HOW WE WORK
IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
As a family-run business, we take great pride in offering a traditional, personal service and producing work to the highest possible standard. Unlike many large-scale operations, we carefully handle every order that comes through our laboratory, ensuring the quality and attention to detail that our customers have come to expect.
Because of this commitment to quality, turnaround times can occasionally vary depending on the volume of work currently in the lab. We always strive to process orders as quickly and efficiently as possible, while maintaining the standards of workmanship we are proud to deliver. Our equipment and experienced team work continuously to keep orders moving through the lab, but quality will always remain our priority.
We are fortunate to serve customers from across the UK and around the world, and every day brings a wide variety of orders arriving by post, in person, and online. As a result, workloads can fluctuate significantly, making it difficult to predict exactly what each day will bring.
To keep our customers fully informed, we operate a comprehensive text and email notification system, providing updates throughout the progress of your order. We believe this level of communication goes above and beyond what is typically expected and helps keep you informed every step of the way.
We kindly ask that customers wait for these updates rather than contacting us for progress reports on orders that have already been acknowledged and entered into our system. Responding to multiple enquiries regarding the status of work can take valuable time away from production, slowing down the processing of orders for everyone.
Please be assured that your order is important to us, and we will keep you informed as it progresses. By allowing us to focus on the work itself, you help us maintain the efficient service and high-quality results that benefit all of our customers.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support.
Colour film processing
We operate our colour film processing service on a continuous monitored process, ensuring optimum quality and consistent results with every roll of film we develop. Colour processing is normally run daily; however, on occasions when the volume of work is exceptionally low, we may delay a run until sufficient demand justifies bringing the equipment up to operating temperature. This helps us maintain both efficiency and the high standards our customers expect.
Our standard turnaround time for colour film processing is typically within 48 hours of receipt. During periods of exceptionally high demand, processing times may occasionally be extended, but we always endeavour to complete and dispatch work as quickly as possible without compromising quality.
In addition to standard C-41 processing, we offer both push and pull processing to accommodate films exposed outside their recommended settings. We also process the increasingly popular ECN-2 motion picture films, including those with the rem-jet backing layer, using specialist procedures designed to achieve the best possible results.
We process a wide range of film formats, from 110 cartridge film through to 35mm, 120 medium format, and up to 5x4" sheet film, providing a comprehensive service for photographers of all levels.

black and white film processing
Our black and white film processing service operates to a carefully managed production schedule to ensure the highest standards of quality and consistency. Due to the popularity of this service, we run multiple processing sessions throughout the day. However, unlike automated colour processing, all of our black and white films are individually processed by hand, a traditional method that requires considerable time, skill, and attention to detail.
To maintain the quality of our work, we limit the number of films processed each day. Orders are processed strictly in the order they are received, with the exception of films submitted under our Rush 48-Hour Service.
Customers should allow approximately 7–10 working days for standard black and white film processing and scanning. During particularly busy periods, turnaround times may be extended, although we always strive to complete orders as quickly as possible while maintaining the standards our customers expect.
We also offer push and pull processing for black and white films, allowing us to accommodate a wide range of exposure requirements and creative techniques. If you require your film by a specific date, we strongly recommend selecting our Rush 48-Hour Service to ensure priority handling and the fastest possible turnaround.
Our black and white processing service is available for virtually all film formats, from 35mm and medium format through to large format sheet films up to 5x4".

Scanning and other services
Our film scanning service is carried out using dedicated Noritsu HS-1800 scanners, widely regarded as some of the finest film scanning systems available. These professional-grade scanners deliver exceptional image quality, excellent colour reproduction, and outstanding detail, ensuring your negatives and transparencies are digitised to the highest standard.
We offer both JPEG and TIFF file formats in a range of resolutions to suit different requirements, from online sharing and archiving to professional editing and large-format printing.
JPEG Scan Options
Small – approximately 2MB per image
Medium – approximately 5MB per image
Large – approximately 25MB per image
TIFF Scan Options
Standard – approximately 9MB per image
High Resolution – approximately 19MB per image
Maximum Resolution – approximately 87MB per image
Please note that file sizes are approximate and may vary depending on the image content and film format.
We scan all major film types, including colour negative, black and white, slide (transparency) film, and mounted slides. Scanning services are available for formats ranging from 35mm and medium format through to 5x4" and 10x8" large-format film.
For photographic prints, we use high-quality flatbed scanners capable of scanning originals up to A3 size. If your original is larger than A3, please refer to the next section for information on our large-format scanning services.

Large artwork and fine art copying
Our professional studio is fully equipped to photograph artwork of virtually any size, from small illustrations and photographs to large-scale paintings and original works of art. We provide specialist artwork reproduction services for artists, galleries, publishers, and commercial printers who require the highest levels of accuracy and detail.
Every piece of artwork is carefully photographed under controlled lighting conditions to capture the finest detail, colour, and texture of the original. Once captured, our experienced imaging team meticulously colour-corrects and adjusts each image, matching it as closely as possible to the original artwork to create a faithful digital reproduction.
The resulting high-resolution files are suitable for a wide range of applications, including fine art reproduction, giclée printing, publishing, exhibition displays, archiving, and commercial print production.
Once approved, the files can be passed directly to our Fine Art Printing Department or Professional Print Laboratory, where they can be reproduced at virtually any size while maintaining exceptional quality and colour accuracy.

photo printing and Fine art printing
For photographic prints up to 12x8", we use traditional silver halide chemical printing processes, widely regarded as the benchmark for photographic image quality, colour accuracy, and long-term durability. This time-tested technology has been the foundation of professional photographic laboratories for decades and continues to produce the rich tones, smooth graduations, and archival qualities that photographers and customers value.
Our printing services can accommodate virtually any size requirement, from miniature photographs suitable for lockets and keepsakes through to large-format displays measuring up to 44 inches wide and virtually any length.
For prints larger than 12x8", we utilise advanced Canon large-format printing technology, delivering exceptional detail, vibrant colour reproduction, and outstanding print longevity. This allows us to produce everything from photographic enlargements and exhibition prints to commercial displays and fine art reproductions.
We offer a comprehensive range of printing materials to suit every application, including:
Professional photographic papers
Poster papers
Canvas
Fine art and giclée media
Exhibition and display materials
Banner materials
Self-adhesive vinyl
Whether you require a single treasured photograph, a gallery-quality fine art print, or large-scale promotional graphics, our combination of traditional photographic expertise and modern printing technology ensures exceptional results every time.
