How a State Initiative Built a Community Photography Studio

Upon her return to Sacramento from New York, photographer AmaYah Harrison-Bryant didn’t just bring back a portfolio; she returned with a vision. During her time in New York, she had access to inspiring studios, but she recognized Sacramento lacked similar creative spaces for collaboration and unrestricted artistic expression.Harrison envisioned creating a hub—a professional studio where photographers, podcasters, and various artists could come together to rent equipment, learn, and thrive in a supportive environment.“I saw a significant gap in Sacramento,” Harrison stated. “I aspired to establish a community-centric, professionally equipped studio, yet I required both guidance and funding to realize this dream.”Though her vision was defined, manifesting it necessitated more than creativity. Initially, she struggled with securing mentorship and resources, encountering difficulties with traditional banking and online avenues that offered little help. Her fortunes changed upon discovering the city’s SCALE program, led by CAMEO Network, which offers essential tools and financing for small businesses. Through this initiative, she connected with the Alliance for Community Development and a mentor who provided vital guidance. This eventually led to Working Solutions, securing a $15,000 loan pivotal for transforming a bare warehouse into the inviting Sage and Silver Studios, featuring warm aesthetics that ignite creativity.At...