Blog

5 Tips for Consistent Metering

After hundreds of thousands of rolls, we have learned that keeping metering simple is your best bet for consistent, accurate exposures. ⁠

5 Tips for Tack-Sharp Images

As a photographer, you know your clients want to look good! Step one to looking good? Be in focus!⁠

All About File Size

Today we’re checking out Resolution’s cute cousin—File Size.

Base Fog—How to Spot It and How to Correct It

This week we’re diving into two words no photographer ever wants to hear—base fog. That’s right, the thief of contrast and magnifier of grain—base fog.

Bracketing Mode

Bracketing mode can lead to some major headaches. We're discussing what it is and how to avoid it!

Read Your Camera Manual

What better way to truly know your gear than by reading your camera’s manual? Don't have your manual? Don't worry, we've got you covered!

Camera Repair Shops

Who do you turn to when your film camera breaks? We got u. Here are some trusted shops we’ve heard good things about from the film community:

Dealing with Sun Flare

Our simple and easy tips for combating sun flare broken down.

Getting Started with PhotoVision

Sending your first roll to a film doesn't have to be scary! Here’s what you need to know.

How Side-by-Sides Can Help You Hone in Your Film Scans

Written feedback can be tricky to decipher. Side-by-sides is the best way to communicate with us when something is "off".

How to Fill out Your Order Form

Follow this step-by-step guide and fill out your order form like a pro!

How to Level Up with Prints

3 ways to up your game with prints!

How to Plan a Creative Photoshoot on Film

Rodney Brown is comin' in hot with inspiration + tips to plan your own creative photoshoot on film.

How to Properly Store Film Negatives

In a digital era, when images can get lost or deteriorate in quality, storing your art in its pure, tangible form is the ultimate backup!

How to Read Light

⁠⁠Learning to read light is critical to the success of your photography, but it doesn’t have to be complicated!

How to Read your Exposure Reference Sheets

Our exclusive Exposure Reference Sheets are the ultimate tool waiting for you in your inbox. Learn how to read them and use them as a tool to grow in your art.

How to See Your Film Scans Sooner

As the busy season ramps up, we expect our service times to increase. Here are our top tips to ensure your order moves through the lab quickly.

How to Send Us Your Film

Your film is precious cargo! Ship safe + smart with these tips.

How to Shoot a Double Exposure on Film

We're demystifying the process of double exposures with film photographer Brian D. Smith.

How to Shoot Ektar

Matt Santomarco shares his top tips for creating dynamic imagery with this jaw-dropping film stock.

How to Shoot Film Indoors

How do you shoot film indoors? We hear this question a lot! Here are our top tips to avoid turning your beautiful shoot into a high-contrast mess.

How to Shoot Film Underwater

Carl Fehres shares his tips for making magic underwater on film!

How to Shoot Landscapes on Film

Nothing compares to a dreamy landscape shot on film! That's why we're pumped to have two film photographers share their top tips for capturing landscapes.

How to Store Film

Film is sensitive to light, temperature and humidity. Keep those precocious rolls protected by storing them in the right place!

How to Use Box.com

Here are 5 things you need to know when using Box.com.

Identify Camera Issues with Exposure Reference Sheets

Light leaks, sticky shutter, base fog—learn how to identify top camera issues through your Exposure Reference Sheets.

Adding Film to Your Wedding Package

Interested in shooting more film at weddings? This tip is for you!

Love Letters from Our Photographers

Noritsu + Frontier

Noritsu + Frontier scanners! How do they compare? What are these scanners’ respective strengths? Let’s break it down.

Order-Specific References

Did you know we offer a tool that can greatly reduce the time you spend editing in Lightroom? Order-Specific References!

Own Your Superpower

Wedding photographer Mylyn Wood is here to spill the tea on owning your superpower (hint: it's already within you)!

Kallie's Perspective from the Lab

Kallie is a multi-media photographer and Scanning Tech! Kallie joined our Team this Winter and offers a unique perspective on the lab!

Rating Portra Film

Exploring Portra400 + Portra800's latitude through exposure ramps.

Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is a helpful compositional guide. As with any rule, it really is meant to be broken.

Shooting Receptions on Film

Our friend Kati Rosado is sharing her top tips for photographing reception decor.

Testing Portra400 + Portra800 with Tory Baker

Mindset is everything as you encounter challenges and explore new paths! Transitioning to a new film stock is no exception.

Tips for Shooting Your First Roll of Film

Ready to shoot your first roll of film? You got this! Follow these tips for the best results.

Transitioning to Portra

Transitioning to a new film stock might sound intimidating. But don’t worry, we’ve got some pro tips to help make your transition a smooth one! ⁠

Traveling with Film + CT Scanners

Our top tips for traveling with film! (And dealing with those high-powered X-ray scanners.)

What are Large Scans?

Our normal scans are the largest in the industry, but sometimes you need the freedom that only a large scan can offer.

What are Preference Images?

Preference images are the best way to ensure your scans match your vision—here's how to use them.

What are Straight Scans?

Breaking down exactly what a straight scan is and why it doesn't serve you.

What is Push + Pull Processing?

Everything you need to know to make the right decision when it comes to processing your film.

What is Resolution?

Resolution can be confusing. But it doesn't have to be! Let's break down this not-so-scary topic together:

What Your Film Lab Wishes You Knew—Common Struggles in Film Photography

After thousands of phone calls and emails helping film photographers, we have a unique perspective on the common struggles many face when it comes to film.

Why You Should Number Your Rolls

Numbering your rolls of film saves you time, keeps you organized and helps you see your scans sooner. Here's how:

Why You Should Use a Tripod / Monopod

Trust us—tripods, coupled with a quick-release L-Bracket—will allow you to shoot long after the sun has set.

East Made Co: Choosing Film in a Digital Era

I've had "Learn Film" on my goals list since 2015 when I started East Made Co and became a fine art wedding designer and stylist. . . .

Katy Schilhab: Choosing Film in a Digital Era

Everyone has their “why” behind choosing to shoot film in a digital era. Here’s mine . . .

Kendra Cates⁠: Choosing Film in a Digital Era

"Wait, so you shoot film? Like the rolls you have to load into a camera and then get developed? Why would you want to do that?"⁠ Someone asked me this . . .

Why Choose Film in a Digital Era?

We'll let our photographers do the talking.

Chester Alan Rivera⁠: Choosing Film in a Digital Era

"I always imagine my kids or grandkids discovering my stash of negatives long after I’m gone and seeing/remembering all the memories we shared.⁠ . . ."