Christopher Sturm

I met Christopher during a photo walk at the Milwaukee Art Museum in May of 22’. While working through our shoot and interview I found it easy to chat about photography and our lives outside of it. In the short amount of time we had I could see his excitement and knowledge was extensive. With this opportunity to share his thoughts, feelings, and life, I hope you get a sense of who Christopher is. Thank you for sharing this new opportunity with me and your fellow photographers.

The Photo Dept Lab

Established in Milwaukee Wisconsin, March of 2023 that offers a wide range of services from development to scanning.

They will also offer a very rare film development in ECN-2, this alone sets them apart from most local and regional labs. To see a full list of services visit

The Photo Dept Lab

You've got some big and exciting news. would you like to share it with us?

This month I’ve opened a film lab in Milwaukee.

What’s the name and does the name have a meaning?

Yes, I’m calling it The Photo Dept Lab to keep with the brand I’ve already built with my YouTube channel. It has a bit of history and I liked how it sounded.


What services are you providing?

We are doing the standard c-41 and b&w offerings, but we plan to focus on being a high-quality destination for E-6 slide film and ECN-2 cinema film processing as well.

Where did the idea come from to open your own brick and mortar store, was this always a dream of yours?

Honestly, I lost my job back in November and trying to find another job was a nightmare. I remember thinking “I’m miserable working these jobs, I should work for myself.” With a little encouragement from my girlfriend and a lot of research, I realized the film labs I knew of were all backlogged and busy, and it just made sense to me, as someone who has been processing all kinds of film for the better part of 20 years.


Why did you choose Wisconsin over your home state of California? 

Well, my gf is building her career here as a nurse. We moved her so she could go to nursing school, and we haven’t left yet. Milwaukee has a really amazing film community and I really want to support it. California has a bajillion film labs already.


Have you had any fear or doubt with starting this new journey? How have you learned to overcome these?

Of course there is some fear when doing something as big as this. I fear failure, I worry about the expenses. I worry about screwing something up. But then I realize that every great film lab, or company in general, had to start somewhere. Apple started in a garage.


This business speaks to your love of photography. Can you tell us your background and how you got started as a photographer.

I’ve shared this story before, but it goes back to my high school days, my sophomore year at a new school having registered late. I needed to pick an elective course and at that time there were only a few options, photography being one of them. Once I developed that first roll of Tri-X and saw my photos, I was convinced it was magic and I never looked back.


Can you describe your emotions about opening The Photo Dept Lab and what this means to you?

I am very proud, and very nervous. Mostly proud though. I’ve worked so hard and I’m really happy to be doing something that could be helping people. My goal is to provide support for the community, photographers anew and experienced.


Where do you see this opportunity taking you in the first year? First five years? 

God, I don’t know. I just hope this lab will be a positive addition to the community, and that it is embraced. I don’t know how I could possibly think of five years from now, I’ve been living week by week just getting this ready to launch. It’s been quite a journey already.


Anything else you’d like to share or add? 


Check out www.thephotodeptlab.com and @thephotodeptlab on Instagram.


This interview was conducted in Milwaukee, WI

Equipment & Film Used

  • Mamiya RB67 Pro S

  • Sekor C 90MM F/3.8 & Sekor C 65MM F/4.5

  • Fujifilm Pro 400H 120 & Fujifilm Reala 100 EXP 06/2015