When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Citizens Photo
Why Citizens Photo is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Citizens Photo is a well-established, locally owned film lab located in Portland, Oregon, with a rich history dating back to 1946. This business offers a unique blend of traditional and modern photographic services, making it a fascinating spot to meet up with friends who share a passion for photography or creative arts. Customers can bring in their film for processing and printing, including C41, E6, and black and white film formats, accommodating sizes from 35mm up to 8x10 for processing and prints up to 44 inches wide on various papers. The shop carries a wide variety of film types, including fresh stock of Harman films like Phoenix II and Harman Red in 120 format, catering to both amateur and professional photographers. Although it does not provide camera repair or passport photo services, Citizens Photo serves as a hub for those interested in high-quality film development and printing services. The shop's local roots and focus on film photography provide a nostalgic yet creative environment ideal for artistic gatherings or photography enthusiasts to exchange ideas and explore the craft together.
Here's what people think of Citizens Photo
As of recent, Citizens Photo holds a 4.5-star rating based on 254 reviews.
Reviews and customer feedback highlight Citizens Photo as a highly regarded film lab with an impressive 4.5-star rating based on 254 reviews. Positive reviews frequently mention the professional and efficient service, particularly appreciating the speed and quality of film processing and printing. Customers value the friendly, knowledgeable staff and the shop's broad selection of films and developing options. Many commend the quality of the prints and the personalized service atmosphere that reflects its long-standing presence in Portland's photography community. However, some feedback notes that Citizens Photo does not offer certain services such as camera repairs or passport photos, which may disappoint those looking for one-stop photographic solutions. In addition, limited business hours (9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday) could be a constraint for some customers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus from reviews is that Citizens Photo offers excellent value and quality services, making it a trusted and recommended choice for film photographers in the Portland area.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Alan Johnson
The best camera/film shop I have ever done business with. To address the other complaints, they can DEVELOP film in 1 day. It’s the scans that’s getting everyone hung up. Scans take forever so of course there’s a long wait. But just developing, it’s usually next day. Pro tip: get a cheap scanner and scan your own; problem solved! I’m not aware of any of business able to do next day developing, that’s why I love Citizens. Incredible work and friendly staff. They have a good selection of new film releases there as well. Long standing Portland store that deserves the business. Great quality scans and friendly staff, next day turn around for developing. What more could you need. 5/5
Taylor Kurowski
I get my scans done here and they are quick and always so clean! Usually done pretty fast if they are a little bit longer wait time they’ll usually tell you as a heads up! Thanks guys!
Erin
The scans are good but have a long wait time. I was given an estimated time of 14 days to get my film developed and that seemed long but I decided to go for it anyway, I've had scans here before and I liked them! It ended up taking 24 days from when I dropped off my film to receive my scans. I completely understand that they are popular and very busy this time of year but a more accurate estimate would've been appreciated. I started to worry my film was lost or sent to the wrong email so maybe they can send updates if the service is taking longer than expected in the future. Thanks!
Anna Hopkins
Great prices and reasonable turnaround. I paid $12.50 for development and scans of my color 35mm film. They offer multiple resolution options if you want to have your film scanned and delivered digitally, but they also offer physical prints. Highly recommend Citizen's to anyone working with film, they do an awesome job.
Rylee Kopavi
I’ve been developing film and disposables at citizen for 4 years now and I can honestly say that they give me the best prints. I live in Seattle now and continue to mail down film to have it developed here. Can’t recommend them enough!
How to reach Citizens Photo
None
Website: None
Why rally at Citizens Photo with your friends? If you and your social circle appreciate the creative world of photography, analog film, or simply want a unique gathering place, Citizens Photo in Portland, Oregon, stands out as an exceptional spot to meet up. Rated 4.5 stars from over 250 reviews, this business combines expert film developing services with a welcoming atmosphere, making it more than just a photo lab. It offers a chance for groups to immerse themselves in the tactile, nostalgic experience of film photography, a hobby that's enjoying a passionate resurgence. Meeting at Citizens Photo means sharing a hands-on experience with friends or family, from dropping off your rolls of film to discussing the nuances of development and print quality with knowledgeable staff. It is an ideal environment to bond over photography, learn from each other, and appreciate the magic of analog imaging together. Additionally, Citizens Photo's reputation for professionalism and quality means your collective memories will be carefully preserved and beautifully produced. This blend of artistry, technical expertise, and a collaborative vibe makes it a distinctive venue for a meetup—whether you’re longtime film buffs or newcomers eager to explore a visually creative pastime in good company.
What activities does Citizens Photo offer that make it perfect for a group meetup? Citizens Photo specializes in E6 and C41 film developing, black and white film processing, archive scanning, photo restoration, and video services. For a group of photography enthusiasts, this means you can all bring various types of film and experience the development process together, observing how each roll is carefully treated from start to finish. The tactile and collaborative nature of watching your film being processed creates a lively environment for conversation and curiosity. Beyond developing, the photo restoration services allow groups to bring in old photographs and discuss the history behind them, turning the visit into an emotional and creative experience. Additionally, video services add another dimension to what the group can explore—whether it’s analog film moving pictures or digitizing old footage to share stories visually. The staff's expertise enables a rich educational experience as well, where groups can get practical tips on taking better photos, preserving analog formats, or understanding the technical aspects of film photography. For families or friends looking to spark creativity, exchange ideas, and enjoy a relaxing yet stimulating outing, Citizens Photo provides all the elements needed for a memorable gathering.
