Nestled in the heart of Guatemala City, a young couple’s love for photography has blossomed into something truly remarkable. Fabriccio Díaz, 28, and his wife Lucía Ramírez, 25, have embarked on a journey fueled by nostalgia and passion, breathing life into the art of old-school film development.
“It all started as a small passion project,”
Fabriccio reminisces with a twinkle in his eye. Together, they run the only fully operational photo film development lab in Central America right from their cozy apartment. Their venture, named Arca Film Lab, has not just captured moments on film but hearts too.
From humble beginnings to now serving over 60 clients monthly and developing more than 800 rolls a year – their story is nothing short of inspiring. Fabriccio’s background in cinematography laid the foundation for this unique endeavor. The scarcity of high-quality film services in Central America nudged him to delve into the world of film development.
“When we began experimenting with film development at home, our friends took notice and started requesting our services. And just like that, it took off,”
Lucía chimes in with infectious enthusiasm. Established in September 2023 as an Instagram page offering film services, Arca Film Lab swiftly gained traction within the photography community.
The couple’s insatiable thirst for knowledge led them down a path of self-education through YouTube tutorials and international mentorship from seasoned professionals.
“The support we received was overwhelming – veterans graciously shared their insights and tricks with us,”
Fabriccio reflects gratefully.
Beyond developing films, Fabriccio and Lucía organize captivating
“photo walks”
where enthusiasts gather in Antigua to explore the city through old analogue lenses. The allure of vintage cameras isn’t lost on young photographers like Iván Ortiz who finds solace in making deliberate choices while capturing images.
“It’s like having nostalgia for a generation we were never part of,”
muses Iván as he extols the virtues of analogue photography amidst a digital age frenzy. For Steven López documenting Mayan culture through his trusty analogue camera is akin to unwrapping Christmas presents every time he gets his developed films back.
However, navigating the realm of analogue photography comes with its set of challenges for enthusiasts like Ronald Ottoniel who faces hurdles sourcing quality equipment locally. Importing chemicals essential for positive film development proves to be an intricate dance due to stringent regulations imposed by authorities.
Despite their burgeoning success, Fabriccio and Lucía are steadfast on preserving the personalized touch that defines Arca Film Lab. Each client is treated with utmost care – sometimes receiving handwritten notes along with their meticulously developed photographs.
In an era dominated by automation, Arca Film Lab stands out with its hands-on approach towards film processing ensuring each roll meets perfection. From maintaining precise chemical temperatures to mastering complex E-6 processes – every step is executed diligently by this passionate duo.
A furry companion named Toto oversees quality control during these intricate procedures adding a whimsical charm to their workspace. As films dry meticulously before being scanned using state-of-the-art equipment – every detail at Arca Film Lab exudes dedication and excellence.
Looking ahead, Fabriccio dreams of venturing into cine film development envisioning collaborations with industry giants like CineStill and Eastman Kodak to bring forth classic cinematography experiences across Central America.
Leave feedback about this