VSCO, the popular photo editing and sharing app, is expanding its reach dramatically. The company recently made its dedicated iOS camera app, “Capture,” available worldwide, following a limited pilot launch. In a parallel move to deepen its commitment to the creative community, VSCO also announced the acquisition of “The Freelance Photographer,” a platform providing essential business and skill-building workshops for emerging photography and videography professionals. These two initiatives signal VSCO’s intent to become an even more comprehensive hub for creators, from capturing moments to building a sustainable career.
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VSCO Capture: A Powerful New Camera App for Your iPhone
For the first time in over a decade, VSCO has launched a brand-new camera app designed to complement its beloved editing tools. “Capture” is an iOS-exclusive camera app that was initially tested in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand before its global rollout. This standalone app is built for those who want to apply a specific aesthetic right from the moment they take a photo.
Capture isn’t just another camera; it’s engineered with VSCO’s signature style in mind. It boasts over 50 unique presets and real-time effects, allowing users to see their desired look unfold even before hitting the shutter button. Beyond the instant creative flair, it offers manual control over crucial camera functions like shutter speed and exposure, giving advanced users the precision they crave. Serious photographers will appreciate its support for RAW and ProRAW formats, which preserve more image data for extensive post-processing. Plus, all photos taken with Capture can seamlessly sync with your VSCO cloud, keeping your creative workflow smooth and integrated.
Boosting Professional Photographers: VSCO’s Strategic Acquisition
Beyond empowering everyday iPhone photographers, VSCO is significantly investing in the professional side of the industry. The acquisition of “The Freelance Photographer” underscores this commitment. This platform specializes in providing a blend of online and offline workshops, offering practical business education and industry-specific guidance crucial for emerging photography and videography professionals.
A digital interface showcasing educational content and tools from The Freelance Photographer, highlighting resources for aspiring photography professionals.
According to Eric Wittman, CEO of VSCO, this move fills a vital gap in the market. “There’s a clear gap in the market for business education and industry-specific guidance for emerging photography professionals who are looking to secure sustainable client relationships,” Wittman stated. “The Freelance Photographer serves as a long-term career partner to creatives, offering a comprehensive education, a supportive community, as well as the tools and insight they need to turn their craft into a career.” The acquired platform offers various courses, from basic coaching plans starting at $208 per month to a premium $625 per month tier that includes access to over 50 tools, multiple courses, and personal mentoring from its founder, Paul Weaver.
This acquisition fits perfectly into VSCO’s broader strategy to cater more comprehensively to professional photographers. The company has been steadily building out an ecosystem for creators. Last year, VSCO launched VSCO Hub, a platform designed to connect brands with photographers for various projects. They also introduced VSCO Sites, enabling photographers to easily create personalized web pages to showcase their portfolios. More recently, the company unveiled VSCO Canvas, an AI-powered collaborative mood board product for project planning and brainstorming.
With the global launch of Capture and the strategic acquisition of The Freelance Photographer, VSCO is clearly positioning itself as an end-to-end solution for creators—from capturing the initial image to building a thriving professional career. It’s an exciting time to see how these new offerings will empower both casual enthusiasts and seasoned pros.
