'Welcome to Diamond City Studios!'

Dec. 3—WILKES-BARRE — There was cause for celebration Friday evening as Mayor George Brown, members of the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce, family and friends joined Jonathan Edwards in "cutting the ribbon," officially opening Diamond City Studios for business.

Edwards' name might be familiar to many, given his work with 570-Drone, as well as the NEPA Camera Club, among many other endeavors.

Delivering remarks to those gathered in celebration, Edwards said, "If a studio like this had been around when I first got started, things could've been a hell of a lot easier," garnering laughs. "So, I made a studio for everyone. I just want to break down barriers of higher-end professional videography and photography."

Edwards noted how expensive gear can be to purchase, how difficult production can be, and that the field can be competitive. With the new studios, he aims to solve a lot of those problems by providing an inclusive space to, "build a community of photographers and videographers who can help each other out," sharing work, trading advice, and building both professional relationships and friendships.

"It's just a stepping stone," Edwards remarked, "Basically, it's part of a larger plan I have to make Northeastern Pennsylvania a hotspot for video (and photography)."

Edwards expressed his desire for feedback from the community and noted, "I can't do it alone, but neither can anyone else. Welcome to Diamond City Studios!"

Located at 43 Conyngham Ave., the studio, according to a press release, is a 3,200-square-foot space dedicated to photography and videography that's available for rent by the hour or by the day. Conveniently located just off of Exit 2 of the Cross Valley Expressway, the location is fairly centralized, making it easily accessible to photographers and videographer all over The Valley.

The space includes a large studio area with controlled lighting, multiple editing suites, a meeting room, dressing room, a lobby and entrance area with a beautiful Christmas tree display, and more. Equipment rentals are also available, including lights, strobes, tripods, dollies, backdrops, a green screen, a cameras, lenses, and much more, allowing for a space to make even the loftiest of productions a reality.

Assistants and freelancers are also available for hire.

In honor of the grand opening, an open-house followed with food, libations, and other drinks. There will also be a week of free workshops hosted by some of the top photographers and videographers the industry has to offer.