Wilson Bentley

Wilson Alwyn Bentley (1865–1931), known as "Snowflake Bentley," was an American farmer and self-taught scientist who became the first person to photograph individual snowflakes. Born in Jericho, Vermont, Bentley developed a deep fascination with snow at a young age. His curiosity led him to explore the intricate beauty of snow crystals. Using a microscope and a bellows camera, Bentley meticulously captured thousands of snowflake images over his lifetime. His pioneering work revealed the astonishing diversity and complexity of these delicate ice crystals, dispelling the widely-held belief that no two snowflakes were alike. Bentley's photographs garnered widespread recognition and were published in scientific journals, encyclopedias, and magazines. His images also played a crucial role in advancing the understanding of crystallography. In 1931, Bentley's achievements were celebrated in the book "Snow Crystals," a collaboration with physicist George Henry Perkins. Tragically, Wilson Bentley passed away later that year from pneumonia. His legacy, however, lives on through his remarkable photographs, which continue to inspire scientists, artists, and nature enthusiasts worldwide. Bentley's work remains a testament to the intricate beauty found in the natural world and serves as a reminder of the importance of curiosity and observation in scientific discovery. Today, his contributions to the field of snowflake photography continue to be celebrated, and he is revered as a pioneer in the study of ice crystals.