The world of analog photography is brimming with nostalgia, unique aesthetics, and the genuine joy of capturing memories on film.
Despite living in a predominantly digital age, the love for film photography has experienced a resurgence, with a growing number of film enthusiasts yearning to develop their photos the old-fashioned way.
If you’re located in Houston, Texas, and are exploring your options for film developing labs, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the best film developing labs in Houston, offering a comprehensive overview of their services, prices, and operational details.
It’s crucial to remember that each lab has its specialties and unique touches, much like film photography itself. Whether you’re shooting in color or black and white, using 35mm or 120 film, or even if you’re a slide film aficionado, there’s a lab in Houston that will cater to your specific needs.
For those located in other cities, we also have guides for the best film developing in Austin, TX and Atlanta, GA.
Note: Each lab’s details include their website link, address, directions, phone number, hours of operation, and other relevant information. Prices may vary and are subject to change, so we recommend confirming with the labs before availing of their services.
FLATS Film Lab
Located in the heart of Houston, FLATS Film Lab is a revered establishment for film processing and scanning services. Their service offerings are extensive and include developing, scanning, printing, and even hosting exhibitions.
Beyond their film processing services, FLATS Film Lab is known for promoting local photography talent by hosting photo exhibitions that put a spotlight on the city’s thriving film community. If you’re keen to immerse yourself in the local scene while getting your film developed, this might be the place for you.
Services, Prices and Operation Details:
- Address: 2402 Montrose Blvd Unit 2 (upstairs, Houston, TX 77006
- Directions: Google Map Link
- Phone Number: (832) 895-9845
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 11am – 7pm; Saturday: 11am – 5pm; Sunday: Closed
- Services Provided: Film developing, scanning, printing, exhibition hosting
Prices for their services can be found below:
Film Developing
| Type of Film | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Color (C-41) | 35mm | $6 |
| Color (C-41) | 120 | $8 |
| Color (C-41) | 4×5 | $10 |
| Black & White | 35mm | $8 |
| Black & White | 120 | $10 |
| Black & White | 4×5 | $12 |
| Slide (E-6) | 35mm | $10 |
| Slide (E-6) | 120 | $12 |
| Slide (E-6) | 4×5 | $14 |
Film Scanning
| Type of Scan | Resolution | Price per Roll |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Scan | 1024 x 1536 px | $10 |
| Standard Scan | 2048 x 3072 px | $15 |
| High Res Scan | 4096 x 6144 px | $25 |
Film Printing
| Size of Print | Price per Print |
|---|---|
| 4×6 | $0.50 |
| 5×7 | $1 |
| 8×10 | $3 |
FLATS Film Lab stands out for their commitment to catering to all types of film enthusiasts, irrespective of the type of film used. They also provide an online shop where customers can order film and disposable cameras.
The Photo Lab & Digital Imaging1
The Photo Lab & Digital Imaging has been a stalwart of the Houston film developing scene since 1981, boasting a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability.
Services, Prices and Operation Details:
- Address: 1227 Antoine Dr, Houston, TX 77055
- Directions: Google Map Link
- Phone Number: +17134674099
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm; Saturday: Closed; Sunday: Closed
- Services Provided: Film developing, scanning, printing, photo restoration, headshots
In terms of services, The Photo Lab & Digital Imaging isn’t just about film developing and scanning; they also provide printing services, photo restoration, and professional headshots. Here’s a breakdown of their pricing structure:
Film Developing
| Type of Film | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Color (C-41) | 35mm | $7 |
| Color (C-41) | 120 | $9 |
| Black & White | 35mm | $9 |
| Black & White | 120 | $11 |
Film Scanning
| Type of Scan | Resolution | Price per Roll |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Scan | 1024 x 1536 px | $12 |
| Standard Scan | 2048 x 3072 px | $17 |
| High Res Scan | 4096 x 6144 px | $30 |
Film Printing
| Size of Print | Price per Print |
|---|---|
| 4×6 | $0.75 |
| 5×7 | $1.25 |
| 8×10 | $3.50 |
The Photo Lab & Digital Imaging’s dedication to preserving the art of film photography is evident through their comprehensive service offering. Besides providing excellent film development services, their commitment to photo restoration and professional headshot services solidifies their standing as a well-rounded lab in Houston.
Humble Camera Center
The Humble Camera Center in Houston is a one-stop-shop for everything photography-related. In addition to film developing services, they sell a wide range of cameras and photography equipment.
Services, Prices and Operation Details:
- Address: 114 N Avenue A Humble, TX 77338
- Directions: Google Map Link
- Phone Number: (281) 540-4101
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 10am – 6pm; Saturday: 10am – 4pm; Sunday: Closed
- Services Provided: Film developing, scanning, printing, equipment sales
Their pricing is competitive and outlined below:
Film Developing
| Type of Film | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Color (C-41) | 35mm | $7 |
| Color (C-41) | 120 | $9 |
| Black & White | 35mm | $9 |
| Black & White | 120 | $11 |
Film Scanning
| Type of Scan | Resolution | Price per Roll |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Scan | 1024 x 1536 px | $10 |
| High Res Scan | 4096 x 6144 px | $20 |
Film Printing
| Size of Print | Price per Print |
|---|---|
| 4×6 | $0.60 |
| 5×7 | $1.10 |
| 8×10 | $3 |
Humble Camera Center’s variety of offerings make them a popular choice among photographers in Houston. They go beyond the standard developing and scanning services to offer a robust selection of photography equipment, making them a solid choice for photographers of all experience levels.
Kingwood Photo Lab
The next stop on our list is the Kingwood Photo Lab. Situated in the northeast of Houston, this lab provides a range of services such as film developing, scanning, and printing.
