Conversations at the Crocker kicks off today

Photographers have a different view on things from behind a lens. For instance, there’s a group of area photographers who travel the back roads to find and capture abandoned architecture. They not only developed some pretty neat images — but they’ve developed an idea about historical preservation. Much so, that two of the photographers, Bradenton-based Matt Allison and Sarasota-based Virginia Hoffman have been invited by the Historical Society of Sarasota County to speak at tonight’s Conversations at the Crocker. It’s the first in the 2013 series.

"(We’re speaking about) the idea of using photography for activism and preservation," says Virginia Hoffman. "(Florida) has done a terrible job at preserving historical structures."

Historian and naturalist John McCarthy will offer an additional viewpoint of preservation.

It’s something the group has learned over the past two years of photographing the forgotten landscapes and the end of the back roads around the region. You can read more about their project here.

They recently turned their labor of love into a photographic show, called "The Skeletons of Bone Valley," which is on display through Oct. 29, at Manatee County Cultural Alliance.

They’ll also show their photography tonight. If you’re interested in attending, the conversation begins at 7 p.m., at the historic Crocker Memorial Church, 1260 12th Street (Pioneer Park). Tickets are $10, members are free. Visit here or call for more information.