KTSW Loves: San Marcos Film Lab

By Owen Hofbauer 

Promotions and Community Relations Member 

If you’ve ever thought about picking up photography, or more specifically, analog or film photography, the San Marcos Film Lab is the place to go. With all the necessary resources to start shooting on film, they provide high-quality print services, private photoshoots and a vast collection of VHS tapes and DVDs.  

Along with an intriguing collection of products and services, the owners, David Lane and Timothy Flaten, are both very welcoming, friendly and creative people. 

“The community here is my favorite thing about this place,” said Lane when asked about his favorite part of the film lab. “I like all the cool and unique people that stop in here; I’ve met lots of fun people working here.”  

Originally under the name Zablosky Film, Eli Zablosky opened the lab in 2023 after taking note of the growing scene of analog and film photographers in San Marcos, who were tired of driving to Austin to get their photos developed. It was then rebranded to San Marcos Film Lab in 2024 after a change of owners.

While it was originally opened out of convenience for Zablosky and San Marcos as a whole, it has developed into a staple of downtown San Marcos and one of my personal favorite spots to stop into, have a look around at some movies or just for a quick chat. 

My favorite thing about this place is the vast assortment of VHS and DVDs. I love consuming physical media, so seeing a store keeping physical media popular in 2026 is always a neat sight. They have a very strong selection of movies at very reasonable prices. If you like a movie and want to own it physically, odds are they’ll have it here, and for a reasonable price at that. This last visit in particular, I picked up Purple Rain and Fight Club on DVD for $4 a piece. 

Along with selling analog cameras and physical media, San Marcos Film Lab has a professional photography studio. The team has done wedding shoots, couples shoots and pretty much any other kind of photoshoot that you can think of. Additionally, they also run a print shop, where they can make high-quality prints in all kinds of sizes, whether you’re looking to get some of your photos printed or print out posters for wall décor. 

San Marcos Film has a unique atmosphere. It’s one of those rare spots where you can walk in with no plan and still end up staying for 20 minutes, even if you have little to no interest in photography or film. San Marcos Film Lab makes the world of analog photography feel accessible instead of intimidating, and they are always willing to answer your questions or walk you through the process of getting your photos taken and back to you as soon as possible. Whether you have questions about analog or film photography, need advice on a recommended camera or just want to chat about a movie you found on the shelf, Lane and Flaten are more than happy to assist.