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Neptune Photo

The Neptune Journal

Film photography how-tos, camera guides, and tips from our Garden City photo lab.

Best Film for Low Light and Night Photography
Film PhotographyHow-ToKodak

Best Film for Low Light and Night Photography

Shooting film after dark is absolutely doable — you just need the right stock. From Portra 800 to Cinestill 800T to pushed HP5, here's what to load when the light runs out.

July 1, 20265 min read
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35mm vs 120 Medium Format Film: What's the Difference?
Film PhotographyHow-To

35mm vs 120 Medium Format Film: What's the Difference?

They're both film, but they're very different experiences: 35mm is cheap, forgiving, and everywhere; 120 gives you negatives several times larger with detail that's hard to believe. Here's how to choose.

June 30, 20264 min read
Passport Photos in Garden City, NY — Fast, Compliant & Same-Day
ServicesPhotography

Passport Photos in Garden City, NY — Fast, Compliant & Same-Day

Need a passport photo that actually meets the government's requirements? Skip the grocery store kiosk — here's why professional photography makes a difference.

June 30, 20264 min read
Mirrorless vs DSLR: Which Should You Buy?
CamerasBuying Guide

Mirrorless vs DSLR: Which Should You Buy?

Mirrorless cameras get all the new technology, but used DSLRs have never been a better value. Here's an honest breakdown of how they differ and which one fits how you actually shoot.

June 29, 20264 min read
Used Camera Buying Checklist: What to Inspect Before You Buy
CamerasBuying Guide

Used Camera Buying Checklist: What to Inspect Before You Buy

A used camera can be the best value in photography or a very pretty paperweight. Here's the exact checklist to run through — shutter, lens, meter, seals — before you hand over your money.

June 28, 20265 min read
Film Development at Neptune Photo: What Happens to Your Roll
Film DevelopmentServices

Film Development at Neptune Photo: What Happens to Your Roll

You've shot a roll of film — now what? Here's exactly what happens from the moment you drop it off at our Garden City lab to when you pick up your scans.

June 28, 20264 min read
Best Film Cameras for Beginners (2026)
CamerasFilm Photography

Best Film Cameras for Beginners (2026)

You don't need an expensive or exotic camera to learn film photography — you need one that's reliable, easy to meter with, and cheap to feed. These are the cameras we recommend to first-time film shooters.

June 27, 20265 min read
Film ISO Explained: When to Use 100, 200, 400, and 800 Speed Film
Film PhotographyHow-To

Film ISO Explained: When to Use 100, 200, 400, and 800 Speed Film

ISO is the single most important decision you make when choosing a film stock. Get it right and your shots will be sharp, clean, and properly exposed. Get it wrong and you're fighting the light all day.

June 25, 20265 min read
Canon AE-1 Beginner's Guide: How to Use Film's Most Iconic Camera
CamerasCanon

Canon AE-1 Beginner's Guide: How to Use Film's Most Iconic Camera

The Canon AE-1 changed everything when it launched in 1976 — and 50 years later it's still the go-to recommendation for anyone picking up a film camera for the first time.

June 22, 20265 min read
How to Shoot Kodak Gold 200: Settings, Tips & Best Scenarios
Film PhotographyKodak

How to Shoot Kodak Gold 200: Settings, Tips & Best Scenarios

Kodak Gold 200 is one of the most forgiving and versatile 35mm films available today — here's everything you need to know to get the most out of every roll.

June 18, 20264 min read