Through the Lens exhibit opens September 6 at Alice C. Sabatini Gallery

Explore the technological and artistic innovations in capturing images in the Through the Lens exhibit in the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery September 6 - December 1 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. The exhibit showcases a range of historical photographic methods from the earliest days of photography through Polaroid cameras.

Artwork in Through the Lens includes pieces from the library’s collection as well as borrowed works from the Beach Museum of Art and independent photographic artists such as Mary Dorsey-Wanless and National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson.

In the past, taking and sharing images required planning. Photographers working with film or earlier photography methods had a limited number of images to capture the moment. They had to consider factors such as light, distance and exposure time then adjust the camera settings by hand to get the perfect photograph. Through the Lens invites visitors to explore historic photographic technology and methods, and to discover how to use modern cameras like a professional photographer.

Exhibit activities include a recreation of a photographic dark room, hands-on experience with early photography techniques such as a camera obscura (pinhole camera) and a zoetrope (early motion picture device). Visitors will get a chance to take their own photos using filters that recreate historical photography techniques. There will be family-friendly crafts in the gallery's Reed Studio each week.

Saturday, October 26, photographer Jim Richardson will discuss his past and current photographic projects from 4 to 6 p.m. in the library's Marvin Auditorium. He has photographed more than 50 stories for National Geographic and is a contributing editor for its sister publication Traveler Magazine.