Volunteer Spotlight: Photography
Everyone has their own reason for spending time in Washington Square Park. Maybe it’s your favorite reading spot, your meet-up point with friends, or where you take your dog to play.
But what makes a science reporter take a break from stem cells and brain research to snap photos in Washington Square Park?
For WSPC photography volunteer Malcolm, it started with family.
“My son, who actually works for the Parks Department, is the one who suggested I look into the program,” says Malcolm. “He knew I was already spending time in the Park and that I’m always looking for new ways to support my photography hobby.”
Malcolm came on board as a photography volunteer in February of 2019, getting in his application just before the deadline. His first exposure to the Conservancy was during his formal orientation and training. “I knew about park conservancies in general, but didn’t know there was one for Washington Square Park. It was good to learn that there are people who are helping to support everything that needs to be done in a Park like that.”
As with all WSPC committed volunteer programs, photography volunteers are asked to put in 6 hours a month taking, editing, and uploading photos. At first, Malcolm was skeptical, unconvinced that he could spend that much time or find that many things to photograph in less than 10 acres. “I discovered pretty quickly that I was wrong,” Malcolm remarks with a chuckle. “I was worried I’d run out of things to take pictures of, but that wasn’t a problem at all. I think it’s because I’m always looking at the people, so the Park is always changing. It’s amazing how many photos there are to take. The lighting changes, the weather changes, the landscape and the people change. You can take a photo one day, but return to the exact same spot the next day and it will be an entirely different shot.”
With the colder weather making it slightly more difficult to get out into the Park, Malcolm is already looking forward to his next season of volunteering. “I’ll definitely be back,” he says, “I’ve had a lot of fun, more than I expected. I feel more connected to the Park, even though I’ve been going there for years. I see it through new eyes, I have new memories there. Being part of the team, in the capacity that I am, has made the Park feel more familiar, more like mine. And it’s been a great way to engage in a hobby that I love.”
Malcolm found his reasons to give back in Washington Square Park, what are yours? Find out more about our volunteer opportunities here, and hope to see you in the Park soon!