Glen Ellis Falls nabij Pinkham Notch in White Mountain National Forest 1862 - 1874

This stereoscopic image of Glen Ellis Falls, near Pinkham Notch in the White Mountain National Forest, was captured by John P. Soule. The composition is structured around the central cascade, flanked by the rugged, dark rock faces that frame the waterfall. This contrast emphasizes the water's descent, drawing the eye downward. The stereoscopic presentation not only mimics but exaggerates the depth of the natural scene, creating an immersive visual experience. The framing serves to compress the landscape while simultaneously opening it up. This manipulation of space reflects a tension between capturing nature's grandeur and controlling its representation. The presence of a figure at the bottom right introduces scale, but also invites us to contemplate our relationship with the natural world, as passive observers or active participants. This interplay between the viewer, the image, and the environment underscores photography's role in shaping our perception and understanding of the world.