While the convenience of digital archives is undeniable, let’s not overlook the actual, timeless value of your negatives. They aren’t just physical remains; they’re the core of your photographs. In other words, they are your ultimate backup!

As photographers, one of our main concerns is the archiving and preserving our work. That’s why we’ve updated our shipping-back process, so you can have your memories preserved forever.

YOUR NEGATIVES MATTER

Around 70% of negatives are left behind, forgotten, or unclaimed at the lab. Beyond the logistical challenges, there’s an environmental concern too; the process of sleeving negatives requires plastic and valuable team resources. 

Yet, these negatives hold immense potential—film is not designed to be a mere disposable product but a source of enduring memories for future generations.

With proper preservation, film can safeguard images for over 50 years. We firmly believe that your memories should remain close, for they not only connect you to the past but also serve as a legacy for future generations to cherish and see you as you are today!

So, if some day you lose your digital archive, you already know what your ultimate backup is 😉

WHAT’S NEW?

We introduce you our newest Order Form. Now you’ll be able to select what do you want us to do with your negatives: immediate return, shipment in 90 days, 365 archive or recycle.

Ship them back

You can ask for an immediate return of your negatives (9€) or for a shipment within 90 days (6€). You can always ask us to compile your projects and send them together!

365 Archive

For those who shoot frequently, we want to offer the option of storing your negatives at the lab for a while, so we can group your projects together at the end of the year and ship them back to you—again, optimizing shipping efficiency.

We will store your negatives for 1 year at the lab for 3,65€ per project.

Throw them away (recycle)

If you’re 100% certain you won’t need your negatives ever again, let us know upfront to avoid unnecessary plastic sleeve usage. We will send them off to the recycling plant directly. This option is free of charge.

HOW DO WE SHIP THEM?

Shipping plays a huge part in our everyday activities, just like in many other businesses. That’s why we make this process as green as it can be. In our partnership with DHL, all shipments from the lab are done with their sustainable package, GoGreen. Carmencita works under the highest level of the GoGreen program, which compensates up to 70% of the carbon footprint of every shipment.

We’ve seen over the years that most returns are not urgent, so we’re using DHL’s Global Mail service to send your negatives (fully tracked) via the Deutsche Post network. This translates to the best possible service optimization at the most affordable price. Although expected delivery dates within the EU range from 4-6 business days, this method is the most effective in the event of a negative return.

NOTE: All our Develop Only services will still be shipped by DHL Express GoGreen since we understand that in those cases, the rush is higher to get the negatives back.

KEEPING YOUR MEMORIES WITH YOU

Our goal is that your negatives age by your side, preserving your priceless memories at home. We often underestimate how valuable things will be in 20, 30, 40 years, especially images. Keeping your negatives at home is a way to ensure they will be passed on to future generations within your loved ones.

TIP: If you want to keep your negatives but don’t know how to keep them organized, check out our post on How to Archive Your Negatives in collaboration with Wesley Verhoeve explaining every detail step by step.

Check our Terms & Conditions for all details on our services.