4A- forming an opportunity belief

Forming and opportunity belief:

Dark room service in gainesville

Introduction

As a film photographer myself, I know Gainesville lacks accessible and affordable darkroom services. While film photography may be obsolete to the general public, there happens to be a large niche community of artists who pursue film photography and many who would like to explore it, but struggle to find a location where they can develop film and nurture their craft.

Years ago, you could easily go to a drug store and have your photos developed in an hour; today, my options are limited, and the big guys who used to fulfill this service affordably and quickly now charge nearly double for prints, and have them shipped to you in 2 weeks. I don’t even know of a place where you can develop the film yourself in a public, shared darkroom. Devout film fans will settle for this cost burden and waiting period, but most will just do what’s cheap and convenient: switch to digital photography.

I’m 100% certain this opportunity- a community darkroom and film processing center- exists for photographers.

Middle aged photojournalist:

1. How do you most often take photos?
1. On my DSLR camera, but I’ve also started using my iPhone more.
2. Do you mostly take them for artistic purposes or to capture memories?
1. For my job, I take them for both artistic and recording. Photojournalism is a balanced mix between the two.
3. Have you ever used a film camera? Do you own one?
1. A film camera? Ha! I learned on that… Have you even used one?! I’m kidding. I love the convenience of digital, but of course I grew up with film. I have an appreciation for film, but digital is much more handy.
4. If yes, how do you normally develop your film?
1. N/A
5. Would you be interested in a community dark room where you could develop your own film photos?
1. I’d be interested, depending on costs. But I would do it for creative purposes, not necessarily for work.
6. Would you be interested in workshops that teach you how to develop your film?
1. No, I know how to use film cameras. But I would recommend others to do it! Would be a cool opportunity in Gainesville.

College aged videographer:

7. How do you most often take photos?
1. I’m more of a video guy, but I take pics with my friends every time we go out… probably once a week.
8. Do you mostly take them for artistic purposes or to capture memories?
1. Videos for artistic and for my job! I work at Bricks Bar and create content for them for their social media accounts.
9. Have you ever used a film camera? Do you own one?
1. Never, but I think it’s cool!
10. If yes, how do you normally develop your film?
1. N/A
11. Would you be interested in a community dark room where you could develop your own film photos?
1. Yes! But I’m on a tight budget with college, so hypothetically yes, but realistically maybe. But that sounds super cool… I’d love the community aspect.
12. Would you be interested in workshops that teach you how to develop your film?
1. Yes!

College aged non-professional photographer:

13. How do you most often take photos?
1. All the time with my girlfriends!
14. Do you mostly take them for artistic purposes or to capture memories?
1. Mostly to capture moments, but I like them to be artsy for Instagram if i can.
15. Have you ever used a film camera? Do you own one?
1. I sometimes use disposable cameras!
16. If yes, how do you normally develop your film?
1. I develop my film at CVS about once a month, but it takes forever to get the film.
17. Would you be interested in a community dark room where you could develop your own film photos?
1. Absolutely!
18. Would you be interested in workshops that teach you how to develop your film?
1. Yes!

Summary:

From my interviews, I conclude there is an unmet need for a college dark room here at UF. College students often have tight budgets, which would need to be taken into account if executed. Many people appreciate the aesthetic and nostalgia that film gives, and a dark room gives photographers a hands-on feel to photography that is lost in digital media.