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.

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.

We are celebrating the first official day of summer with this photo by @alexmcv fishing on Aotea. Captured on his trusty Nikon FM2 with Portra 400 35mm. Developed and scanned by The Black and White Box. Drop off your summer rolls at the lab, in our 24/7 drop box, at Vixen or send them by…

Kia ora Team! Christmas is fast approaching, so here’s everything you need to know about our holiday hours! Cut-off dates to receive before Christmas: Film Processing - Tuesday 16th December Fine Art Printing - Saturday 20th December Photographic Printing - Saturday 20th December Framing - Tuesday 9th December December 26th & 27th, we are open…

Thank you to everyone who attended our opening night to celebrate our new premises at 1 Morton Street! We are honoured to have such awesome customers whose ongoing support enables everything we do. We also want to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors, whose involvement made the event possible. - The Black and…

From small touch-ups to complete transformations, our retouching and restoration service brings your images back to life. Whether it’s repairing damage, refining details, or carefully restoring old photographs, our team handles each file with precision and care. Get in touch to discuss your project info@theblackandwhitebox.co.nz

We had the pleasure of making some frames for Tess Walker Elliott and her exhibition held in the RM Gallery. These frames were made with Australian oak and oak spacers stained with Japan Black. Finished with our AR70 ArtGlass. Prelude by Tess Walker Elliott Exhibition: 22 October – 29 November 2025 at RM Gallery Prelude…

Kia ora all, We’ve been getting comfy in our new spot at 1 Morton Street, and it’s definitely time to celebrate properly, so we’re throwing our official opening party for our customers and community. Join us this Friday November 14th from 5pm at the lab for our opening party. Drinks sponsored by Almighty, Anew, Brothers…

Meet The Team

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

Lorenzo Thapliyal

Founder

Kimberley Estall

Lab 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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The Black and White Box has moved to 1 Morton St- Learn more

Our Story