On A Roll Film Lab

From “the guy with a camera” to small business owner, Jamiel Betancourt offers a one-stop shop for all things film. On a Roll Film Lab, located off Bayshore Drive, provides locals and visitors with expertise in film development. Collaborating with the community and capturing moments is a theme found throughout the lab and Jamiel’ss journey in photography.  

Since high school Jamiel has been surrounded by a creative network of friends. He found inspiration in capturing their memories, discovering that his photography not only lifted others but gave him purpose. Eventually, his hobby led to contract deals, but it never felt like work since he was surrounded by friends and doing what he loved.  

Jamiel’s business has humble beginnings, starting out as an office in the back of his sister’s shop. But as clientele grew, Jamiel expanded his space, keeping On a Roll Film Lab close to the family. Jamiel points out the juxtaposition in Bayshore compared to surrounding neighborhoods. It’s the only place nowadays that you can find small, local businesses instead of big-name stores. He’s excited for the future of supporting small, saying, “Little by little, everyone just sticking to their passions, I know that we can help one another. We’re able to combine our local following.” Jamiel is motivated knowing that the shops in Bayshore have been around for years, providing unique and stable networking opportunities like no other place in Naples.  

It is through community that On a Roll Film Lab has found success. Offering a wide range of services catering to film photography enthusiasts, Jamiel has established yet another niche of visionaries. Jamiel shares, “I think that the biggest challenge this day and age faces is being present in the moment. My analyzation is that when you take photos on a film camera, you remember when you took it, you remember that very moment. It teaches you patience and allows you to be present in that situation.” Through selling film and used film cameras, the lab fosters a sense of nostalgia and attendance to the present moment.  

One of the standout features of On a Roll is its 24/7 drop box, which allows customers to drop off film for developing at their convenience. In addition to developing and scanning 35mm film, the lab offers archival work, such as VHS transfers and digitizing old media like DVDs and slides. The lab's high-quality work and quick turnaround time make it a go-to destination for anyone looking to preserve their memories. 

The process of developing film is simple for Jamiel who has been executing the art for years. The final product is emailed to the customer, containing a digital file with all the film photos available to download. It’s a convenient method for anyone aiming to post their photos online. Jamiel admits that most of his clients don’t want a physical copy of the photos, but if they do, he can point them in the right direction.  

For Jamiel, film cameras offer a unique experience that sets them apart from digital cameras and smartphones. He believes that film photography captures memories with intention rather than snapping hundreds of photos on a digital device. Film cameras teach patience and create a sense of anticipation, as photographers wait to see how their images turn out. Jamiel is passionate about sharing the joys of film photography with others, especially younger generations who are just discovering the medium. 

Jamiel’s photography walks are the perfect time for beginners to embark on the creative journey of film. On a typical walk, you’ll find all levels of photographers, hobbyists, models, and creatives learning, connecting, and sharing their passions. The walks are held around various venues in Naples and are announced on the lab’s Instagram page. Jamiel plans on resuming the photo walks when the weather outside is cooler. He sees these events as an opportunity to build community and foster relationships, reinforcing his belief that collaboration and mutual support are key to success. 

As Jamiel prepares to move his business to a new location within the same area, he plans to maintain the core services that have made On a Roll successful. However, he is also looking to expand by offering passport photos next year and increasing his inventory of film cameras. Jamiel is always looking to engage with the community and is currently seeking interns who are interested in learning more about film photography. He encourages anyone with a passion for photography and availability to reach out via email to learn more about internship and volunteer opportunities. 

For those interested in learning more about On a Roll Film Lab and staying up to date with upcoming events, you can visit their website at onarollfilmlab.com, follow them on Instagram and Facebook @onarollfilmlab, or email Jamiel directly at onarollfilmlab@gmail.com.