following thanks to its ability to render vibrant colors—especially reds, blues, and greens—without sacrificing the smooth skin tones that made Portra famous. It was especially loved by fashion, wedding, and editorial photographers who needed both color punch and flattering tones.
What made Portra 160VC important was its balance: it offered higher color saturation and contrast while still retaining the fine grain, wide latitude, and exceptional tonal range that the Portra line was known for. Its ISO 160 rating made it a daylight-balanced film ideal for controlled lighting environments, studio sessions, and outdoor portraiture. Unlike slide film, which could be unforgiving, Portra 160VC gave photographers more room for exposure mistakes and easier scanning, all while delivering vivid yet professional-looking results.
Portra 160VC had a distinct look—crisp, colorful, and punchy but never cartoonish. Skin tones were warm and natural, while the background colors had just enough pop to stand out without overshadowing the subject. Its vibrant palette and reliable performance made it a go-to for photographers shooting lifestyle work, fashion editorials, or colorful scenes with a touch of realism. Though it was discontinued in the early 2010s when Kodak streamlined the Portra line, its influence is still seen in today’s Portra 160, which aims to combine the best traits of both VC and NC into a single, balanced emulsion.
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- High quality 15oz black gloss ceramic mug
- Full wrap decoration
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- Decoration Type: Sublimation