We made a special trip to this gallery because a friend had a show there. We called ahead and spoke with a nice person (who we later determined was Michael). He verified that our friend's show was still going to be up (we were visiting on the show's final day). Well, do you like black and white photography? Then this is the gallery for you! It's clear as soon as you step in the door how dedicated LightBox is to excellence. It is quiet like a church and gives off a completely "serene" vibe. You feel like you can take all the time you want to look at each piece. No one is going to hurry you or disturb you. When Michael noticed how interested we were he gave us an impromptu viewing of some of the additionally exciting work in the flat file upstairs. Just a completely first-rate experience. read more

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They advertise on the sign selling film, and when asked he only had one option which was 20+year expired film and he only sold it in a package of 5. I asked him if he had photos proving it was good, which he dodged and closely explained it was amazing, then I asked again which he laughed and said no. I'm not going to buy 50$+ dollars worth of expired film with no proof it's good. Plus, when asked why he doesn't actually sell film he went on a rant why film has gone up and he refuses to sell it which I thought was odd as he advertises it and if sold he technically wouldn't be loosing money. I then asked where I could get it and he said no where and he doubted stores would have it on this part of the coast. I called Walgreens and Walmart nearby who both carried it, which I drove 7 mins down the road and picked up. It was 12$. It disappointed me I couldn't just pick up at the only camera store in Astoria. Weird hill to die on that he wouldn't carry something that's advertised ON HIS SIGN. Dude had hovering energy and followed me out the store ranting. read more

This is an art gallery dedicated to fine art photography. It's not huge, but large enough to nicely display the monthly themed shows. The owners (both photographers) take seriously the principle that photography is an art form and are helpful but not intrusive. The space consists of a lower display space for the monthly show, plus an upper level with a "permanent collection" and meeting space for photo-related events. The upper space is small, maybe 300 square feet. Because the shows rotate (perhaps unique among Astoria galleries), you may find work you love ... or not. This is why we always visit when we're in town, to see what's new. They also offer fine-art printing -- a.k.a., giclee or pigment printing -- as well as wet darkroom printing and rental. read more

An amazing gallery space run by two of the kindest and passionate people in the field. Michael and Chelsea are highly knowledgeable and talk about every single piece hanging in their gallery as if every artist is a personal friend. You can't get better than this. Workshops offered at Lightbox are amazing, as is their darkroom spaces! read more

We stumbled on this place after eating at the Indian place across the street. If you're into photography you should definitely stop by. The gallery appears to have been put together by someone with a good eye for detail. Nice interior and high quality photos (they also sell prints) that speaks well of how Astoria has transitioned in the last decade. Well worth a visit. read more