Natural history specimens typically sit in quiet stasis behind glass cases—labeled, cataloged, clinically lit. “Collective Knowledge from Our Changing World” at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County disrupts that tradition. Photographer Craig Cutler and creative director Scott Bremner transform these scientific artifacts into sources of wonder through twelve large-scale photographs and a video installation. Using dramatic lighting, unexpected scale, and creative cropping, they invite visitors to see the museum's collection not just as research materials, but as artistic exploration of our changing world.

By: Craig Cutler, Photographer, Craig Cutler Photography & Motion

“Collective Knowledge from Our Changing World” is a new exhibition at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The exhibition showcases twelve large-scale photographs and a stunning video installation created by photographer Craig Cutler and creative director Scott Bremner. The exhibit offers a fresh perspective on NHM’s vast collection. The images highlight specimens and artifacts rarely seen before, all shot with a very distinctive vision.

Cutler and Bremner, operating as the creative team, were inspired by the idea of unveiling the hidden treasures within the Natural History Museum. Their vision was to create images unlike your typical museum photographs that one might see in a catalog or in an art history book. They needed to be unusual with an element of surprise. They wanted people to look at things differently by playing with scale and cropping. Lighting was also a powerful tool in how the artifacts were presented. They build dimension using just one light source that would create bold shadows and strong contrast.

The exhibition features striking images, such as a dyed skeleton of an endangered baby giant sea bass. The actual fish is smaller than two inches, but when presented larger than eight feet, it plays tricks on one’s perception. These 5’X8’ photographs and 4K film not only capture the beauty of the specimens but also tell stories of ongoing research and conservation efforts. 

The film utilizes a variety of ways to help bring the static objects to life. With the use of turntables combined with rotating lights, suddenly, each object has a sense of motion. In addition to having robotic motion control, they also shot with a high-speed camera to capture things in slow motion that the human eye cannot see. The film lures the viewer into the gallery not only through the striking imagery but also with a distinctive track by the artist BK. The brilliant score resonates throughout the entire gallery, giving the sense that sound is the third eye of any visual experience. 

The exhibition serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the museum and the creative team in exploring and interpreting their unique collection.

Craig Cutler’s meticulous combination of craft and style brings an element of art to his work as a director and photographer. Conceptual thinking lays the foundation for both his print and film approach. Each of his projects, editorial or commercial ads, begins with concepts that take shape initially as sketches and evolve through a series of revisions and additions until a final direction is honed. Craig’s work is further differentiated by his focus on lighting. He strips each piece of its setting and uses lighting to evoke the message integral to his concept.

A frequent recipient of awards, Craig blends his experience with contemporary vision to create timeless art. He frequently collaborates on projects with his creative agency, CutlerBremner. An avid swimmer, Craig travels around the country with his wife and their dog.

Clients include Samuel Adams, National Geographic, American Express, IBM, The New York Times Magazine, Lululemon, Glossier, Neutrogena, Barron’s, and The Atlantic.

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