Mexico Analog Film Photography Project (mafpp)

Mexican flag in analog film photography from mafpp

MEXICO ANALOG FILM PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT (MAFPP)
Mission: Expanding access, affordability, and community for analog film photography across Mexico

Mission

MAFPP exists to make analog film photography products accessible and affordable throughout Mexico, not just in Mexico City and Monterrey. The commercial goal is sustainable growth for ArtByPino / Tienda Analógica Fotografía. The larger purpose is to remove price and availability barriers so more people—especially younger photographers—can participate, experiment, and connect with the national and global analog community.

Founder & Operating Context

I am a U.S. citizen and a permanent resident of Mexico, based in McAllen, Texas and CDMX, Mexico, with roots in India. I am on a path to become a Mexican citizen by 2029. I hold an RFC and comply with SAT monthly filings for e-commerce and cross-border operations.

The Mexico expansion began in early 2019 (after launching the U.S. business in October 2018). Proximity to the border made the pricing and selection gaps outside CDMX and MTY immediately obvious. The objective was straightforward: supply a wide range of films and chemistry at prices aligned with the Mexican economy, and bring new products to Mexico at the same time they launch in the U.S.

Current Status & Coverage

Over 70 film varieties available, plus chemistry and related products, distributed across Mexico.
Core/staple products are priced aggressively through partnerships with local shops and sellers who accept thinner margins on essentials; premium products carry normal margins for both parties.

Geographic progress (as of October 2026)

Teal locations represent places I have visited and where I have active buyers (estimated ~70% of the active analog community). Purple locations represent contacts already made that I intend to visit in person by the end of 2027. The standing goal remains covering all 32 states.

Mexico map with purple and blue markers for analog film photography project

Industry Challenge: Pricing Misalignment

Most manufacturers still set global prices primarily for the U.S. and European markets and expect other regions to absorb the difference. I regularly communicate Mexican economic realities to suppliers.

Kodak and Ilford black-and-white films remain excellent products, yet repeated outreach regarding market-appropriate pricing for Mexico has gone unanswered. This is a common point of frustration among peers in the region. As a small operator I can state this directly; larger partners often cannot.

Community Engagement: The Testers Project

Launched the first week of November 2024 and self-funded since inception (including paid social promotion beginning October 2024). No manufacturer funding is accepted so that testers remain free to give candid feedback.

How it works

Photographers across Mexico receive film, chemistry, paper, cameras, or other analog products delivered to their door at no cost. In return they provide:

Creative work that demonstrates the product under real conditions
Non-revocable permission for @artbypino and @tienda.analogicafotografia to share the images (with credit) under #mafpp and for marketing

Selection is based on profile review after open calls. Typical response volume is several hundred interactions within minutes. 5–15 photographers are chosen per round. Continued participation depends on following instructions and delivering usable results; non-compliant testers are replaced.

Eligibility (current criteria)

Instagram profile with a minimum of 1,000 followers
At least 75% of posts are analog film photography
Consistent tagging of film, camera, and developer
Photographer develops their own black-and-white and C-41 film (home or lab)

Standard Film Testing Guidelines - Important for Testers to Read

(Version 4.0 – October 22, 2026)

Agreement

Participation is voluntary. By accepting product you agree to:

Develop and scan the film using your own resources and time.
Grant non-revocable permission to @artbypino and @tienda.analogicafotografia to post your images with credit.
Follow the shot list, technical standards, and posting requirements.

In return you receive the materials at no charge. Occasionally you may also receive products that must be returned using a prepaid label we supply.

Purpose & Responsibility

You were selected because of the consistent quality, creativity, and commitment already visible in your work. That selection carries real responsibility. Your results will be seen by the Mexican analog community and, through #mafpp, by photographers worldwide. They will form part of how others judge the film, decide whether to try it, and understand its strengths and limitations.

Because you have already demonstrated the ability to produce strong work, you are trusted to deliver careful, well-exposed, thoughtfully composed images that genuinely showcase the film—not special effects or shortcuts. Honest commentary on what works and what does not is essential. The project is self-funded so that feedback remains independent; the expectation is that you treat the opportunity with the same seriousness you bring to your own photography.

Technical standards

Expose correctly. Prefer a calibrated handheld meter (Sekonic or equivalent). If using a phone app or uncalibrated meter, cross-check against a known-accurate meter and apply a consistent compensation.
Use a tripod and cable release for low-ISO or low-light work. Blurry frames will not be accepted.
No special effects, intentional light leaks, multiple exposures, or other techniques that obscure the film’s character. The film is the subject.

Required shot list

(35mm or 120; for 120, deliver the nine subjects—combine creatively if your format yields fewer frames than 6×6.)

Architecture – a significant local or regional landmark
Portraits – people or pets
Landscape
Lights – e.g., string lights, illuminated interiors or exteriors
Soft morning light
Harsh midday light
Frames that contain both strong shadows and bright highlights (dynamic-range test)
Blue hour / dusk – sun down, city lights on, not full night
Night exposures on tripod with remote release

Timeline

Post results within 14 working days of delivery. If you need more time, contact Pino before the deadline.

Posting requirements (exact order)