The first detailed pictures of snowflakes were made in the early 20th century

"Two identical snowflakes does not happen" - said Wilson Alvin Bentley (Wilson Alwyn Bentley). And as anyone would believe him either: Bentley has devoted sixty years of his life photographing snowflakes.

The camera, which was used by Wilson Bentley throughout life, his father was worth a hundred dollarov- at the time such acquisition was an example of an unaffordable extravagance. Wilson Bentley spent nearly two years to ensure that in the end, by trial and error to get the first clear picture of Micrographic ice crystal. The device, which is used by Bentley for photographs is typically a combination of camera and microscope lens which increases the facility in 64-3600 times. When the photos of Wilson Bentley was first fell into the hands of scientists and professional photographers, many doubted their authenticity.

The talent and skill of self-taught photographer and scientist, whose example was followed by many other photographers and meteorologists, was not appreciated. In his home town and Bentley remained "a fool or a madman" until his death on December 23, 1931. All my life Wilson Bentley lived on an old farm of his parents, did not receive any fees or due recognition.