Pictured is one of many images that is a part of Robby Parsons’ “People of Wetzel County” exhibit, at the Wetzel County Museum.

The Wetzel County Museum is featuring an ongoing exhibit titled “The People of Wetzel County,” which features a photography project by local resident and photographer Robby Parsons.

The photographs are black and white and feature unique and interesting people from across the county. Parsons became really interested and passionate about photography five years ago. He travels around the area with his camera in tow, searching for inspiration.

“I tend to gravitate towards the older folks. I like those photos a lot… to show all the wrinkles,” Parsons remarked.

Not wanting to take up too much time, he tends to capture the images in just one take. Parsons said he favors black and white photos with a lot of contrast. Although he partakes in sports photography, people is his preferred subject.

When asked about the inspiration behind the project, Parsons replied, “I just thought it would be interesting to get photos from people doing different things in the county. I think the project showcases different people from from different walks of life.”

Pictured is one of the many images as part of Robby Parsons' "People of Wetzel County" art exhibit, currently on display at Wetzel County Museum.

He added that it sometimes can be a little difficult to approach strangers on the street, but folks are willing for the most part.

Parsons, along with curator Ashlee Lanier, plan to have photographs added to the exhibit periodically, eventually expanding out to the front area of the museum and becoming a permanent fixture.

“I think it would be really neat at some point to have hundreds and hundreds of photos,” Parsons commented.

When choosing where to place the photography, Lanier laid all the photos on the floor with the goal of having the exhibit appear natural and not have similar photographs grouped together. From there, she went with whatever struck her eye, showcasing the diversity of the subjects.

Parsons said that he is open to the public’s suggestions of interesting people in the Wetzel County area to photograph.

Pictured is one of the many images as part of Robby Parsons' "People of Wetzel County" art exhibit, currently on display at Wetzel County Museum.

To view his exhibit, visit the Wetzel County Museum located on Main Street in New Martinsville. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.