The Three Brothers, Yosemite 1870 - 1874

Carleton Watkins created this albumen silver print of the Yosemite Valley. The process of making it involved coating paper with a layer of egg white, then sensitizing it with silver nitrate before exposing it to light through a negative. The result is a warm, sepia-toned image with remarkable detail, capturing the textures of the rock formations, the lushness of the trees, and the stillness of the water. Watkins hauled his equipment, including large glass plates, into the wilderness, developing the images on site in a portable darkroom. This was arduous labor, but it was crucial to capturing the sublime quality of Yosemite. Watkins' photographs played a significant role in the history of the American West. His work provided visual evidence of the region's natural beauty, influencing public opinion and ultimately contributing to the preservation of Yosemite as a national park. By combining technical skill with artistic vision, Watkins elevated photography to a form of high art, proving that even an industrial medium could capture the most awe-inspiring landscapes.