Behind the Scenes at a Fine Art Photo Printing Lab
Behind the scenes at a Fine Art Photo Printing Lab in San Francisco
Ever wonder what it’s like to visit a photo lab?
From helping people create art to editing photos, scanning film, chatting about a print, and catching a whiff of darkroom chemistry, there’s always something new going on.
Now, go behind the scenes and explore daily life at Dickerman Prints – a modern photo lab in San Francisco.
We are moving!
After 10 wonderful years at our Howard Street location, Dickerman Prints will be moving at the end of December.
If you are in the San Francisco Bay area, please swing by for one last hurrah before we relocate.
Pop your favorite photos onto a thumb drive and use our carefully calibrated monitors to send your photos directly to our world-class photographic C printer.
Sip an organic espresso or tea while looking at your prints on our perfectly lit viewing tables.
Find inspiration by working in the same space as industry veterans, fine art photographers, hobbyists, phone shutterbugs, and more.
You have until December 23 to order DIY or Custom ‘C’ Prints.
Our long-loved Polielettronica Laserlab (the Polie) will not be moving with us.
That means you only have a few days left to create museum-quality ‘C’ Prints using our DIY or Custom printing services.
The good news is that we will be providing the same Print on Demand and DIY services that you are accustomed to, on our archival pigment printers. This service will now have the advantage of having a wide range of beautiful archival papers for you to choose from.
Key dates:
- The last day to get DIY or Custom Photographic ‘C’ Prints from our Polie is December 23.
- The Howard Street lab is closed to the public as of December 23.
- We will be open for pickups by appointment only from Tuesday, December 27, through Thursday, December 29.
- We will be hosting a moving sale by appointment from Dec 27-29.
- Our new location will officially open on January 3, 2023. More details on that to come
Dickerman Prints is Moving
Dear Friends,
After 10 years on Howard Street, Dickerman Prints is once again on the move! Our new home is in a considerably more peaceful location near Mission Dolores Park.
Much of our service will remain as it has always been, though there will be a few notable changes.
Our long-loved Polielettronica Laserlab (the Polie) will not be moving with us.
That amazing machine is 17 years old now (that’s 89 in printer-years) and is ready for a well-deserved retirement. We have always loved our type ‘C’ prints, and we will be sorry to see them go!
The good news is that we love our archival pigment prints as well (even more, actually), and will be providing the same Print on Demand and DIY services that you are accustomed to, on our archival pigment printers. This service will now have the advantage of having a wide range of beautiful archival papers for you to choose from.
More details will follow regarding the transition from type ‘c’ printing to archival pigment.
We will offer papers that render prints that look like our current ‘c’ prints, or like traditional fiber-based B&W prints. We will also offer a variety of more matte-surfaced fine art papers, with varying degrees of texture and “tooth”, with both natural and bright options.
The Polie will retire on December 23, 2022.
If you want to stock up on c-prints please do your printing before then!
We will still process and scan film … but …
We will still process and scan your film, but the actual processing will be done by Underdog Film Lab in Oakland. These film-loving industry veterans use Refrema dip-and-dunk machines, which are the gold standard in processors. You can still drop your film with us, and when the film is returned to us, we can scan it, proof it, or print it as you wish.
Thank you, Gabriel!
The final, and most deeply felt change is that the one and only Gabriel Aguilar will not be making the move. Garnell and I will do our best to fill his shoes, but he will be greatly missed! We are tremendously grateful for his 12 years at Dickerman Prints and wish him the very best.
We will continue to provide the highest level of service and quality, as we have since 1996.
We love making our customers’ work look its very best, and look forward to serving you in our new location for years to come.
Moving Sale Info
We will be having a sale in late December of whatever furniture, gear, and supplies that we will not be moving.
Seth’s photographs that are hung at the lab at present will be available as well, at Moving Sale prices.
How Dickerman Prints Changed My Life
This article was written by Greg Goodman – world traveling photographic storyteller, longtime lab patron, and marketing director at Dickerman Prints.
