The Brigham City Museum-Gallery is currently featuring a fascinating exhibition comparing photography from the turn of the century with contemporary photography. The five early photographers are Alma W. Compton, C.R. Savage, Andrew Joseph Russell, William H. Jackson and Jack Hillers. Modern photographers include John Shaefer, George Janacek and Kent Rich.

The majority of the early photos were taken by Compton when he lived in Brigham City, where he worked for about 50 years.Many Utahns are aware of portraits by Savage, a Salt Lake photographer who not only captured the Mormon culture but also the building of the transcontinental railroad.

In these photographs Savage and Compton used glass negatives and albumin prints, yet they were able to capture the personality of the sitter, even though a 20-second exposure was required. A close look at their portraits reveals relaxed facial expressions, crisp edges and details.

The other three were itinerant photographers who pioneered photography in America. Only six of their prints are on display.

When it comes to photography, a century has made quite a difference. Shaefer, Janecek and Rich are able to capture instantaneous expression with their small-format cameras and other up-to-date equipment. In fact, their subjects continue to move, often unaware they are being photographed. Still, the final print shows distinct edges rather than blurred images.

Shaefer has been based in Salt Lake City for 20 years. Currently a photographer in residence at the Sundance Institute, he is known throughout the United States for his ability to teach photography to both adults and children. His children's photography workshops are in partnership with the Polaroid Corp.

Janecek, also a 20-year-resident of Salt Lake City, is a documentary photographer. He has exhibited widely both locally and out of state. He often focuses on Utah's cultural heritage and Native Americans.

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Kent Rich, also of Salt Lake City, received a post-master's degree in psychiatric social work. He currently operates a private practice. But no matter how involved he becomes in counseling, he continues to find time for photography.

Early in his photography career, he entered a colored print, "Psychic Readers," in a juried show. Surprised when it was accepted, he asked the juror, "Well, why did my photograph get into the show?" The juror looked at him in amazement and remarked, "That's a strange question. Most photographers ask me why their prints didn't get in the show."

Since that time, Rich has exhibited widely in Utah. His photograph "Fast Eddie" won a national award in the show "Artists of the Southwest" in 1986.

This informative exhibition continues through May 12 at Brigham City Museum-Gallery, 24 N. 300 West, Brigham City. For more information, call 723-6769.

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