The Light Factory

Photography as a fine art............long live photography and this place continues to deliver as it pertains to that art.I love this place.

A photography gallery in Uptown, right next to the 7th Street LYNX Station. When I arrived, the place was quite desolate. The security guard had me wait in the lobby while he went in to the gallery to turn the lights on. I got the impression that there wasn't a whole lot going on here. It's a good thing that it's free, because 30 minutes of looking at pictures wouldn't have been worth much. And even at 30 minutes, I was still moving pretty slow.When I visited, the exhibit was "Streetwise", a collection of pictures of America's troubled 60's. Capturing images of not just our troubled times, including Boston's "Combat Zone" and close-ups of the Black Panthers, there were also shots of just regular people and places. All in black and white, which gave it a feel of being very like a documentary.Pictures of the pictures are not permitted, but I took that as meaning not taking a picture of the individual pictures. Instead, my wide shot of the gallery doesn't give away the detail but helps you see what you're going to see there.I might come back for the next exhibit, but I think this is a "See it once" kind of thing.

I had never been to The Light Factory and saw there was a very interesting reception called A Shared Elegy. I was so happy I made it out to see what it was all about since I live so close by. Great intimate space, the artist were so insightful and the crowd genuinely appreciated the artist panel and the photography. It was very well curated. Great space, seasoned artists. Well done.

Not too much that can really be said about this place, but it's a great art showroom. Easy to miss from Central Avenue, and truly should be addressed as the street behind Central, but it definitely serves the purpose for the type of venue. A bit cramped for shows with larger turnouts. Overflow parking available on the back side on the street.

The Light Factory is a hidden gem in Charlotte. It's the only place of its kind on the east coast. There are about 4 other places like it located in California. So we are pretty lucky in the QC to have a place where you can see some really great photos in the gallery and also take a variety of different classes. I took a 3-hour crash course in digital photography class one Saturday, thanks to a Groupon special they were running. The instructor Dick Handshaw was really nice and knowledgable. In 3 hours, I learned so much about my Cannon DSLR. Because of this class, I signed up to take the full intro to digital photogrpahy class. The 12-hour class is offered during the week and also on Saturdays. You can check their website for the specific class dates and times. My first Saturday class was 6 hours but it was a great class. I learned even more about my camera and how to use modes like Shutter and Aperture. Dick taught this class as well. You learn so much in this class and it's really hands on. So if you're looking for a hands on class to help you learn more about photography, this is it. They also offer other skill specific and skill level photography classes. They alsonhave classes on photo editing software and programs like Adobe Lightroom.Another cool thing they do, is that they have Sunday Salon every 2nd Sunday. Sunday Salon is free and photographers of all backgrounds, abilities and skill level come and talk about their photos. And you can come and listen, you don't even have to be a photographer to come to this event.

What's not to like about a place that would front money for a week long Zombie film festival featuring George Romero himself? Been a member of the light factory for a few years and I always enjoy their exhibits and film festivals. Its a good organization with a great sense of humor and purpose. I'm glad they are around. I have taken two of their photography classes and really value what I learned. Met a bunch of geeky nerds like myself and had a great time. You may think the prices are a little steep at first, but worth it after you see how much better your pictures turn out.

I just cannot fathom how a place like this remains completely unknown. I talk to people who live 2 blocks away, and they have never heard of it. The Group f/64 exhibition was spectacular. How many time have you seen enormous Ansel Adams originals for free? I mean, seriously. This was probably the best art exhibit I've seen outside of New York/D.C., and it is free for the public. Between the two exhibits I saw only three people. Ansel Adams. Free. Three people.My first thought was that the Group f/64 exhibit, being on loan from Bank of America, might not be typical of the standard of art there, but I was wrong. The second exhibit was of two news photographers, and themes that they had encountered in their work, one on immigration and the other on cancer. These, too, were exceptional.The other facilities there were very impressive - numerous gallery spaces, performance theaters, dance spaces - and it was almost deserted. If future exhibits are anything like these ones, The Light Factory will continue to be one of Charlotte's undiscovered gems.

A hidden gem in Uptown, hidden inside Spirit Square. The Light Factory is a small, but incredibly fantastic museum and cultural hub for photography and film in Charlotte. They hold regular rotating exhibits, summer camps, and adult art classes. I usually browse the current show when I'm in the area or waiting on a performance at McGlohan or The Duke.Another very fun thing you can catch is the summer film series, outdoor (weather permitting) screenings of films in Transamerica Square (the green between the buildings). This summer saw 80s cult films...all for free!Cool spot, interesting exhibits, and definitely friendly on the wallet when you need something to do Uptown.

The quality of the exhibits at The Light Factory are seriously unmatched in Charlotte. It is a hidden gem, and deserves so much more recognition than it receives.Take the current exhibit - STREETWISE - which may be one of the most important art events to hit Charlotte in some time. I mean, works by Robert Frank and Diane Arbus? These are legends. And right next door, NIGHT TIME IS THE RIGHT TIME by Mitchell Kearney, features shots from around the Lower East Side of NYC in the 1970s and 1980s. Go. Seriously, just attend and look around. It's even free to drop by Spirit Square and just take a self-guided tour. You'll be glad you did.

Hidden gem. Very small but great selections, which are updated once a year. Hold workshops and classes regarding photography and arts too. It's not Metropolitan museum but as far as charlotte goes, I'm glad we at least have something.