Through the Lens (2026)

Tucked beside the Great Eastern Highway in rural Western Australia, The Big Camera isn’t just a quirky oversized photo prop—it’s a full-fledged museum shaped like an enormous vintage camera. While many dismiss it as a kitschy roadside stop, this site actually houses one of the most impressive private photography collections across the entire Southern Hemisphere. This short documentary dives into the story behind The Big Camera Museum of Photography and its visionary founder, Charles “Chic” Wadley. Through heartfelt interviews, rare archival photos, stunning cinematography, and rich historical storytelling, the film reveals how Wadley’s lifelong obsession with capturing and safeguarding photographic treasures gave rise to an utterly unique cultural icon. It explores why this roadside landmark still matters to regional heritage and what it reveals about photography’s ability to preserve the human story.