There’s a magical place in San Francisco where creativity runs free and artists can grow in ways they never imagined.
Dickerman Prints is a vortex where digital and analog photography coexist.
It’s a place where world-famous photographers and aspiring iPhone shutterbugs work side-by-side, inspiring and learning from each other.
Even though the darkroom is digital, the lab still uses traditional darkroom chemistry to create old-school C-Prints prints from 1’s and 0’s.
This place is one-of-a-kind!
Whether you’re an expert at post-processing or have never edited a photo in your life, the incredibly kind and patient staff are there to help guide you through the process.
Plus, the lab offers complimentary Mac workstations (regularly pre-cleaned for covid safety) where you can sit down at a computer and edit your photos in Photoshop or Lightroom while sipping on an organic espresso or tea.
Dickerman Prints changed my life
The year was 2010. I had just moved to San Francisco with my girlfriend (now wife) after a 9-month backpacking adventure across the world. I had a hard drive full of travel photos and dreams of becoming a professional photographer.
That’s when the universe introduced me to Seth Dickerman – on a job interview to become the lab’s marketing director. To say that the opportunity changed my life is an understatement.
For two years, I watched Seth, Garnell, Gabriel, and Laura edit, enhance, remaster, and reimagine countless photos.
Landscapes, cityscapes, portraits, old family photos, black and whites, vibrant colors, muted palates, film, digital … they worked their magic on everything!
Every time I looked over their shoulders, I learned something new. If I ever had any questions about their technique, all I had to do was ask. The best part about this generosity of information is that they readily offered it to anyone who walked in the door. I lovingly call this above-and-beyond service “The Dickerman Difference.”
The Dickerman Difference
The Dickerman Difference can be found in all the small touches.
In the countless reprints until every minute detail is perfect.
In the hours spent explaining the differences in inkjet papers — or in the effort put into even the most basic of scans. It’s evident in the ear-to-ear smile you get when holding a freshly printed photograph – and in the joy received when the complete stranger standing next to you compliments your work.
It’s tough being a photo lab these days.
The smartphone revolution made photo printing an afterthought for a large chunk of the population. Covid upped the ante – turning art into luxury that many believe they can’t afford.
Yet here we are … doing our best to stay alive when so many of our dear friends and colleagues have closed their doors. And thank goodness! Dickerman Prints really is the heart and soul of photography in San Francisco.
As for me, I owe more than I can ever express to Seth and the gang at Dickerman Prints.
I live in Santa Cruz now and dream of the day that I once take the scenic route up Highway 1, head to SF, and visit the lab. To surround myself with my lab family. To get inspired once again. And, to simply “be” in the most magical place I’ve ever know.
So thanks, Dickerman Prints. I truly, completely, and unabashedly love you!
About the Author
Greg Goodman is a photographic storyteller whose work has appeared in galleries, publications, airports, TV shows, and private collections around the world. To see his work, please visit Adventures of a GoodMan.
Greg also dreams of creating a tidal wave of joy, love, abundance, and positivity by getting as many people as possible to say YES! with him at 1:11pm PST each day.
Save 50% on POD + Other Coronavirus Updates
Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Clients,
We at Dickerman Prints send our best wishes to all of you in this unprecedented and challenging period!
With more time on our hands, art can be a welcome refuge. You may find this to be a good time for photography and photo editing, and we would like to help in any way that we can. Here's an update of how Dickerman Prints is addressing the Shelter in Place ordinance - and keeping our clients safe.
We are open for online orders only
To comply with the Shelter in Place ordinance, we will be offering limited services via phone consultation, online ordering, and delivery only. Please email or phone with any questions or concerns. We will be happy to be of any assistance that we can!
- We are maintaining our equipment in operating condition, and are able to do a lot for you remotely.
- We will be offering online tutorials. Reach out to learn more.
- You can send us print orders through our website, and film and other materials by mail or other delivery services.
