We had the good fortune of connecting with Peter Betancourt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Peter, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My brother, Javier Betancourt and I started up Palm Film Lab back in November 2020. We both have had a passion for film photography and have been doing it for the past 20 years. There hasn’t been a solid lab in Miami since the early 2010’s, so we wanted to fill that void. Since I had previous lab experience with various local labs from 2006-2011, I knew this was something we could achieve. From the start – we envisioned a comfy, courteous and knowledgeable lab where you could also pick up a film camera or photobook!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Palm, we offer C-41, Black & White, E-6, and ECN-2 film processing of all current film formats. We’re very proud to be one of two local labs to have previously trained lab technicians. We also carry a wide variety of used film cameras and buy/trade.

The only struggles I’d say we’ve had are keeping up with the current film demand since it’s been very difficult to keep film in stock due to the pandemic and recent interest in film. Otherwise, we’ve grown considerably and currently have a staff of 6. We’re also expanding in the very near future…

Recently, we recently launched our own B&W Film – Palm Panchromatic and have been very excited to see the direction our brand is taking. Pretty certain we’re the only photobook shop in Miami too!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
No trip is complete without visiting these places:

Ochoplacas Tattoo
White Rose Coffee
The Betancourt Gallery
Dale Zine
Technique Records
Chuggs Diner
Ariete
Center for Subtropical Affairs
Gramps
Mignonette
Mandolin
Nite Owl
Mac’s Club Deuce
7 Seas

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to Ochoplacas Tattoo, White Rose Coffee & The Betancourt Gallery for being a part of the family! Also, Dale Zine for their excellent selection of art books and showing us that Miami could always use more shops like them!

Website: palmfilmlab.com

Instagram: palmfilmlab

Image Credits
All photos by Palm

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