One of the conceits behind Uptown 11 Studios is a pledge to amplify a diverse range of voices in San Diego by integrating slice-of-life reportage with digital marketing. Last October, we were given a chance to crystallize that dream into reality through our work with Camera Exposure / Safelight Labs owners Rob Cowan and Caitie Boreliz.
The dual company structure of Camera Exposure (a front-of-house analog film camera shop) and Safelight Labs (a back-of-house development and scanning — or “story production factory,” as we like to call it) makes for a small business with a mammoth footprint in San Diego.
We endeavored to show its reach by building a website with a robust visual storytelling platform – a news product called “Developing Stories.” Since launch, we’ve featured some of the best local film photographers who develop and process their film at the lab.
We’ve seen Angie Huang’s passion for documenting mom-and-pop shops in City Heights, Blair Alley’s 20-year stretch of snapping pro-skater portraits and Jay Vee’s travel photography to Japan.
We’ve also been lucky enough to help facilitate the launch of its Community Darkroom and DIY development lab. It’s a first-of-its-kind space for photographers at any level to develop, scan, and print their work on an hourly basis or by joining Safelight’s monthly membership program.
Through his own power of will and fervor for the art of film photography, co-owner Rob Cowan constructed the facility with his own hands. Inspired by his grit to give this space life, we look to continue a campaign that motivates the film photography community to connect deeply with the techniques and processes of self-development while pursuing the stories that pass through their viewfinders.
Camera Exposure / Safelight Labs truly is a one-stop shop for film camera and equipment purchases/rentals/repairs, studio photography, gallery shows, workshops, professional film processing, and DIY development. It’s a place to learn and grow the craft of film photography. For us, that’s a match made in heaven.
