Upper Falls of the Yellowstone c. 1873

William Henry Jackson created this photograph, "Upper Falls of the Yellowstone," using a monochromatic palette. The sepia tones dominate the print. The composition directs our gaze into the vastness of Yellowstone. Jackson uses linear perspective to draw the eye from the foreground’s sharp details, across the river snaking through the gorge. The dynamic composition and the contrast between light and shadow, is mediated by a formal analysis. The textures of the trees and rocks create depth, contributing to a sense of scale and grandeur. The plunging waterfall and the towering cliffs underscore the sublime power of nature. Jackson uses composition to construct the landscape. He presents a structured view of the wilderness, a visual dialogue between the detailed natural forms and the overall composition, inviting us to contemplate the interplay between observation and artistic intent.