Save 50% on Print on Demand Services
Our Print on Demand service is particularly appropriate for working from home, so as a means of encouragement we are offering it at half price during this period. Your prints will be mailed to you within 2 business days (depending on the availability of postal services). Here's how to get this special offer:
Click here to upload your files
Select "DIY C-Print" as your service type
Enter POD50 at checkout.
The Best Medicine Show to Debut Online
The Best Medicine Show, our juried show of photographs to help make you laugh will go on to open as scheduled, on Friday, April 1st. Yes, that’s April Fool’s Day!
Until the lab reopens to the public this will take place in an online gallery. Please stay tuned for details!
To those whose work has been accepted in The Best Medicine Show: we will still honor our offer to make your prints for you (8x10” or larger, depending on file size and show layout). Please send us the largest file that you have (without up-rezzing) both for printing and for online purposes.
Prize winners will be announced at the (online) opening. We hope that you can join us – that we can have some laughs together, even as we are apart!
We wish you health, happiness, and creativity!
~ Dickerman Prints
The Best Medicine Show
The Best Medicine Show
A Juried Exhibition of Funny Photographs
Opening Reception:
April 1 (April Fool’s Day), 6-8pm
Photograph by Jock McDonald
CALL FOR ENTRIES
We need to laugh now, more than ever, so Dickerman Prints is announcing a call for humorous entries that will lift our spirits and tickle our funny bones.
All genres and styles of photography are welcome, but remember: photographs will be judged primarily on how funny they are!
Photograph by Jock McDonald
Prizes
- Best of Show will receive a $500 gift certificate to Dickerman Prints.
- 4 honorable mention prizes of $150 gift certificates to Dickerman prints will also be awarded.
- Winning pictures will be exhibited at Dickerman Prints in the SOMA Arts District of San Francisco.
- Selections from the show will be featured in a special article in All-About-Photo.com
Jurors
- Ann Jastrab, executive director of the Center for Photographic Art, Carmel
- Stuart Kogod, owner and founder of Rayko Photo Center
- Seth Dickerman, owner and founder of Dickerman Prints
“Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.”
~ Lord Byron
Photograph by Jock McDonald
Entry Guidelines
The Best Medicine Show is open to all living photographers, worldwide, over the age of 18, working in all still photographic media. Works must be original.
- Deadline for submissions: March 8, 2020
- Entry Fee (non-refundable): $30/up to 3 images. $5/additional image up to 10 images.
- Limit 10 images per person:
- All entries must be jpegs or tiffs, not bigger than 2MB, longest side 1280 pixels
- Save files with artist’s last name, first name and title of image (Example: Marx-Groucho-Animal Crackers-1930.jpeg)
- For those submitting by mail or hand-delivering to Dickerman Prints, please download our submission form.
Photograph by Jock McDonald
Submission of Accepted Work
Accepted artists will be invited to send or deliver actual work. Artists may also choose to have Dickerman Prints, San Francisco’s premier photo lab, print your images.
For $20 per print, Dickerman Prints will make beautiful prints of your photographs that you will get to keep after the exhibition. 8×10″ or 8.5×11″ paper.
All works will be hung unframed.
“Keep laughing. As long as you’re laughing you still have hope.”
~ Moe Howard
Photograph by Jock McDonald
Delivery & Return Schedule
- March 8, 2020 – Deadline for submissions. Late submissions will not be reviewed.
- March 10, 2020 – Notification sent by
- March 14, 2020 – Deadline for receipt of digital files if Dickerman Prints is printing your image(s) for the show
- March 25, 2020 – Deadline for receipt of works (late submissions or substitute images will not be hung)
- April 1 – June 1 – Exhibition on view
- April 1, 2020 – Opening reception at Dickerman Prints, 5:30-7:30pm (yes, April Fool’s Day!)
