09/29/2026
READY FOR OUR GRAND OPENING?
October 16th & 17th — Gulf Coast Camera - Bradenton
Yes, we’ve been Gulf Coast Camera since July… but a LOT has changed since then! We’ve been working behind the scenes to expand what we offer, improve our services, and build something that we hope will become a bigger part of the local photography community.
So, October 16th is our chance to officially celebrate!
Here’s a look at some of what’s changed:
Staff
There was a minor staffing change, instead of losing people, we gained two new members!
Hours
For decades we have opened at 10 and closed at 6 Monday through Friday, with 10-2 on Saturdays. Our new hours are 9-6 Monday through Saturday. That means theres an extra 9 hours weekly.
CAMERA & LENS RENTALS
We now offer a growing selection of cameras and lenses for rent!
We're currently averaging around 3 rentals a week, and we'd love to expand the selection based on what our customers actually want to use. If there's a camera or lens you'd like to see available, let us know!
USED GEAR BUYING & TRADE-INS
This one is temporarily on pause.
We're currently working with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office to get our serialization software cleared and approved. It's taken considerably longer than we hoped, but we're optimistic we'll have it resolved soon.
FILM
We now stock a wide variety of different films, with our inventory intended for photographers—not scalpers. We want photographers to actually be able to get the film they need!
FILM DEVELOPMENT
Our other Gulf Coast Camera location has a processing lab for C-41, and we also have a source for black & white processing. Color processing is currently averaging about 2 weeks or less—a HUGE improvement from the month-long turnaround we were seeing when we first started! We are looking to eventually get our own processor.
PRINTING
We now offer bulk-order discounts on standard prints!
Our ordering system may look familiar, but some products have moved around. Be sure to use the drop-down menu to select the correct paper type when placing your order.
ART PRINTS
Art prints are temporarily no longer available through our easy online ordering system while we continue working through some of the website changes.
But we absolutely still offer them!
If you're interested in art prints, we highly recommend coming into the store to see the available papers and pricing. Textured papers especially don't translate very well to a digital ordering page, and seeing them in person makes a BIG difference. We are even working on getting our own metal printer!
THE STUDIO & CLASSES
One of the bigger changes we're looking at is repurposing our studio space for additional lab work and product space.
Don't worry—classes aren't going away! They'll simply be moving more toward on-location experiences, which opens up some really fun possibilities for photography classes and events.
And this is just the beginning.
We've been making changes, figuring out what works, listening to what photographers want, and building toward what we hope Gulf Coast Camera - Bradenton can become.
So come celebrate with us October 16th & 17th!
The name changed. We grew. And we're just getting started.
- Post written by Shelby
- Image made by Graphics team
