From Volunteer to Photographer: My Experience with WSCA’s Unique Studio
Looking to get closer to the local arts community, I started volunteering for WSCA here in Portsmouth. The job they gave me was to listen to all the new music people had to submitted to the station for going on-air. While giving it a true effort, it quickly became apparently that I didn’t have much of an ear for new music. So instead, I offered to help out with my camera and discovered they needed updated photos of the building. I saw this as an excellent opportunity to capture the station’s eclectic, community-grown nature and visually express its unique personality.
My goal was to highlight the various stickers, ornaments, and tchotchkes that decorate the studio, as these items reflect the diverse individuals who have contributed to the station over the years, making it the lively community hub it is today.
One of the challenges I faced was ensuring the space looked presentable while maintaining its authentic charm. The studio wasn’t exactly “camera-ready,” with storage boxes and other items cluttering the working space. I had to move these around to avoid distractions, while keeping the authentic, lived-in feel of the studio. For instance, the vacuum cleaner next to the piano. While normally I would move this out of the way, I loved that this is where that vaccum lived. So let’s leave it!
The Button Factory stage, with its bold red curtains and eclectic decor, became a focal point for the shoot. I wanted to capture the stage as the centerpiece of the station, where community events and performances bring people together. The space exudes a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and I aimed to reflect that in my photographs.
Overall, this project allowed me to delve deeper into the WSCA community, showcasing the station’s dedication to fostering local talent and providing a platform for diverse voices. Through my lens, I hoped to convey the spirit of collaboration and creativity that defines WSCA.
For those interested in seeing more of my work or learning about WSCA, please visit their website at WSCA. And as always, follow me on Instagram @kevinedgephotography for more updates on my photographic journey.