Summer is gone for now, but I just wanted quickly to say that if you are on a budget, using the less professional film stocks is a great option. Film stocks such as AGFA Vista, Kodak Ultramax, or Kodak Gold are excellent choices for color film. These films will deliver everything you need at a lower cost than the more expensive professional films offered by Kodak and Fuji. Summer sets conditions that do not always require the extra you get with the professional films. You may be on the beach or lake such with your family armed with a point and shoot. The budget friendly films will work well under these conditions. Sure Kodak Portra 400 is totally badass and versatile, but sometimes you don’t need all that when your taking photos in the bright summer sun.
If we are being honest though, current prices for film seem to be in flux right now with prices averaging from $7 all the way to $15 a roll of 35mm. Your mileage on savings may vary depending on several factors such as where and when you buy. While it can take some patience to look for good deals it is more about supply and demand. There are some good resources out there to help you decide on which film you should buy if you are basing your decisions more on prices and less on specific look. One such resource is one by Analogue Cafe film price tracker which can be found HERE.
The examples I have shown are at two extremes while shooting film in summer. Summer scenes both include low light with ultramax and all the light directly in your face Ektar. The short version: It is best to experiment with as many film stocks as possible, especially when shooting less important work. If you find a less expensive film, and the conditions allow you to experiment, take the jump.