The creative duo has transformed their passion for photography into a thriving business, rising to meet the challenges of providing comprehensive film development services while nurturing a community of enthusiasts in Guatemala.
Young Guatemalan Couple Revolutionizes Film Photography with Arca Film Lab
Young Guatemalan Couple Revolutionizes Film Photography with Arca Film Lab
Fabriccio Díaz and Lucía Ramírez bring analog photography back to life, running Central America’s only operational photo film lab from their home.
In an inspiring tale of dedication and nostalgia, Fabriccio Díaz, 28, and Lucía Ramírez, 25, have turned their apartment in Guatemala City into the heart of Arca Film Lab, the only fully operational photo film development lab in Central America. Initially born from a small passion for film photography, their lab has become a go-to destination for over 60 clients a month, as they proudly developed over 800 rolls of film this year alone.
Recognizing the region's lack of access to quality film development services, Fabriccio, who studied cinematography, felt compelled to learn the art of film processing. Lucía reminisces about their early days, stating, "Friends started asking us to develop film for them, and it all just took off somehow." Launched in September 2023 through a simple Instagram page, Arca Film Lab has quickly gained traction.
Self-taught in the technicalities of film development, the couple relied on online resources and mentoring from experienced photographers worldwide. Fabriccio expresses gratitude for the support they received, stating, "A lot of the veterans in the photo development world helped us out by sharing their experiences and tricks."
Their commitment to the analog medium extends far beyond film development. They also organize “photo walks” around Antigua, attracting young photography enthusiasts like Iván Ortiz, who values the tangible results of traditional photography. He states, "Through analogue photography, I have to make conscious decisions about my photos."
Despite a growing community of film enthusiasts, challenges persist, such as acquiring quality equipment and importing necessary chemicals for processing. Ronald Ottoniel, another participant in the photo walk, highlights these difficulties, asserting that obtaining functional cameras remains a struggle.
Fabriccio and Lucía navigate the complexities of chemical imports for positive film development, noting that many labs refrain from offering E-6 processing due to the rigorous regulations. Nevertheless, they remain committed to maintaining a personal touch amidst their business growth. As Lucía notes, clients often send little tokens of appreciation, and the couple reciprocates with handwritten notes.
Unlike mass-producing photo labs, Arca Film Lab offers a more intimate experience, with the duo personally overseeing every phase of development. Fabriccio recalls the nerve-wracking moments during their initial E-6 processing, now more a matter of practice after developing over 800 rolls.
Their adorable kitten Toto contributes to the team, overseeing the quality control during the film development process. The couple has also recently expanded their reach to El Salvador, creating additional avenues for film sourcing and development.
Looking to the future, Fabriccio dreams of strengthening partnerships with companies like CineStill and Eastman Kodak. He passionately articulates his goal: "I want to revitalize the classical cinematography scene here in Central America. With Arca Film Lab, we have started a movement that we want to push further and further."
As they continue their journey in analog photography, Díaz and Ramírez remind us that tradition and passion play an invaluable role in bridging past and present.
Recognizing the region's lack of access to quality film development services, Fabriccio, who studied cinematography, felt compelled to learn the art of film processing. Lucía reminisces about their early days, stating, "Friends started asking us to develop film for them, and it all just took off somehow." Launched in September 2023 through a simple Instagram page, Arca Film Lab has quickly gained traction.
Self-taught in the technicalities of film development, the couple relied on online resources and mentoring from experienced photographers worldwide. Fabriccio expresses gratitude for the support they received, stating, "A lot of the veterans in the photo development world helped us out by sharing their experiences and tricks."
Their commitment to the analog medium extends far beyond film development. They also organize “photo walks” around Antigua, attracting young photography enthusiasts like Iván Ortiz, who values the tangible results of traditional photography. He states, "Through analogue photography, I have to make conscious decisions about my photos."
Despite a growing community of film enthusiasts, challenges persist, such as acquiring quality equipment and importing necessary chemicals for processing. Ronald Ottoniel, another participant in the photo walk, highlights these difficulties, asserting that obtaining functional cameras remains a struggle.
Fabriccio and Lucía navigate the complexities of chemical imports for positive film development, noting that many labs refrain from offering E-6 processing due to the rigorous regulations. Nevertheless, they remain committed to maintaining a personal touch amidst their business growth. As Lucía notes, clients often send little tokens of appreciation, and the couple reciprocates with handwritten notes.
Unlike mass-producing photo labs, Arca Film Lab offers a more intimate experience, with the duo personally overseeing every phase of development. Fabriccio recalls the nerve-wracking moments during their initial E-6 processing, now more a matter of practice after developing over 800 rolls.
Their adorable kitten Toto contributes to the team, overseeing the quality control during the film development process. The couple has also recently expanded their reach to El Salvador, creating additional avenues for film sourcing and development.
Looking to the future, Fabriccio dreams of strengthening partnerships with companies like CineStill and Eastman Kodak. He passionately articulates his goal: "I want to revitalize the classical cinematography scene here in Central America. With Arca Film Lab, we have started a movement that we want to push further and further."
As they continue their journey in analog photography, Díaz and Ramírez remind us that tradition and passion play an invaluable role in bridging past and present.
