Yellowstone Lake c. 1880s

F. Jay Haynes made this photograph of Yellowstone Lake with a camera, a tripod, and a darkroom tent, all in tow. The final image is a testament to the artist’s mastery of photographic chemistry and his logistical planning. The sepia tones were created using a darkroom process involving silver salts and light-sensitive paper. Though the process was new, this image is evidence of the artist's skilled tradition, capturing a serene view of the lake, reflecting the sublime beauty of the American landscape. Photographs like this one were central to fostering appreciation for the landscape. The image was intended to drive tourism to Yellowstone, helping to solidify its status as a national park. The commodification of nature was central to the photographer’s project, and also to the development of the American West. It invites us to consider the relationship between art, industry, and the natural world.