The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film is one of only four museums for photography and film in the country. Since 1972, The Light Factory, a Knight Arts grantee, has celebrated the power of image through photography and film with visionary programming and cutting-edge art.

This fall’s exhibitions continue the tradition and should not be missed. “The Night Time is the Right Time: Photographs by Mitchell Kearney” in the Middleton McMillan Gallery is on view now through Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012. (Mark your calendars for the Opening Reception on Thursday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m.)

Kearney’s work has been explained as “a gift nourished by innate curiosity and honed by experience and training. He sees what is there and something more: the intangible spirit of the thing.” Although he’s photographed many subjects over his successful career, his work shares several common threads: “a love for music, the entertainment industry and the bright lights of the big city.” Even his photos of more conservative sitters have a dramatic flair.

Kearney grew up in New Jersey, became a photographer in New York City and eventually found his way to Charlotte. As a student in the late 1970s at New York’s School of Visual Arts, he studied by day and documented the beginnings of the N.Y.C. punk rock scene at night.

His most powerful photographs are of artists. Kearney’s own passion for life and all types of artistic and musical expression helps him to sense and capture an unparalleled strength of character in all of his subjects. Whether shooting the infamous Frank Zappa or Peter Gabriel or local powerhouses Ce Scott and Paul Sires, there is a wonderful strength and depth to all of Kearney’s work. Even if one doesn’t know the history of the sitter, these are photographs that stand alone. But, a tasty treat with Kearney’s work is the fact that he is sharing history with us.

Complementing this show will be “Streetwise: Masters of 60’s Photography” running from Monday, Oct. 3, 2011 to Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012 in the Knight Gallery. (The Opening Reception is also on Thursday, Oct. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m.) Organized by the Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego, Calif., “Streetwise” builds on what photographer Robert Frank began with his new “snapshot aesthetic” in the early ’60s. This was a more personal documentary style, which would influence a new generation of photographers — including Diane Arbus and Lee Friedlander, all of whom are featured in “Streetwise.”

The Light Factory was founded in 1972 as a Photographers’ Cooperative to nurture the growing community of emerging artist-photographers and increase appreciation for photography as an art form. Throughout the years, it began offering classes and community outreach, and, in 1999, it added film to its mission. One can experience some of the best photography around, as well as independent film and emerging new media. Year-round screenings include documentaries, narrative films, experimental films, animation and The Light Factory Filmmakers’ Showcase of short films.

The Light Factory is tucked away in the older Spirit Square building at the intersection of North Tryon and North College Streets in Center City Charlotte. From humble beginnings in an upstairs room of the Torrence Street Gallery, The Light Factory has expanded to its current home, which features two galleries (the Knight and Middleton McMillan Galleries), a complete darkroom and digital classroom, office space and theaters for film screenings.

The Light Factory 345 N. College Street, Charlotte 704-333-9755 Gallery Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.