“Five Years of Film Magic: Emulsion’s Analog Photography Journey”

Emulsion Lab is proudly celebrating its fifth year! L’Œil de la Photographie is thrilled to commemorate this special milestone alongside them.

In 2019, when Luis Escudero and David Dahan initiated this endeavor, they were both exploring photography as hobbyists and processing their prints at a community-operated lab, where they initially crossed paths. The pair sought out additional opportunities and discovered that outside of the community framework, there were no dedicated spaces for analog printing—or at least none that fulfilled the aspirations they had envisioned. By establishing Emulsion, they introduced to Paris the first self-service analog photography lab of this magnitude.

Through word of mouth, their venue on Boulevard de Charonne rapidly became the focal point for analog photography aficionados throughout Paris. Some individuals come for professional projects, while others are there as hobbyists. The lab also provides a training program that has instructed the art of printing to “approximately a thousand individuals”.

Yet, the true essence of this lab lies in the community spirit it has nurtured. Emulsion has evolved into a vital meeting ground for contemporary creation and the photography circle. Photographers convene here to engage, exchange ideas, and develop—an essential counterbalance to what can often be an incredibly solitary profession. It has also emerged as an international center, drawing numerous European photographers, particularly after Brexit reaffirmed Paris’s prominence as the capital of photography.

Despite rising costs for equipment and film, Emulsion’s increasing appeal shows that analog photography is very much alive. According to David Dahan, “A fresh wave of photographers is rediscovering analog photography and ensuring its continuation.” Some photographers will select particular projects for analog production, while others fully engage with it. For professionals, these choices commonly depend on client preferences. For instance, many photographers contribute to M Le Magazine du Monde, which exclusively features analog visuals and acts as a significant advocate for the medium.

In honor of their anniversary, Luis Escudero and David Dahan envisioned a unique publication. “Over the past five years, we’ve witnessed countless exquisite images come through. Our goal was to craft an object that would honor them.” Utilizing the test strips photographers employ to experiment and discover the ideal tone, they created a leporello that features some of the most striking images produced at the lab. The outcome is breathtaking. Strips is available for sale at the lab.

Cheers to Emulsion, a haven of creativity and connection! Here’s to numerous more thrilling years on the horizon.