For the past seven years, we’ve partnered with Beers & Cameras to create unforgettable meetups for the film community, and each year has been better than the last. This year is particularly special as we’re heading to San Diego, the birthplace of Beers & Cameras!

We’re excited to offer a fantastic lineup of events, including a photo walk through Balboa Park, a Beers & Cameras meetup at Original 40 Brewery, and a special celebration at Miraki. At Meraki, you can enjoy an open bar, a pizza buffet, and plenty of great giveaways.

We’re also thrilled to announce that we’ll have some special guests joining us, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. These events are the highlights of our year, and we can’t wait to share them with you. See you there!

Please note that each event requires a separate signup as there are limited tickets available, and they will go fast! Sign up below to secure your spot.

September 20th, Friday, 6-9pm

Join us at the Beers & Cameras meet up at Original 40 Brewery in North Park, where we’ll be making a special announcement. This event is officially sold out so if you didn’t get a ticket, the overflow location is North Park Brewery on 3038 University Ave, which is very close to Origional 40 Brewing Co.!

September 21st, Saturday, 1pm-3pm

Join us for a Balboa Park photowalk! We’ll gather at the Bea Evenson Fountain, and once everyone has arrived, we’ll embark on a one-mile walk through the park, stopping at several scenic locations along the way. This photowalk is open to 300 participants, so don’t miss out! For more information and tickets, click the link below.

Tickets & more info here!

September 21st, Saturday, 6pm-9pm

Don’t miss out on this special finale to the weekend at Meraki Restaurant! This isn’t just another meetup—it’s an elevated experience. For just $25, enjoy a pizza buffet, cash bar, and exclusive giveaways, including a Pentax 17 & a Pentax 67 and film bundles from FPP, Kodak, Ilford, Lomography, Moment, and more. With only 200 tickets available, be sure to grab yours before they’re gone—click the link below! Tickets will be scanned before entry, and that’s when you’ll receive your raffle tickets!

Tickets & more info here!

Event Essentials:

As you prepare for the upcoming film photography event in San Diego, here are a few tips to ensure you have a great time:

1. Keep an Eye on the Weather: Late September in San Diego usually brings pleasant weather, with average highs around 75°F and lows around 65°F. However, it’s always smart to check the forecast as the event approaches so you can dress accordingly. Layers are your best friend—bring a light jacket or sweater for the evening.

2. Comfortable Walking Shoes & Sunscreen: This event involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen. You’ll be exploring some of San Diego’s most photogenic spots, and you’ll want to stay comfortable and protected from the sun.

3. Bring Plenty of Film(duh): There will be countless opportunities to capture stunning images, so bring more film than you think you’ll need. Whether you’re shooting 35mm or 120, it’s always better to have extra on hand and of course, we’d love to see your photos so be sure to tag us, @thedarkroomlab / #thedarkroomlab_SD24!

4. Hotel Recommendations: If you’re coming from out of town, here are some budget-friendly hotel options in San Diego that offer great value:

Kings Inn San Diego: A retro-inspired hotel with comfortable rooms and easy access to major attractions.
The Atwood Hotel: Located in Mission Valley, it’s a great central spot with modern amenities.
Old Town Inn: Situated near Old Town, this cozy hotel offers a quaint stay close to historic sites and restaurants.
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown: A convenient and affordable choice with easy access to the Gaslamp Quarter and other downtown attractions.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld/Zoo Area: Offers great value and is a short drive from Balboa Park and other key locations.

Follow @thedarkroomlab & @beersandcameras for updates!

The Darkroom Film Crew:

Caleb Knueven – IG @calebkneven – YT Bad Flashes

Caleb was born on the fringe of society, destined to explore the abandoned world around, longing for the stories that seep from the peeling painted walls! Photography is exploration, is freedom, is life! He loves long walks on the beach with his M6, a finely crafted cup of coffee, atomic fireball candies and BBQ just to name a few.

Taylor Pendleton – IG @trmpendleton – YT graincheck

Taylor is a film and digital photographer based in the USA. She runs a photography YouTube channel and works on various productions with Sunny Sixteen as a director and photographer. Her career has been varied and full of opportunities to shoot different things, in different ways, all around the world. Right now, she’s most interested in black-and-white film and colorful studio portraiture.

Jason Kummerfeldt – IG @50_shades_of_jason YT GrainyDays

Beloved by few and hated by most, Jason Kummerfeldt is a California-based YouTuber and “photographer” with almost a decade of film photography under his belt and nothing good to show for it. He also owes me money.

Juan Martinez – IG @beersandcameras

Juan Carlos Martinez is a passionate photographer who rediscovered his love for the craft after the birth of his kids. He founded Beers and Cameras (B&C) along with friend, Pocholo Francisco, after organizing casual meetups with friends at coffee and craft breweries via Instagram. Now with chapters across the U.S., B&C has become a community for photographers who love connecting with like minded individuals, over a beverage and discussing all things photography. Emphasizing the community with a goal of fostering lifelong friendships, B&C welcomes both film and digital photographers. B&C partners with like-minded brands to promote a shared passion for photography and the motto to “shoot every day.”

We’re thrilled about this event and can’t wait to see everyone there! If you can’t make it this time, don’t worry – we regularly host meetups like this and are always on the lookout for new spots. Let us know where you’d like us to host the next one!

What type of film do you have?

Your photos on cool stuff.

Preserve Your Tapes and Film Today!