- June 10, 2020 – Pick-up hand-delivered work
- July 1, 2020 – Works shipped by
Enter Now
Artists will be notified by email on March 8, 2020
Our Mission Dolores Park location is open by appointment only
Our friendly staff loves to share their expertise and experience. Come in, load up your photos on a Mac workstation, sip on an organic espresso or tea, and let us help you create the perfect print.
We’re always here to help
(415) 252-1300
[email protected]
Monday: 10 – 6
Tuesday: 10 -7
Wednesday: 10 – 6
Ask us anything
Your Local San Francisco
Photo Lab
© Dickerman Prints Photo Lab
Website design by Goodman Creatives
Printing Music's Biggest Legends at Dickerman Prints
As one of rock ‘n’ roll’s preeminent photographers, Ethan Russell chronicled the everyday life of music’s most iconic faces: both on stage and off.
Keith Richards Exits “The Starship” 1972 US Tour. Photograph by Ethan Russell Copyright: © Ethan Russell
Ethan Russell's Career as a Rock & Roll Photographer
During a storied five-decade career, Russell photographed Janis Joplin, Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, k.d. lang, Audioslave, The Doors, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, to name a few. He also is the only artist to shoot album covers for The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who.
Astonishingly, much of Russell’s music photography went unseen for nearly 30 years. Only recently have these historic images been dusted off, scanned, restored and printed.
Long removed from his darkroom days, Russell now prints his iconic images at Dickerman Prints: a custom photo lab in San Francisco. By fusing digital technology with traditional darkroom techniques, the lab creates timeless prints on extraordinarily elegant papers.
John Lennon and Yoko Ono “Cat” Photograph by Ethan Russell Copyright: © Yoko Ono. All rights reserved. Used with permission 
Linda Ronstadt. “Hasten Down the Wind.” Malibu 1975. Photograph by Ethan Russell. Copyright: © Ethan Russell
Creating Timeless Photographic Prints With Seth Dickerman
Recently, Ethan Russell and Seth Dickerman sat down for an interview with Rangefinder Magazine. What follows is an excerpt from the article.
"Back in the days when Russell lived in England, he worked with a lab run by a father and son who did traditional gelatin silver prints. Years later when he moved back to San Francisco, he couldn’t find a local printer who could match the quality of their analog work. “It was always a struggle,” Russel recalls. Whenever he needed a print, he flew down to Los Angeles. Then, in 2011, he was introduced to Dickerman Prints, a full-service San Francisco lab founded in 1996 by Seth Dickerman, that had switched to digital process in 2007.
“I was nervous about it,” Russell says of trying digital prints. The first piece Dickerman produced for him was a 30x40” print of Keith Richards in rehearsal, a memorable shot. Richards was beyond pleased with the result. “As soon as I saw it,” he says, “I decided I could move away from analog printing.” He’s worked with Dickerman exclusively ever since.
“We work together, but Seth has a determination and patience that I sometimes lack,” Russell admits.
Russell is in the lab with Dickerman at least once a week, if not more. Depending on demand, Dickerman Prints may produce a single 8x10-inch print for a collector in a week, or up to 60 images for an exhibition.
“Seth will take an image and make it better. He understands the direct relationship between the digital file and the paper.”
Gabriel Agiular, Garnell Boyd, Seth Dickerman and Ethan Russell (left to right)
Choosing the Perfect Paper for Ethan Russell's Rock Legends Photography
While preparing for a recent, Russell wanted something other than his typical framed or mounted prints. The weight of Entrada Rag Bright allowed his large-format photographs to be hung using magnets, while ensuring the print would not ripple when exposed to the elements.
This simple and elegant solution left the prints uncovered, allowing the viewer to truly appreciate the stunning images without distraction.
After seeing the results, Russell is excited to continue using Entrada Rag Bright for future shows. He especially loves how the paper brings out the best in both color and black and white photographs. The Beatles would certainly have approved!
Click here to see more of Ethan Russell's work.
