film developing & scanning
***update! we’ve recently brought the developing and scanning process locally in partnership with the fotoshoppe!
while we’ve had great success the past two years with Bellows, your film will now be traveling only 16 miles versus 800 :) plus - you’ll be able to pick up your negatives for FREe!
🎞 Film Drop-Off Process
Purchase your film developing/scanning services here! (now handled directly on our site from start to finish).
Place your rolls in a bag (provided next to our drop box) with your name, email, and order number.
Drop your film into our secure drop box at the studio or during our retail hours in person.
Once we’ve packaged your film and drop it off with the team in raleigh, you’ll receive a confirmation email from us.
you’ll get another email once your scans are ready & your negatives will be available for pickup ~2 days later.
frequently asked questions
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film delivery
We hand-deliver your film to The Fotoshoppe in Raleigh twice a week — tuesdays & Fridays. We also pick up negatives on these days. Please keep these days in mind when considering turnaround times below.
your scans are delivered digitally via Wetransfer to the email address that placed the order.
mail in
we offer mail in services for those who aren’t local!
address your package to 209. north Gregson street, durham, nc 27701
add in the notes section of your order that you are mailing us your film.
negatives
negatives are picked up every tuesday and friday. there is no charge for picking up your negatives and they will be held for 90 days.
example: you receive your scans on Tuesday - your negatives will be ready for pick up that same week during our retail hours.
film turn around time
Color film: Scans are typically delivered to your email inbox within 6 business days after drop-off.
Black & white film: These take a bit longer at 10–12 business days.
4x6” prints (if purchased) are available once your negatives are confirmed as ready for pick up.
film status
if you have questions about the status of your order, please contact to us directly at hello@yoursdurham.com
what’s up with my photos?!
Film is a light-sensitive medium, and there are a few common reasons why images may not appear on your negatives:
Camera wasn’t advancing properly – If the film didn’t wind correctly inside the camera, it may not have been exposed.
Lens cap on / no exposure – It happens! If the lens was covered or a setting prevented light from hitting the film, you’ll see blank frames.
Exposure issues – Extremely underexposed film (too little light) or overexposed film (too much light) can look blank or washed out.
Processing errors on the roll itself – Very rare, but sometimes a film cartridge is defective before you even load it.
Completely blank roll – If nothing shows at all, the film may never have been advanced inside the camera.
The film is always developed, but blank frames are usually a shooting issue, not a lab issue. If you’re unsure, feel free to bring your camera by the studio — we’re happy to take a quick look and help troubleshoot.