Photographs are human things. When successful, they are made with empathy and curiosity that reflects back on the viewer, and, when there is enough passion, they can also furnish a lifetime of exploration that transcends generations. Efraín Gómez started Poder Fotográfíco (Photographic Power,) a photo shop in Bogotá, Colombia, in 1988. He had learned how to develop film and make prints working as a messenger in a photography lab at age 12, and he hasn’t stopped since. As many shops in Bogotá closed or converted to digital imaging over the years, Efrain has continued his analog practice in the heart of the city.

Andrés Ríos started getting film developed at Poder Fotográfíco a couple of years ago, and his relationship with the shop and local photography community has evolved ever since. Efrain recognized Andrés’s obsession with capturing the streets of Bogotá on film and took the time to show him his processes and provide a sanctuary to explore the craft. On any given day, you can find several people in the shop having coffee and reviewing photos.

Efraín has always had a strong distaste for viewing photographs on screen. For him, film and chemistry is what produces great images, and something is missing with modern technology. Many great Colombian photographers, including Leo Matiz, have solicited him for his knowledge of developing and printing.

Andrés’s pictures of Efraín relay sensitivity, joy, and friendship. Making photographs is the all-encompassing objective; everything else comes second. This shared revelry between the two is aptly caught on vibrant Kodak film, like snapshots from a family photo album.

Photo processing involves an acute sense of time, and being a photographer involves an acute sense of symbols. Momentousness is captured in a millisecond, and the printer stares down the timer to unveil the image. The value of each second is infinite.