Film photography is making a comeback.
Despite the advent of more precise digital images years ago, film manufacturers like Kodak have started ramping up film production once more due to a resurgence in demand.
So why are people infatuated with them again?
“You know what you’re getting is real,” said Nicholas Buttrey, co-owner of Lakeland Film Lab, which is set to open a store in St. Petersburg next month.
In the era of artificial intelligence, many like Buttrey, 31, find something special in tangible, human-made art. That passion drove him and his wife, Elizabeth, 29, to open Lakeland Film Lab last year. Their goal was simple: keep film affordable and build a community for new and experienced photographers.
After a successful year, the couple is bringing their business 50 miles west to 2821 Central Ave. in St. Pete, with plans to open in mid-August. Like the Lakeland location, the new lab will sell a variety of film brands and offer development and scanning services in-person and by mail. They plan to host photography workshops and late-night sessions where people can hang out and enjoy free drinks.
“It’s a huge responsibility,” Nicholas said. “We want to make sure that we can keep our pricing the same and just create this experience and environment that St. Pete can be proud of.”
Elizabeth said the new location’s interior will evoke the same feel as the Lakeland shop but remain unique to St. Pete. The Lakeland building sits on a quiet corner of Main Street. The inside is full of framed photos and vinyl records, which line purple-and-white checkerboard walls. Brightly colored neon signs and snug, pastel furniture round out the space.
Inside, customers drop off film at the peach-colored front desk and ask questions about the inner workings of their cameras. Some walk straight into the photo booth in the center of the store — the only one in downtown Lakeland.
Occasionally, an echoing ring will direct Nicholas or Elizabeth to a payphone mounted to the wall, where they take calls from customers.
The idea to expand arose after the Buttreys realized most customers were mailing film to the store or driving from St. Pete.
“St. Pete needed a film lab that was reasonable in cost and quick in turnaround, and that’s what we’re trying to bring,” Elizabeth said.
Stephen Swett, owner and founder of Coastal Film Lab in Tampa, said it’s exciting to see new photography businesses opening around the region.
Coastal’s core audience is from Tampa Bay, but Swett said he receives a fair number of mail orders, too.
Swett, 31, opened his store in 2021 after developing film at home during the pandemic. Back then, there weren’t many options for local photographers looking to have film developed, he said.
“We’re happy that they’re [Lakeland] going to be able to be an option for folks who need something real quick over in St. Pete,” Swett said. “I’m sure they’re going to do a great job and encourage more people to get into the medium that I love so much.”
Despite the lab’s expansion to St. Pete, Nicholas said he’s made it a point to keep the Lakeland name front and center out of respect for the community that’s made his dream a reality.
“The people that come here every day and trust us with their film — that’s why we’re able to do this," he said.
The customers feel just as strongly.
Arelis Mora, 25, won free tickets to a Kendrick Lamar and SZA concert in a giveaway on social media hosted by the film lab last year. Using disposable cameras provided by the store, she took photos throughout the concert, sparking her interest in the hobby. Mora is now a frequent customer at the lab.
“Yes, I have my phone. Yes, I can take a quick little photo. But having the film camera, you’re in a different mindset,” Mora said. “You’re looking for the beauty in the little tiny things.”
Professional wedding photographer Jake Ford has been a customer at the lab since the beginning. Nicholas put out a call for photo submissions for the lab’s grand opening, and Ford’s work was selected and displayed at the store.
“One of my favorite parts of having a local lab is just being able to run in real quick and pick up some film before I head off to a photo shoot,” said Ford, 38.
A local film shop is a luxury many can only dream of, said Christopher Ahrendt, visiting assistant professor at the University of South Florida for media and communications.
Having a space for the community to flock to creates real connections and allows creative people with similar interests to discuss their hobby.
“They’ve seen your pictures because they developed them, they scanned them, and they’re like, ‘Dude, this is so awesome.’ And ‘Hey, next time, why don’t you try this, or you should test this reel of film,’” Ahrendt said.
Photography is an important art to keep alive, he said.
“I think we all have a story, and whatever medium you use to tell it, I think it deserves to be out there.”
