“Capturing Life” (1839–1869) examines the social, economic, and cultural impact of photography in Cincinnati as it became a major commercial center in America’s heartland. This one-hour documentary combines interviews with rare archival photographs for a compelling look at the region’s first generation of photographers, including Ezekiel Hawkins, Charles Fontayne, William S. Porter, James Presley Ball, and Charles and Mary Waldack. The program explores how photography recorded history, shaped identity, and forever changed the way life is viewed.

“Capturing Life” (1839–1869) is the first episode in the documentary series, The Big Picture: A History of Photography in Greater Cincinnati, produced by Voyageur Media Group, Inc. in collaboration with regional scholars, libraries, museums, and academic institutions. It originally premiered at the Cincinnati Museum Center on October 9, 2024 as a part of the FotoFocus Biennial: backstories.

The documentary will have its television premiere on CET Sunday, February 16 at 4:30pm. You can stream the program here.

Admission: Free to the Public