From Film to Digital: The Story and Passion Behind Michelle Peña Photography- Victoria,Texas Photographer

Did You Know This About Me? My Journey from Film to Digital Photography

Every photographer has a story, and mine began long before the days of digital cameras and online galleries. Back in my early 20s, I worked at our local Ritz Camera here in Victoria, Texas (back when we had one!). It’s where I first discovered the beauty and precision behind photography — not just taking pictures, but truly understanding what happens behind the scenes.

Film Cameras to Darkrooms - From Victoria, Texas Photographer

At that time, everything was still film. Digital cameras were just beginning to make their way onto the market, and most people brought in rolls of film to be developed. Ritz Camera didn’t just handle film processing — it was also where people came to buy their first cameras. The big brands back then were Nikon, Canon, and Minolta. (Today, it’s more like Nikon, Canon, and Sony — no specific order!)

I’ve always been a Nikon girl — I love the rich colors, contrast, and timeless tones that Nikon cameras produce. Of course, that’s a personal preference, but it has stayed with me since those early days surrounded by film and prints.

Inside the Photo Lab

Working in the lab taught me so much about what goes into creating a quality print. I developed film, processed slides for hospitals, and spent plenty of time in the darkroom, where each image came to life. I didn’t mix the chemicals myself, but I learned how a professional lab operates — testing and replacing chemicals regularly, and calibrating machines daily to ensure every photo had accurate color and perfect balance.

That experience left a lasting impression on me. It’s why, to this day, I always recommend that my clients print through a professional photo lab. The difference in quality truly shows. Professional labs maintain their equipment, monitor color calibration, and care for your prints with the same level of detail I saw firsthand all those years ago.

The Digital World We Live In

Fast forward to today, and we live in a very different world — one that revolves around digital images. And I completely understand why! Digital files are essential for preserving and sharing memories, and every package I offer includes high-resolution digital images for that very purpose. They allow you to store, share, and enjoy your photos for years to come.

But even though I love the convenience of digital, I still believe there’s something truly special about holding a printed photograph in your hands.

Why Prints Still Matter

There’s just something about flipping through an album or seeing your favorite photo framed on the wall that feels different — more personal and more real. It’s a bit like reading a physical book instead of a digital one. You can feel the pages, the texture, the weight of it — and that tactile experience makes it meaningful.

That’s exactly how I feel about printed photographs. They carry emotion. They last. They remind us that our memories deserve to be seen, touched, and cherished — not just stored away on a screen.

That’s why I also offer professional print options right from your gallery. You get the best of both worlds: the convenience and security of digital files, and the timeless beauty of printed keepsakes.

In the End

Looking back, I’m so grateful for those early years at Ritz Camera. They gave me not just technical knowledge, but an appreciation for the art and care that goes into preserving memories the right way.

So whether you choose to download your digital images or fill your home with framed prints, remember — your memories are meant to be enjoyed, shared, and passed down. Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey! From your Victoria, Texas photographer.

Sincerely, Michelle Pena