Our Story

Photography has a unique way of holding on to a moment. A look, a feeling, a flash of light. We believe anyone can capture something meaningful with a camera, and we’re here to help.

The Black and White Box began in a garage in September 2017. With just a Noritsu V30 processor and a Fuji Frontier scanner, Lorenzo started out offering film drop-off points around Auckland. As demand grew, we moved to a small warehouse in Ellerslie, then to Newton Road in 2020.

In 2025, we joined forces with PCL Imaging and now operate from a shared space at 1 Morton Street, Auckland Central. Today, we’re a full-service photo lab with a friendly, knowledgeable team who live and breathe photography. We’re committed to offering high-quality services at fair prices and creating a space where ideas, creativity and conversations about film photography are always welcome.

Whether you’re after film, fine art printing, framing, a gift for a photography-loving friend or just some advice, we’re here for it.

Arthur N Rowe in Morningside by Aileen Chen for Penny Sage Autumn Winter ‘25 Nikon F4, Portra 400, 35mm Film developed by The Black and White Box “They do all sorts of sewing haberdashery and there is a guy who dyes fabric too. Kate’s longtime supplier

We made some frames for customer Andrew Burns and his upcoming photography solo exhibition ‘Process’. Handcrafted in a rich Rimu stained oak, this 20×30 frame features a 12mm wooden spacer, a glassless design, and hinge mounting for conservation-friendly display. Thank you, Andrew, for trusting us with your framing. Opening Night: 27th March 2026 6:00pm –…

Dog days of Summer. Nikon FM2, Portra 400 35mm. Captured by Alex McVinnie. Developed and scanned by The Black and White Box. Bring in your rolls and we’ll do the rest!

A quiet summer evening at the bach - Te Kohuroa / Mathesons Bay, 2022 Photographed by @em.ily.parr on Kodak Portra 400. Developed and scanned by The Black and White Box

Shared plates at Bharatiya Mandir Hindu Temple, Mount Eden, Auckland. Shot on Nikon FM2, Portra 400 35mm by photographer Alex McVinnie @alexmcv Developed and scanned by The Black and White Box.

Another day in the lab. The Black and White Box started in a garage in 2017 and today we’re a full-service photo lab at Morton Street. From film and darkroom printing to fine art, framing and advice, we’re here to support photographers with care.

HNY! We hope you’re making the most of Summer and taking your camera along for the ride. The lab is open and we’re ready for you to visit. Photos shot by Luke Foley Martin in Europe on his Olympus Mju II. Developed and scanned by The Black and White Box.

Meri Kirihimete from all of us at The Black and White Box. Thank you for your support this year, we look forward to seeing you when we reopen on the 12th January! Karekare on Kodak Portra 400 Photographed by @em.ily.parr and developed and scanned at the lab.

Meet The Team

Taken on the Wet Plate Collodion process using 4" x 5" plates

Lorenzo Thapliyal

Founder

Kimberley Estall

Production Manager

John Schroeder

Office Manager

Ngaru Garland

Film Technician

Isabelle Culpan

Print Technician

Ethan Menzies

Film Technician

Ziggy Bond

Print Technician

Serena Wolfkamp

Framing Technician

Friends and Family

Ikigai Camera

Vixen Vintage

Ikigai Camera is your go-to for anything analog related! Based in Melbourne, Australia, Ikigai is an experienced team of analog lovers who love keeping film affordable. Besides selling a massive range of film at great prices, they now offer one of the most comprehensive ranges of film processing services in Australia. If you’re ever across the ditch these are the guys to visit!

Vixen is a curated vintage boutique sourced exclusively from the vintage hot-spots of the world. Whether you’re looking to liven up your wardrobe, want some beautiful vintage accessories, or have a dress up party you want to look amazing for, Vixen gives you access to all of the legendary eras of clothing for amazing prices.

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Our Story