Ethan Russell's photography - printed on Entrada Rag Bright and on display at the 501 Gallery in Sherwood Park, Canada 
The Rangefinder article on Ethan's career and his collaboration with Seth Dickerman - as seen in the January 2017 issues
Daily Life at a Photo Printing Lab - a behind the scenes tour
ever wonder what it's like to work at a photo lab?
From helping people create art to editing photos, scanning film, chatting about a print and catching a whiff of darkroom chemistry, there's always something new going on.
Now, go behind the scenes and explore daily life at Dickerman Prints - a modern photo lab in San Francisco.
PHOTOGRAPHY, HISTORY, ESPRESSO & MORE
In addition to being a photo lab, Dickerman Prints is a gallery, coffee shop (complimentary, of course!), photographic history museum and an inviting place to learn how to create the best prints possible.
Start off your visit with a cup of organic espresso or tea in our communal area.
Take some time to enjoy the fine art photography displayed on our walls.
Chat about the latest trends in photography ... or peruse 70 years of photographic magazines.
Then, finally, settle down in your own calibrated workstation to edit and print your photographs using our DIY service.
YUP! WE STILL PROCESS FILM
Part of being "your darkroom for the digital age" means that we still provide traditional C-41 film processing in both color and black & white. Each roll of film is individually developed with fresh chemistry, ensuring that your precious film gets the very best ... every time.
This is our Wing-Lynch C-41 film processor ☟
HI-RES SCANNING
Our wide range of scanning options are the perfect way to breath new life into an old image! From film to slides, existing prints, flat art and even large paintings, our expert staff is ready to create high-quality digital files from your analogue originals.
IMACON SCANNING FLATBED SCANNING DURST SIGMA PLUS SCANNING
HEIDELBERG DRUM SCANNING LARGE FLAT ART REPRODUCTION
CUSTOM & DIY C-PRINTING
USING THE WORLD'S BEST PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTER!
Our world-class Polielettronica Laserlab "Polie" digital C-printer is the best of both worlds — using digital technology to emulate the darkroom process ... in under 8 minutes!
First, red green and blue lasers activate the photographic paper, which embeds your image into the very fibers of the paper. Next, your print travels through a traditional bath of darkroom chemistry and a high-powered dryer.
Finally, your beautiful new print drops into a wooden tray — dry, ready to hang and of the highest possible quality.
Should you want to manage the process yourself, our DIY service allows you to use the Polie to your heart's content. Or, if you would rather give us a file and let us work our magic, we also offer custom printing services.
ARCHIVAL PIGMENT PRINTING
Whether you want to go BIG or just want a wider selection of papers, our custom Archival Pigment Printing is the way to go.
Sometimes called Giclée or inkjet printing, our Epson 11880 printer represents the state of the art in pigment printing. It’s 64-inch wide paper path allows the creation of prints up to 64×96 or larger.
Additionally, our expert staff will ensure your image is optimized for the paper of your choice ... and that you're completely happy with your print.
THE PERFECT PAPER FOR YOUR PRINT
We offer a carefully selected set of archival papers and canvas designed to provide the very highest quality across a variety of finishes and textures: perfect for fine art and commercial applications.
Not sure what paper might suit your image best? Let us help!
Whether it be a DIY print, custom print, or a pigment print, our team loves to help customers achieve the best possible print.
Here's Gabriel working with a customer to get the colors in her image just right.
WE LOVE OUR CUSTOMERS!
One of the most rewarding parts of working for a fine art photo lab is seeing all the wonderful images that come out of our printers! There's always something new ... and we love seeing the smile that comes across someone's face when they first see their new print.
ENSURING PERFECTION
We love to have fun at Dickerman Prints. We also take our work very seriously, and demand perfection from every print we produce. From start to finish, our expert staff ensure that every pixel and inch of your photograph is the best it can be.
DICKERMAN PRINTS GALLERY
In addition to being a photo printing lab, Dickerman Prints Gallery is dedicated to exhibiting and promoting the work of our vibrant photographic community.
With subject matter as diverse as the artists we serve, past exhibitions have featured some of San Francisco's most well-known photographers. Additionally, we regularly curate group exhibitions ... and our gallery is home to an always-rotating collection of fine art photography.