Services, Prices and Operation Details:
- Address: 2714 W Lake Houston Pkwy Ste 130, Kingwood, TX 77339
- Directions: Google Map Link
- Phone Number: (713) 988-2818
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 10am – 5pm; Saturday: 10am – 2pm; Sunday: Closed
- Services Provided: Film developing, scanning, printing, photo restoration
Their pricing structure is detailed below:
Film Developing
| Type of Film | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Color (C-41) | 35mm | $8 |
| Color (C-41) | 120 | $10 |
| Black & White | 35mm | $10 |
| Black & White | 120 | $12 |
Film Scanning
| Type of Scan | Resolution | Price per Roll |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Scan | 1024 x 1536 px | $10 |
| High Res Scan | 4096 x 6144 px | $20 |
Film Printing
| Size of Print | Price per Print |
|---|---|
| 4×6 | $0.75 |
| 5×7 | $1.50 |
| 8×10 | $3.50 |
Kingwood Photo Lab is also known for their photo restoration services, breathing new life into old and damaged photographs. If you have cherished old photos that need restoring, this could be the place for you.
Prime Camera Photo & Video
Another great place for film development in Houston is Prime Camera Photo & Video. It offers an extensive range of services related to film and digital photography, making it a versatile lab.
Services, Prices and Operation Details:
- Address: 11500 S Sam Houston Pkwy W, Houston, TX 77031
- Directions: Google Map Link
- Phone Number: (713) 988-2818
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 10am – 7pm; Saturday: 10am – 6pm; Sunday: Closed
- Services Provided: Film developing, scanning, printing, videography, photography equipment sales, workshops and classes
Their pricing details are as follows:
Film Developing
| Type of Film | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Color (C-41) | 35mm | $7 |
| Color (C-41) | 120 | $9 |
| Black & White | 35mm | $9 |
| Black & White | 120 | $11 |
Film Scanning
| Type of Scan | Resolution | Price per Roll |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Scan | 1024 x 1536 px | $10 |
| High Res Scan | 4096 x 6144 px | $20 |
Film Printing
| Size of Print | Price per Print |
|---|---|
| 4×6 | $0.60 |
| 5×7 | $1.10 |
| 8×10 | $3 |
In addition to film services, Prime Camera Photo & Video also offers videography services, photography equipment sales, and even workshops and classes for those who want to deepen their photography skills. Their wide array of services makes them a popular choice among professionals and hobbyists alike.
Doorstep Digital
Doorstep Digital specializes in digital archiving and scanning, which includes film negatives and slides.
Services, Prices and Operation Details:
- Address: 2909 Hillcroft Ave Suite 515A, Houston, TX 77057
- Directions: Link
- Phone Number: (800) 406-4650
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm; Saturday: 10am – 2pm; Sunday: Closed
- Services Provided: Film scanning, digital archiving, photo organization, photo backup
While Doorstep Digital does not offer film developing services, their expertise in high-quality scanning and digital archiving services makes them a great choice if you want to digitize your negatives and slides. They specialize in organizing and backing up your photos, offering solutions that ensure your memories are preserved for generations to come.
Their pricing is as follows:
Film Scanning
| Type of Scan | Resolution | Price per Roll |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Scan | 2048 x 3072 px | $15 |
| High Res Scan | 4096 x 6144 px | $25 |
Slide Scanning
| Type of Scan | Resolution | Price per Slide |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Scan | 2048 x 3072 px | $1 |
| High Res Scan | 4096 x 6144 px | $2 |
Houston Camera Exchange
Last but certainly not least is the Houston Camera Exchange. While it is primarily known as a camera store, it also offers film developing services.
Services, Prices and Operation Details:
- Address: 5900 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77057
- Directions: Google Map Link
- Phone Number: (713) 789-6901
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday: 10am – 7pm; Saturday: 10am – 6pm; Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
- Services Provided: Film developing, scanning, camera sales, photography equipment sales
Here’s an outline of their pricing:
Film Developing
| Type of Film | Format | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Color (C-41) | 35mm | $7 |
| Color (C-41) | 120 | $9 |
| Black & White | 35mm | $9 |
| Black & White | 120 | $11 |
Film Scanning
| Type of Scan | Resolution | Price per Roll |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Scan | 1024 x 1536 px | $10 |
| High Res Scan | 4096 x 6144 px | $20 |
If you’re also in the market for a new camera or other photography gear, Houston Camera Exchange is a great place to both develop your film and shop for equipment.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to film photography or a seasoned professional, Houston, Texas, has an array of fantastic film developing labs to cater to your needs. The top 7 film developing labs listed above each have their unique offerings and specialties, ensuring that every film photographer in Houston will find a lab that suits their needs.
In the world of film photography, every detail matters. The choice of developing lab can significantly affect the final look and feel of your photos. Take the time to explore these labs, research their services, and maybe even visit a few to find the one that aligns with your vision and requirements.
For film enthusiasts residing outside Houston, don’t forget to check our guides on the best film developing labs in Austin, TX and Atlanta, GA. Happy shooting and developing!
Neil Slater is a photographer, blogger, and passionate advocate of film development and camera technology. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Neil captures life’s fleeting moments through his lens.
He combines stunning imagery with captivating narratives, inspiring fellow photographers and readers alike. With a love for analog photography, Neil spends hours in his darkroom, meticulously developing film to reveal hidden stories. His exploration of various camera models, from vintage classics to modern marvels, fuels his creative vision.
As an educator, Neil shares his knowledge and empowers others to embark on their own photographic journeys. Through his work, Neil invites us to see the world through a unique lens and discover the beauty in everyday moments.