Reviving Memories: A Young Couple’s Journey in a Timeless Photo Lab

“It began as a minor passion project,” mentions Fabriccio Díaz, 28, who, along with his spouse Lucía Ramírez, 25, operates the sole fully functional photo film development lab in Central America from their home in Guatemala City.

“Currently, we serve over 60 clients monthly and have processed more than 800 rolls just this year,” he adds.

Arca Film Lab has experienced a surge in demand this year and is unique as the only photo film development lab in Central America that accommodates all kinds of analogue photographic film, including the more intricate E-6 process for developing positives.

Fabriccio, who has a background in cinematography, elucidates that the significant lack of high-quality film development options in Central America was the initial motivating factor that led him to acquire the skills to develop his first film.

“Once we began to play around and process film in our apartment, friends started requesting us to develop their films, and somehow it just grew from there,” Lucía reflects.

Thus, the Arca Film Lab was launched in September 2023, originating as a straightforward Instagram account providing film development services in Guatemala.

The duo have largely acquired the essential skills for film development by watching YouTube tutorials and connecting with other film labs worldwide.and requesting advice.

“We were astonished by the number of individuals who replied to our inquiries. Numerous veterans from the photo development industry assisted us by sharing their insights and techniques. We truly appreciate that,” Fabriccio remarks.

However, Fabriccio and Lucía’s passion for photography extends beyond film development. The duo also arranges “photo walks,” where a collection of individuals gathers in Antigua, the historical heart of Guatemala City, to capture images and experiment with vintage analogue cameras.

For young analogue photography aficionados like Iván Ortiz, 22, capturing images with a camera that predates him offers something contemporary cameras cannot rival.

“It’s akin to feeling nostalgia for an era we never experienced,” he shares with the BBC.

Iván mentions that older generations often do not grasp the current fascination with vintage cameras and film. “They simply do not comprehend our viewpoint,” he elaborates.

“In a world revolving around digital and rapid processes, analogue photography compels me to make intentional choices regarding my pictures and concentrate wholly on the act of capturing. The most rewarding aspect is that you possess something tangible afterwards, and not merely another digital file,” he adds.

Possessing physical photographs is also a benefit that Steven López from the US emphasizes in favour of analogue photography.

The 33-year-old is on a journey through Central America to capture the last remnants of Mayan culture, consistently equipped with a 35mm analogue camera.

“Photography, especially analogue photography, serves as the ideal means to document and immerse oneself in various cultures. Every time I return from my travels and receive the processed film, it feels like Christmas!”, he tells the BBC.

The community of analogue photography enthusiasts within Central America is expanding rapidly, yet the obstacles faced here are more significant than in other regions.

“Obtaining analogue cameras in this area is quite a challenge, and locating them in satisfactory condition is even more demanding,” shares 26-year-old Ronald Ottoniel, who participated in the photo walk to purchase new rolls of film and submit others for processing.

Furthermore, there are additional challenges to consider.

Fabriccio and Lucía detail that acquiring and bringing in the necessary chemicals for developing positive film has proven to be exceedingly intricate since the government’s close scrutiny over their importation requires special permits, turning it into an excruciatingly lengthy task.

“Numerous other labs refrain from providing E-6 processing solely due to the complexities associated with the chemicals’ import,” Fabriccio remarks.

While their enterprise might be growing, Fabriccio and Lucía are committed to ensuring it maintains the personal connection and enthusiasm that initially sparked its creation.

Lucía shares that occasionally clients “enclose small treats in the packages they forward to us, and at times we reciprocate with a handwritten note.”

“It is essential for us that we do not function as a mass-production venture, but instead treat every client as an individual,” she affirms.

Globally, photo laboratories operate large machinery that processes film nearly fully automatically, yet within the modest apartment of Fabriccio and Lucía, the entire method is distinctly “hands-on”.

In the case of color and positive (E-6) film, the temperature of the chemicals along with the duration of exposure to them must be precise; otherwise, the entire film roll will result poorly.

“The outset was undoubtedly challenging with this entire procedure, but after developing over 800 rolls of film, these steps have become almost instinctive for us,” Fabriccio reminisces.

“Yet when we first processed the positive films, during the E-6 method, we felt so anxious since we had invested considerably in both the chemicals and the roll. However, when it turned out well and we could witness the vibrant colors of the positive film, it has always been incredibly thrilling,” he continues.

Another essential
“`member of the Arca Film Lab is Toto, the four-month-old feline that, as per Fabriccio and Lucía, oversees quality assurance and wanders about throughout the complete development cycle.

The processed film strips are subsequently moved from the kitchen to the restroom, as it is the most dust-free area in the home.

In that space, they dry before being scanned using a high-resolution Nikon scanner, which Fabriccio claims is the leading film scanner in Central America.

Fabriccio and Lucía have also recently extended their reach to El Salvador, where they consistently gather and retail film rolls.

The youthful duo remains driven and in the future, they express their aspirations to cultivate a solid partnership with CineStill and Eastman Kodak, aiming to broaden their work to include cine film rolls, involving a complex process referred to as ECN-2.

“It is my aspiration to rejuvenate the classical cinematography landscape here in Central America! We possess abundant talent, expertise, and passion to present to the world. (…) with Arca Film Lab, we have initiated a movement that we intend to advance continuously,” asserts Fabriccio.

All photos by Fritz Pinnow and subject to copyright.