About Us

From Humble Beginnings

Proper Photography Kernow officially opened its doors on September 19th, 2023 – but the idea had been growing for much longer. For years, we had seen how difficult it was becoming to find reliable, affordable film development locally. Many photographers had to travel long distances, post their film away to anonymous big labs, or rely on chain stores where the quality and personal service simply weren’t there. We wanted to change that.

So, we started small just two Kodak photo kiosks, a lot of determination, and the belief that film photography was still alive and worth saving. At first, we offered simple printing services but customers quickly began asking for more. They wanted their film developed, they wanted advice on cameras, and they wanted somewhere local where they could talk to people who understood analog photography.

Step by step, we listened, adapted, and grew. Every bit of progress came from reinvesting in the lab: buying our first professional C41 processor, setting up a darkroom corner for hand-developed black & white, adding high-resolution scanners, and later upgrading to a large-format Epson printer for gallery-quality enlargements. We invested and continue to do so in to improving our equipment and services including expanding our range of stock, because we believe our customers deserve the best.

What began as a tiny kiosk setup soon became a fully-fledged, independent photo lab, one of the very few left in Cornwall. Today, we’re proud to serve not just Newquay but photographers all over the UK through our growing mail-in service.

Whilst our lab has grown one thing has never changed, our values. Our growing independent business remains fully customer focused with all the team approachable, passionate, and hands-on. Proper Photography Kernow's commitment is to give every roll of film the care and respect it deserves and our customers a high quality personal service.

Our Team

Today, Proper Photography Kernow is run by a close-knit team of family and friends who share the same passion for photography and creativity.

• Josh – Proprietor
• The founder and driving force behind the lab. Josh set out to make film accessible again in Cornwall and continues to lead the lab, always pushing forward by investing in new equipment, new film stocks, and better services.
• Len – Managing Consultant
• Making sure the day-to-day runs smoothly, Len helps keep everything organised, efficient, and customer focused.
• Will – VHS & Video Transfers
• Our specialist in memory preservation. Will digitises old VHS tapes and other video formats, making sure family archives can be enjoyed for generations to come.
• Luca – Lab Technician
• Luca new to the team handles film developing and scanning, ensuring every negative, print, and digital file meets the highest standards.

Together, we’re not a faceless corporation – we’re a small group of passionate people, constantly reinvesting in the lab to bring you the best possible service.

Our Services

We’ve built our lab around the needs of photographers – both local and nationwide – combining traditional craft with modern convenience.

• Film Development
• • C41 (Colour) 35mm film & disposable cameras – processed the same day whenever possible.
• • 120mm (medium format) film – colour and black & white development available.- Back soon
• • Traditional B&W 35mm film – hand-developed once a week with care, using traditional techniques.
• • UK wide colour development and scanning service, with digital scans returned the day of arrival.
• Scanning Options
• We offer different levels of detail to suit every photographer:
• • Standard
• • Medium
• • Medium TIFF (16-bit, professional-grade)
• • High
• • High TIFF (16-bit, professional-grade)
• All scans are delivered straight to your inbox.
• Photo Printing
• • Instant prints from our Kodak kiosks (sizes 4x6 to 8x6).
• • Large-format fine art printing up to A2 on our professional Epson printer.
• • Premium photo papers for the best possible finish.

Cameras & Film

Film photography isn’t just about development – it’s about the cameras and film that bring your vision to life.

In our shop you’ll find:

• A wide selection of pre owned and new cameras from vintage 35mm classics to reliable point-and-shoots, plus medium format cameras when available. Every camera is fully tested and ready for its next roll.
• A wide range of film stocks including colour favourites like Kodak Portra and Ektar, black & white classics from Ilford, and exciting newcomers from brands like CineStill and Candido. We will also carry a growing selection of 120mm films for medium format photographers who want maximum detail and depth.

Our stock is always changing because we’re constantly reinvesting in film, accessories, and new products so there’s always something new to try.

Why Choose an Independent Lab?

At Proper Photography Kernow, we believe film photography should feel welcoming, not intimidating. That’s why we focus on clear pricing, honest service, and high-quality results.

As a small, independent, family-run lab, we stand apart from chain stores and big commercial labs across the UK:

• Personal service you’ll always deal with real people who genuinely love film photography.
• Attention to detail every roll is processed with care, never rushed or overlooked.
• Transparent pricing no surprise extras or hidden charges like some labs add on.
• Ongoing investment we constantly put money back into new equipment, film stocks, and services to give our customers the very best.
• Community spirit we’re proud to be based in Newquay, supporting locals, collaborating with creatives, and keeping film culture alive in Cornwall.