Brazos Valley Museum Unveils Captivating Exhibit on Early Photography

Bryan’s Exciting Look at Early Photography!

Hey there, Bryan! Have you ever wondered how photography evolved from bulky, old cameras to the sleek devices we use today? Well, you’re in luck! The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History just opened a fabulous new exhibit called “Capturing Time: The Story of Early Photography”, showcasing the remarkable journey of photography through time. This exhibit, curated by master photographer Darrin Hill, offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of antique cameras and photography equipment that made it all possible!

What to Expect at the Exhibit

This isn’t just another display with a few photographs. Nope! This exhibit takes you on an inspiring journey starting from the very first camera obscura, all the way to about 1950. Executive Director of the museum, Deborah Cowman, shared that, “We feel that a lot of people, especially young people, the only camera they know is the camera in their cell phone, and so this gives them a wonderful opportunity to see the physical early cameras and learn about the history of photography.”

On the exhibit’s opening night, Hill himself gave an engaging lecture, and trust us, he knows *his stuff*! This fascinating collection includes over 500 antique cameras, along with early advertisements and various camera paraphernalia. Cowman said, “He has so much we can only show a portion,” reminding us just how rich this collection really is!

The Past Meets the Present

So, what’s the story behind these incredible artifacts? Hill’s collection features an impressive variety of cameras that range from the size of a refrigerator to the size of a matchbox. Crazy, right? A particular fan favorite seems to be the concealed cameras—previously hidden inside hats, vests, packages, and even canes! Hill chuckles as he mentions how you could literally take pictures while walking about town, hands-free!

Now, let’s take a time trip to when Hill first began his collection. Speaking with a twinkle in his eye, he recalls his days as a photojournalist before deciding to pivot into wedding photography. He mentions how “everything changed” with the rise of digital cameras, and humorously adds that he feels a bit out of his depth with modern tech! It was a mentor who encouraged him to start collecting antique cameras to express his passion for traditional photography. “It can’t have batteries, it can’t be made out of plastic, it has to mostly be made by hand,” he explained.

Dive into Photography History!

Among the treasures in his collection, you’ll even find a camera dating back to the Wild West era, which was used for wet plate photography. Imagine that—it’s so old that the lens shutter is simply the lens cap! How wild is that?

A Local Gem at the Museum

As Hill reminisces about his photography studio days, which he operated successfully from 1990 until about 2011, he reflects on the various types of photography he mastered, including commercial products and food photography. With his background, he now infuses his passion for photography into his new ventures. Believe it or not, he is currently a full-time beekeeper and even dabbles in wood art while raising *carnivorous plants*! Who would have guessed?

At the heart of this exhibit is a mission to inspire appreciation for professional photography in our community. Cowman hopes visitors walk away understanding, “the science and the artistry combined of what makes a camera.”

Don’t Miss Out!

If you want to delve into the art and science behind photography, this exhibit runs through May 17. If you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to check it out at the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, located at 3232 Briarcrest Drive. Let’s all take a moment to appreciate the beauty captured through the lens and learn a thing or two about the history of photography while we’re at it!

So grab your friends, family, or even that curious neighbor, and embark on an enlightening adventure through photography history right here in Bryan. It’s time to *captivate your imagination*!