Interview with The Founder of Gelatin Labs, Ben Krueger

Sep 15

What got you started in film developing? What keeps your passion for it alive?

My father, Doug, and I began developing film in 2018, initially to scan and archive our family’s negatives, and process our own film we were shooting. Our interest grew as we delved deeper into the analog process, leading us to establish Gelatin Labs. The continuous evolution of film photography and the creative community we engage with keep our passion alive. Plus, we still make ample time to continue our own photography journeys.

How do you work with photographers to understand and meet their specific preferences or style?

We prioritize clear communication with photographers to grasp their unique styles and preferences. By offering customizable options in developing and scanning, we ensure the final output aligns with each photographer’s vision. Our team is always available to discuss specific needs and provide personalized support.

These images are from Ben’s families photo archive. You can view more here.

Tell us a bit about Gelatin Labs.

Earlier in 2025, we expanded to our new flagship retail and lab space in New York City’s East Village — at 37 E 1st Street, New York, NY 10003. The NYC location offers walk-in film drop-offs, community programming, a wide selection of film/cameras/accessories, and a rotating gallery of works available for sale, connecting the city’s analog photography community in a hands-on way.

Our GelForm system, a proprietary scanning framework that allows photographers to customize the contrast and temperature of their scans for a consistent, creative look. Our signature GelForm System offers distinct tonal and color renderings that photographers can choose from to best match their style. Results remain true to film stock, and also allow for scanning with film borders and sprockets. For wedding professionals, we recommend The Flat Earth GelForm for maximum scan editing flexibility, The Hi-C for high contrast, finished look, or The Fringe for a more tangible film look and classic Fujifilm scanner tones.

Our original New Jersey lab remains the main production hub for development, scanning, and printing. Walk-ins are now available at our NJ HQ as well.

What services do you offer for film photographers? Do you specialize in specific types of film or formats?

We offer full film developing, scanning, and printing services across a wide range of film types and formats.

Film Types: Color Negative (C-41), Black & White, Color Positive (E-6 Slide), and Motion Picture Still (ECN-2).
Formats: 35mm, 120/Medium Format, Disposable Cameras, 110, APS, and Sheet Film up to 8×10.

Can you explain the difference between types of scans you offer, and how photographers can choose what’s right for them?

We offer several scan resolution levels to cater to different needs:

• Casual: Optimized for test rolls and web-ready JPEGs.

• Pro: High-quality TIFFs suited for editorial, web, and small print work.
• ProPlus (Frontier Scans): Top-resolution TIFFs with large scale printability and room for post processing.

• SuperPro: Maximum-resolution TIFFs ideal for large-format printing and professional editing.

Then, clients can choose between different Contrast and Temperature selections, based on their preferred look. We make it super easy with a Sample image that changes to reflect your selections. Expect a major update to this feature in the coming months!

Photographers can select the scan level based on their intended use, desired editing flexibility, and print size requirements.

Scans are performed on Noritsu HS-1800, Fuji Frontier SP-3000 and SP-500 machines (dependent on GelForm selected), and we produce archival dye-sublimation 4×6 prints in three distinct finishes.

How have you seen the film photography community grow or change in recent years?

In recent years, we’ve observed a resurgence in film photography, with a growing number of enthusiasts and professionals embracing analog processes. This revival has fostered a vibrant community that values the tangible and artistic aspects of film (and other tangible objects, art, and IRL communities), leading to increased demand for quality developing and scanning services like ours. We cater to all film photographers, from newcomers to veterans.

What are your future plans for the lab? Are there any new services coming soon?

We’re continuing to automate and refine our workflow to improve turnaround times while maintaining the hand-crafted quality we’re known for. We value quality over speed, but understand that professionals are on deadlines and need scans back within a reasonable timeframe. Fast Pass guarantees an 1-3 business day scan delivery for C-41 color film.

Our NYC space is the start of a broader plan to bring more community-focused experiences — from live editing demos to pop-up exhibitions, launches, and more.

To add to our growing list of drop off locations nationwide, we are opening a Gelatin Outpost before end of 2025 in the Bay Area with a partner location. In person ordering will be available, with film and accessories stocked in-shop.

We encourage everyone to stay tuned for upcoming announcements.

Where do you see the future of film going?

We believe film photography will continue to thrive as both an art form and a medium for personal expression. Its unique aesthetic and the deliberate process it requires offer a refreshing alternative to digital photography, ensuring its relevance and appeal for future generations.

More film stocks, cameras, and photographers will enter the scene, which is super exciting. We’re looking forward to new equipment for labs and other services that will support the increasing demand for quality labs.

What is one thing you want every film photographer to know?

Every frame you shoot on film carries the energy that was present at the moment of shooting. Literally the light is captured in the film, making every frame distinct with character that digital cannot replicate. Embrace the unique imperfections that come with analog—the surprise factor is what makes this medium special for the photographer, the subject, and the viewer.

Every member of the community receives a 15% off discount code for developing and scaning at Gelatin Labs. You can find the code inside the community when you join.