VSCO Spaces helps my creativity by showing me new photos and people through fun and interesting sub-communities.
Brian White has been sharing his photography on VSCO since 2014. Not landmarks or perfect light, but the chairs, cars, and corners most people walk past without a second look. What started as a personal practice became something more when he began using VSCO Spaces to open his way of seeing to others.
His spaces, including Take A Seat, Cars + Casas, and Unmethodical, now bring together thousands of photographers from around the world, all drawn to the same idea that the most interesting photograph is often hiding in plain sight. We sat down with Brian to talk about simple themes, unexpected community, and how to build a space that brings people together from around the world.
1. How long have you been on VSCO, and how did you first discover it?
I have been on VSCO since 2014, and I first discovered it by seeing someone on Instagram posting an image with the hashtag #vscocam in the caption.
I do not remember who exactly it was that I saw use the hashtag, but I do have that person to thank for introducing me to this amazing app and community.
2. Why is photography so important to you?
My photography started out primarily as portraiture, both paid gigs and for fun. However, ever since 2020, I have moved to taking photos of the everyday scenes in daily life.
I have become someone who enjoys taking photos of places that would normally be considered mundane, and trying to find something unique or interesting that other people may not notice.
Photography is important to me because it is the way that I can show the world through my 5’ 6” point of view.
3. How did you first learn about VSCO Spaces? What was the first space you joined and why did you join it?
I first learned about VSCO Spaces through a survey on VSCO, and then having a “one on one” meeting with VSCO, discussing ideas of what Spaces should be like for the community.
The first space that I joined was infra-red, which was created by Luisa Aguiar. I joined it because I really enjoy infrared style photography and at the time I was working on an infrared project myself.
Because of this, it felt fitting to join and show my work, as well as see fun edits of images using the VSCO infrared presets by other people.
4. What was the first space you created and why did you create it?
The first space that I created was Unmethodical.
I made this space because at the time I was putting together my first photo book that I titled “Unmethodical,” which means “random.”
I wanted a place to post any and all things that seemed interesting to me, and allow others to do the same in one location. Using any medium of photography, and posting any type of image they may want to show in the Space.
I wanted a place to post any and all things that seemed interesting to me, and allow others to do the same in one location.
5. Your spaces are some of the most engaged on VSCO. What do you think makes them special?
I think it’s the fact that so many people can relate to the simple themes I created.
Take my two most joined spaces, Cars + Casas and Take A Seat for example. Everyone can find chairs, or seats of some sort, as well as cars and houses, in the world around them. They're simple subjects that are easy to bring people together with.
6. How does VSCO Spaces help fuel your own creative inspiration?
VSCO Spaces helps my creativity by showing me new photos and people through fun and interesting sub-communities.
Spaces about travel and meet-ups, to food and pets. There are so many interesting spaces out there showing so many people’s lives.
7. Are there any personal anecdotes you have about VSCO Spaces? Any special connections, moments, relationships, or instances where something about them changed your perspective on photography and the creative process?
I think one anecdote about VSCO Spaces would have to be how my two most popular spaces have such a large amount of contributors in each. It was an anomaly that I was surprised to see happen, but one that I found quite amazing and glad to have occurred.
The fact that so many still post in them from all over the world, has shown me how people can see a single subject in so many unique and fun ways.
8. Have you ever connected with anyone from your spaces in real life?
I have connected with a few people in real life that I had previously joined as a contributor in their spaces. I hope to continue to meet many more people from all over the world. I have made some very amazing friendships with thanks to Spaces, and the VSCO app itself. It’s never too late to find new opportunities.
Explore VSCO Spaces
Join Brian and thousands of photographers on VSCO Spaces, where everyday moments turn into shared work, real feedback, and the kind of community that moves your photography forward.
People from all over the world that I have made some very amazing friendships with thanks to Spaces, and the VSCO app itself.
