Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Betancourt.
Hi Peter, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My brother, Javier Betancourt and I started up Palm Film Lab back in November 2020. We both have had a passion for film photography and have been doing it for the past 20 years. Javier is a Tattooer/Owner of Ochoplacas, White Rose Coffee, and The Betancourt Gallery just outside of Coral Gables. His main photography project, “This Is Meant To Hurt You” has also been published with an accompanying gallery show for Art Basel 2015. He actively still shoots under the project with our very own Palm Panchromatic film. As for me, my first job actually was in film processing for Wolf Camera back in 2006 when I was 16. However – in the early 2010’s, many of the local labs shut down and I subsequently switched professions into Watchmaking. I worked for many Swiss companies over the past decade – as well as having worked in Glashuette, Germany for a couple watch manufacturers there. Throughout this time though, I still shot film and did much of my own processing at home. It wasn’t until the summer of 2020 where my brother and I actually began thinking about opening a lab since there wasn’t really any local options. Plus, I already had previous processing experience so it all just kind of lined up!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, it’s been immensely successful! I was skeptical initially – film photography has had a major boom over the last couple of years, so business has been good. The only struggles I’d say we’ve had are keeping up with the demand since it’s been very tough to even keep film in stock due to the pandemic and recent interest in film. Otherwise, we’ve grown considerably and currently have a staff of 6. We’re also considering expansion in the very near future…
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Palm Film Lab?
At Palm, we offer C-41, Black & White, E-6, and ECN-2 film processing of all current film formats. Also, we’re very proud to be the only local lab to have previously trained lab technicians. We carry a wide variety of used film cameras and buy/trade. We recently launched our own B&W Film – Palm Panchromatic and have been very excited to see the direction our branding is taking. Pretty certain we’re the only photobook shop in Miami too!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
For any collaborations, we suggest those interested to visit us at Palm or email us at [email protected].
Pricing:
- C-41 Dev + Scan: $14
- Camera Film starting at $10
- Point & Shoots starting at $80
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: palmfilmlab.com
- Instagram: palmfilmlab
Image Credits
All photos by Palm
