Feb. 27: Capturing Columbia at Night- photographs of 25 years of downtown history

At 6 p.m. Feb. 27, come and enjoy a rare view of Columbia, a 25-year documentary retrospective of downtown at night through the photography of Stephen Bybee. The presentation will be held in the Friends Room of the Columbia Public Library. 

His nighttime images are haunting and alluring, showing us in black and white images unique views of iconic places such as the Broadway Diner, the Missouri Theatre, Columbia’s brick streets, and other sights. Sponsored by CoMo Preservation, his presentation, like all of CoMo Preservation’s meetings, is free and open to the public.

From 1997-2012, Stephen very actively photographed Columbia’s downtown streets, alleys, bars, storefronts, and neon signs at night. Starting in 2009, he began to document the accelerating pace of downtown development, bringing a heightened documentary sense to his work. 

Stephen explained, “Columbia’s skyline and infrastructure were changing rapidly in 2009 and 2010… Some of the buildings I had grown familiar with were being demolished and replaced with high-rise developments. The softly weathered bricks and familiar neon signs of my 1990s Columbia were becoming glass, steel, and concrete, imposing rather than beckoning.”

Stephen continues to document downtown Columbia by night, hoping to instill in viewers the importance of visually and historically documenting our communities.

In addition to his photography work, Stephen is the project director for Missouri Conservation Corps, an environmental nonprofit started two years ago. He also works as the volunteer coordinator for the Food Bank. He is the presiding chair of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission and serves on the Columbia Tree Board. He volunteers as an event photographer for the True/False Film Fest, Access Arts School of Service, the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, Ragtag Film Society, and the Boone County History & Culture Center. 

Stephen also continues to document downtown Columbia by night, hoping to instill in viewers the importance of visually and historically documenting our communities.

Stephen will give another presentation on his work again 6-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 in the Columbia Public Library. The images will be on display in the library throughout April beginning the first week of the month.

He has had numerous exhibits of his work, the most recent was a two-month showing with fellow photographers Kevin Dingman and Notley Hawkins as part of the “Nocturnal Vision” at the Columbia College Sidney Larson Gallery.

His presentation will be especially important for those interested in his journey from a 12-year-old who received a gift from his father of a Nikon film camera and a 50mm lens to taking classes with the University of Missouri Professor Oliver Schuchard and Columbia College Professor Ed Collings.

Come to the CoMo Preservation meeting to be, as Stephen puts it, bewitched by the beauty and simplicity of our city at night.

CoMo Preservation is devoted to helping homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated, but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. The preservation of historic places and spaces gives people a sense of place and boosts Columbia’s economy. You can get involved by volunteering, signing up for our mailing list, attending an event, becoming a member or donating.

Questions? Suggestions for speakers or events? Email CoMoPreservation@gmail.com.