Exploring Life & Business with Ryan Tolbert of Boutique Film Lab

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Tolbert

Hi Ryan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The idea of starting a film lab never crossed my mind. I was simply a photographer looking for a more affordable way to process and scan my own film. Tired of the rising costs of commercial labs, I decided to invest in some basic equipment and began developing film in my own kitchen. Sunday afternoons became a ritual of chemical baths and hand tanks, a process that was both rewarding and surprisingly cost-effective.

However, the time commitment quickly became a burden. I knew I needed to streamline the process and increase efficiency. A year later, I took the plunge and invested in more sophisticated equipment, significantly reducing processing time. Suddenly, I found myself with the capacity to handle a much larger volume of film – essentially a miniature 1-hour photo lab in my own home.

To recoup some of my investment, I offered my services to a fellow wedding photographer who exclusively shot film. He eagerly accepted, marking the birth of Boutique Film Lab. It began without a formal business name, a humble start that has since blossomed into the thriving lab it is today.

Until 2016, managing orders was a chaotic affair. Spreadsheets and personal payment platforms were barely keeping pace with the growing demand. I knew I needed a more efficient system. That fall, I launched a website, enabling online orders. Anticipating a surge in business, I hired my first employee. Boutique Film Lab was officially a “real” lab.

Juggling a full-time job in downtown Nashville and the demands of the growing film lab proved challenging. After a long day at the office, I’d commute home and work on film orders until late into the evening. This “side hustle” quickly took its toll.

At the cusp of my 40th birthday in 2018, I decided it was time for a change – a mid-life crisis, if you will. I walked into my boss’s office and gave two weeks’ notice. I was ALL IN on the film lab!

Growth continued, necessitating the addition of more equipment and employees. Our upstairs space, a cramped 350 square feet, quickly became a hub of activity. At our peak, we were processing around 1,000 rolls of film per month, with four employees, four film processors, and five lab scanners. The space was overflowing with unclaimed negatives.

The pandemic, surprisingly, fueled further growth. It became clear that we needed a larger space. In early 2023, we began searching for a commercial location. That summer, we moved into our current space in Donelson, a significant milestone in the evolution of Boutique Film Lab.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! The ticking clock of obsolescence is a constant threat to film labs. One of the biggest challenges has been maintaining equipment that was designed in the 90s or early 2000s. Maintaining these temperamental machines requires a delicate balance of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and a touch of luck. A single broken part can grind operations to a halt, leaving customers frustrated and the lab facing potential losses. As technology marches on, the struggle to keep these vintage systems running smoothly while ensuring consistent, high-quality results is a testament to the dedication of the analog labs.

Of course, there have been personnel challenges as well. Finding and retaining skilled technicians with the patience and attention to detail required for film processing has been an ongoing effort. Building a strong team and fostering a positive work environment has been crucial to our success.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Boutique Film Lab?
At Boutique Film Lab, we’re passionate about preserving the magic of film photography. We specialize in high-quality film processing and scanning services for photographers of all levels, from hobbyists to professionals.

What sets us apart is our commitment to value and personalized service. We also believe in building strong relationships with our clients and fostering a film community. We’re very proud of our reputation for exceptional customer service.

We want our readers to know that we’re more than just a film lab. We’re a community of film enthusiasts, dedicated to preserving this timeless art form. We invite photographers to experience the joy of shooting film and to discover the unique beauty and character that only film can capture.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that Nashville is a hub of creative personalities, from musicians & poets to painters, storytellers & photographers. It’s such a vibrant city with an eccentric flair.

Nashville traffic is pretty high up on the dislike list.

Pricing:

• 35mm film starts at $14 for processing & digital files.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boutiquefilmlab/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boutiquefilmlab