Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
5 places you can get film developed in Alabama
I feel like every fall we have a film photography renaissance. Especially when folks break out the white sheets and start the ghost photo trend again—that aesthetic needs a film camera for the vibes.
So whether you’re exploring a new hobby or a seasoned film photographer looking to support local business, we’ve got five Alabama-based photo labs for you to check out.
Calagaz Photo | Mobile
Since 1995, the Calagaz family has been preserving Coastal Alabama’s memories with premium photo printing services in West Mobile. From converting a roll of film to treasured 4×6 prints to completely overhauling your living room decor with huge canvas photos, the Calagaz team has your photo printing needs covered.
For budding photographers, Calagaz hosts classes on basics like shooting at night, product photography and how to get the best shots while bird watching.
And if you need any equipment (maybe a new roll of film?), their huge selection of cameras, tripods, gimbals and more will have your bag packed for the next shoot.
- Address: 90 Springdale Blvd, Mobile, AL 36606
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 10AM-6PM | Sat, 10AM-5PM | Closed Sun.
- More info
Indie Film Lab | Montgomery
Indie Film Lab in Montgomery has one simple mission—”Keep film alive.” And they do that by having a dedicated film lab, which allows them to scan, process and print film at the highest quality possible.
Beginners can sit in on classes with world-class photographers to learn their tricks of the trade during periodic seminars.
Another way they keep film alive is through their “Film Drops” where they buy wholesale film and sell it at cost, bundled with a processing credit. You get cheap film and guaranteed scans—it’s a win-win.
- Address: 1717 Norman Bridge Rd, Montgomery, AL 36104
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM | Closed weekends
- More info
Electra Film Lab | Birmingham
Electra is another dedicated film processing lab. It’s owned by two friends who saw a need for high-quality film developing in the Birmingham area—and oh, did they deliver.
It’s a favorite of our resident film photographer, Nathan Watson. And if it’s good enough for Nathan, it’ll be good enough for you, I promise.
And if you’re at work while they’re open—no worries, you can mail-in film or put it in their drop box outside. They’ll get back to you about payment and delivery.
- Address: 1211 27th Pl S Ste 105, Birmingham, AL 35205
- Hours: Wed-Sat, 10AM-4PM | Closed Sun.-Tues.
- More info
Southerland’s Photo | Huntsville
North Alabama is not without photo processing options. Southerland’s Photo in Huntsville is your mom-and-pop photo shop. They’ve been in business since 1965—and they know their stuff!
If you’ve ever wanted to set up your own at-home dark room, they have all the chemicals you could need to do just that—and some helpful tips and tricks while getting set up.
They’ve got a great photo processing + printing service and a pretty good selection of new and used cameras.
- Address: 2357 Whitesburg Dr Suite F, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-5:30PM | Sat, 9AM-1PM
- More info
Image Hive | Birmingham
Image Hive is unique because, on top of offering premiere film development services, they have an open studio you can rent. So you can take and get your photos developed in the same place.
They also specialize in media transfers, so now’s your chance to get all those old home videos transferred into something you have the equipment to watch.
Read more about their transfer services.
- Address: 212 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-4:45PM | Closed weekends
- More info
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