Interested in seeing more?
Come on by!
Pip-UP Show at Dickerman Prints - Sept 26th!
NO JURY! - NO CATALOG! - PRIZE?… YES!
Pin-Up Show
Opening: Friday, Sept 26th (6-9pm)
@Dickerman Prints
1141 Howard St.
Dickerman Prints, a full-service custom photo lab in San Francisco’s South of Market district, is pleased to announce a one night audience participatory photo show where viewers are encouraged to bring their favorite prints and pin them the wall with 50% of sales benefiting the SF non-profit “Sixth Street Photography Workshop” which brings photography to the residents of SF’s hotels and shelters on the Sixth Street corridor. The other 50% of sales going to the photographer. An opening reception will be held Friday, Sept 26th from 6 till 9pm.
There is no cost to participate, and all are welcome. Bring a favorite print (or prints under 16”x20”), and we’ll provide the magnetic pins for you to hang them with. Price your photo(s) accordingly. Browse others’ works on display while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine or a cold beer and mingle with local photographers. Buy a print from another photographer, if you wish. Your money will help to support “6th St Photography Workshop” which brings the art of photography to the homeless and transient residents living in the 6th St corridor. A great evening socializing with other Bay Area photographers and helping to support a wonderful local organization! Plus, maybe you’ll sell a print or two!
Viewers will also choose a photo to win a “Viewer’s Choice” printing package prize worth $200 redeemable at Dickerman Prints.
--
Pin-Up Show
Opening: Friday, Sept 26th (6-9pm)
@Dickerman Prints
1141 Howard St.
About “Sixth Street Photography Workshop”
Sixth Street Photography Workshop works primarily with adults. Its photographers understand the challenges of high crime inner-city neighborhoods. They live in Single Resident Occupancy hotels, transitional housing, and have been homeless. In the photography workshop, they pursue personal work, and participate in artistically directed group projects. Sixth Street Photography Workshop has established a productive artistic community within a stratified population, and is devoted to continuing its growth.
About Dickerman Prints
Dickerman Prints is a full-service custom photo lab in San Francisco, producing photographic and archival pigment prints to the highest standards. Their Polielettronica Laserlab, a state-of-the-art silver halide photographic printer and processor, is also available for D.I.Y. printing. Customers are free to use one oft four Macintosh workstations, or work online directly from their studios. Dickerman Prints loves to offer guests complimentary organic espresso and teas.
A Look Inside the Polielettronica LaserLab Photographic Printer
Dickerman Prints photo lab in San Francisco is home to the world's best photographic printer, the Polielettronica LaserLab. For the first time, take a look inside as the printer's lasers activate photographic paper before sending it through a traditional bath of chemistry.
A state of the art silver-halide photographic printer and processor and the perennial winner of industry Best Photographic Printer awards, the Polie uses modulated red, green and blue lasers that converge to expose light onto photographic paper in as little as 15 seconds with perfect edge to edge quality and up to 281 trillion colors.
After the lasers have quite literally painted the image with light, the Fujicolor Crystal Archive paper goes through a series of precisely controlled chemicals to develop, bleach and stabilize the print. When the paper exits the Polie, this truly photographic print is dry, ready to hang and fade-free for at least 100 years. The quality of this process speaks for itself. But how is the quality? According to Polielettronica, "the word compromise does not exist... the maximum in terms of quality and productivity are the only possible targets."
At Dickerman Prints, we love using our Polie for custom photographic printing. Our Print on Demand service makes this remarkable printer directly available to our customers to do their own printing. To learn more, please click here.
"Summer in the City" Contest Winner!
@sherese_romo wins our "Summer in the City" contest with this Instagram entry titled "Urban Fever" which is what we city dwellers get from time to time. @sherese_romo wins herself four 8x10 C prints of her choosing. Thanks to all who tagged their images #dickermanprints to enter!