On a Roll Film Lab in Naples moves to new location

NAPLES, Fla. — On a Roll Film Lab has moved to a new location in Naples. The film lab is now located at 900 6th Ave. Unit 301.

On a Roll Film Lab specializes in developing and scanning film. The lab also offers video transferring and digitizing of tapes, DVDs, Beta tapes, and more.

On a Roll Film lab also runs photography events such as photo walks and meet-ups.

Jamiel Betancourt is the owner of On a Roll Film Lab. He has shot film photography for over a decade. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Betancourt ran a food catering business. He used the money to fund the film lab. Betancourt said he wants to use his experience to help others get into film photography.

“I've always wanted to teach people and share with people,” Betancourt said. “At one point, I was developing so much film that I figured it'd be a good idea to start a business. From there, the rest was history.”

Around 2016, Betancourt and a friend of his had a warehouse where they held photoshoots, concerts and other events. His goal was to help local musicians raise their profiles.

“The biggest lead point for us was getting our friends who make music to get their music out there, because we believe that everybody can make it,” he said. “Everybody can help one another. The whole point of community is bringing it all together. If I can help someone shine or present them with a platform where they're able to express themselves, I love doing that. I love putting people on. I love being put on. I think that's what it's all about, and I think that's how we all win.”

Betancourt said that the photo walks he organizes are a great way for fellow photographers to be inspired by each other.

“We do photo walks because it gives an opportunity for local creatives and photographers to meet other like-minded creatives, and to be in a safe space,” Betancourt said. “It's good times, and everybody can just take photos, get to know one another, share tips and tricks, and just find out about a bunch of cool things that we never knew existed, or that we could have these conversations like in our community. The photo walks are big because that's what brings everyone together. And it's the best time for us to just go out there and be creative. Life’s so fast, and a lot of us, we don't make the time to go out there and get creative, so when we can all come together and do it, it's extra special.”

He said that anyone interested in photography can enjoy the photo walks.

“The photo walks are the events where people feel the most welcome and the most inviting,” Betancourt said. “You just need to be there and just show up and see what it feels like. It's one thing to be invited to a party or social event, but it's another thing to be invited to a group of people who are all shooting analog. It's almost like being invited to where you actually belong. People of all ages come to the photo walks. And if there's any type of event that I get asked the most, it's the photo walks.”

Betancourt said he gets to share in the experiences people have through developing the rolls of film.

“I had a client who had photographed Slash and a lot of old-school rock stars,” he said. “I have a client who ships from Oregon all the time. She's gone to Ireland, Iceland, Alaska, you name it. She just goes to all the craziest places. And she motivates me a lot to travel.”

He said he has a welcoming environment for both long-time customers and newcomers to the film community.

“Everyone's very equal in our community,” Betancourt said. “They should expect to be very intrigued to purchase a film camera or a disposable. We're gonna have a ton of retail going on, and I think that it's gonna be really easy to walk in there and not walk out empty-handed. So just a fair warning, if you come in, you're probably gonna buy something. But that's great. I think everybody needs to at least try one roll of film one way or another.”

On a Roll Film Lab plans to host multiple events in 2026 to help the photography community grow.

Click here to learn more about On a Roll Film Lab