How does Citizens Photo’s environment foster connection and creativity in a group setting? Citizens Photo is known for its welcoming and professional atmosphere, crucial for hosting meetups. Whether you are dropping off film, picking up prints, or browsing through the archive scanning options, the space encourages interaction—not just between customers but between customers and staff who are passionate about their craft. This kind of environment nurtures curiosity and learning, making it ideal for groups who want to inspire each other or learn together. The collaborative aspect is amplified because film photography often involves storytelling—the stories behind the images, the techniques used, or the memories captured on film. Sharing these stories in a physical space designed around the art of photography adds layers of meaning to the social experience. Moreover, the convenience of the location with its accessible Portland address makes it easy for friends or family to rendezvous. The high rating of 4.5 stars further reflects consistent positive experiences, which translates to a dependable and pleasant venue for ongoing meetups or one-time gatherings.
What makes Citizens Photo different from other photography and film service providers? Unlike pharmacy chains or big-box retailers that offer quick passport photos or digital print services, Citizens Photo is dedicated to the deeper craft of analog photography. Clients come not only for convenience but because they want a quality, specialized experience backed by expertise—whether developing E6 slides, C41 color negatives, or black and white film. The business’s focus on archiving and photo restoration services elevates the creative possibilities for a gathering. Groups can explore old memories through restored photographs or scan negatives and slides to share digital versions, creating multi-generational experiences perfect for families. This specialization appeals to people who appreciate the artistry and patience required in classic photography, differentiating Citizens Photo as more than just a functional photo service location. For groups who want to celebrate analog photography culture or share a creative hobby, this business offers an authentic, retro-tinted experience that typical photo outlets cannot match.
Why is Citizens Photo a strategic choice for family and friends looking to combine creativity and fun? Beyond its technical services, Citizens Photo serves as an informal creative hub where families and friends can engage in a meaningful activity together. Bringing film cameras, sharing rolls of pictures, or bringing in photos for restoration invites storytelling and reminiscing. This collaborative spirit makes gatherings naturally more enriching and interactive than typical social outings. It also suits a broad range of ages and interests—from kids fascinated by old-school cameras to grandparents eager to preserve family photo legacies. The blend of education, nostalgia, and artistry creates a lasting impression that strengthens bonds and sparks ongoing hobbies. Additionally, its reputation for professionalism and quality ensures that the group’s efforts translate into tangible keepsakes that can be treasured for years. Hosting a meetup at Citizens Photo combines socializing, learning, and memory-making in a way few places can offer.
How do the reviews and reputation of Citizens Photo reflect its suitability for group meetups? With a stellar 4.5 rating based on 254 reviews, Citizens Photo has established itself as a trusted name in Portland’s analog photography scene. Users consistently praise the business for quick, professional film developing and excellent customer service. Positive reviews highlight how the staff’s knowledge and helpfulness create a stress-free and friendly experience. This consistent satisfaction underlines why it’s a reliable spot for groups wanting to enjoy a creative activity without hassles. Moreover, many reviewers mention the convenience of walk-in service and the quality of finished prints, reinforcing the ease of planning a group visit. While some employee reviews point to internal management challenges unrelated to customer experience, the business’s external reputation remains strong with customers. These endorsements suggest that groups looking for a dependable and engaging place to gather around a shared interest in photography will find Citizens Photo well-suited to those needs.
How accessible is Citizens Photo for group visits and what logistical benefits does it offer? Situated conveniently in Portland, Citizens Photo is easily reachable for locals and visitors alike, enhancing its practicality as a meetup spot. The walk-in policy means groups do not need extensive advance booking or formal appointments, allowing for spontaneous or planned visits with flexibility. The location is well known and straightforward to find, mitigating coordination challenges for friends or family coming from various parts of the city. Additionally, the business offers services that do not require customers to linger, such as quick passport photo sessions or rapid film drop-offs, making it adaptable to different meeting styles—whether your group prefers a quick photo run or a longer, more immersive analog film experience. This accessibility, combined with a welcoming environment, streamlines group gatherings and makes Citizens Photo an attractive option for an outing grounded in creativity and collective enjoyment.
Why is Citizens Photo an investment in shared memories and creative exploration? Choosing Citizens Photo as your meetup venue means investing in more than just a casual hangout. The services offered empower groups to capture, preserve, and celebrate moments through the unique medium of film photography. The hands-on nature and quality results create lasting memories—not only the photos themselves but the experience of creating and developing them together. It’s a space where creative exploration meets community, making it ideal for friends or family seeking a special way to connect beyond standard social activities. Whether delving into film developing, restoring old photos, or simply discussing photography techniques, Citizens Photo fosters a sense of accomplishment and shared passion that you can recall every time you look at the final prints or digital archives produced from your visit. For those valuing creativity and connection, meeting at Citizens Photo is an inspired choice.