Good things take time to develop.
Stardust Photo proudly continues the legacy of Stockton’s trusted on-site photo lab, originally established by Tim Ulmer in 1999. After more than five decades serving photographers across the Central Valley, and building one of the region’s most respected independent photo labs, Tim has retired and passed the stewardship of the lab forward.
Now under the ownership of Saul and Prescilla, Stardust Photo brings a renewed passion for film photography and analog processes. Stockton Born & Raised, with over 10 years of photography experience and a deep love for the craft, they are dedicated to keeping film alive and accessible. They believe in sharing knowledge freely, supporting photographers at every stage, and continuing the kind of personal, local service that makes a true photo lab irreplaceable.
The lab itself remains at the heart of what we do.
As the last on-site photo lab operating between Sacramento and Fresno, this space has long been a place where film is developed, memories are preserved, and photographers of all levels can rely on expert, in-person service. Stardust Photo is committed to carrying that tradition forward. Maintaining the same high-quality processing, printing, scanning, restoration, and hands-on support that the community has trusted for decades.
Our services include C-41 color film processing, hand-developed black and white film processing, high-resolution film scanning, DSLR scanning, professional photo printing, negative and slide digitization, photo restoration, and more.
Whether you're developing your first roll of film, in need of restoration for old family photos, or seeking professional printing and guidance, Stardust Photo remains a place where photography is treated with craft, respect, and intention.
The name may be new, but the lab and its commitment to the community continues on.
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Photographer. Musician. Sees the beauty in everyone. Intentional.
My love for photography started in high school, thanks to my best friend (now wife), Prescilla. She introduced me to film photography with a Nikon SLR, where I learned the art of metering light, framing a shot, and eventually developing my own film in the darkroom.
What started as learning a new skill quickly became something much bigger. I fell in love with every part of photography. The technical side of light and composition, the character of film grain, and especially the anticipation of seeing an image come to life after it’s been developed.
Looking back, becoming a photographer and eventually owning a film lab feels like a natural continuation of where it all began. Film has always been more than just a medium to me; it’s a craft, a process, and a little piece of magic I’m grateful to be able to preserve.
DAILY DRIVERS:
Leica IIIF
Nikon F
Canon EOS IV (for events)
Favorite Film Stock: XX & Ektar 100
ABout P&S
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Artist. Florist. Small Business & Community Driven.
When I was about five, my Grandma gifted me a Barbie film camera, and I was instantly hooked. I loved taking photos so much that I was later gifted a Kodak point-and-shoot at 11. In high school, I discovered the magic of film photography and the darkroom, and fell in love with the intentionality of it all. The anticipation, the process, and that little rush of seeing your photos come to life after being developed.
DAILY DRIVERS:
Nikon F3 w/ Waist Level Viewfinder
Mamiya RB67 or Bronica S2
Olympus MJU
Favorite Film: Whatever 400 speed film is in our fridge
