[Yosemite National Park, California] 1876 - 1880

This circular photograph, "Yosemite National Park, California," was taken by Carleton Watkins. The sepia tones create a soft, enveloping atmosphere, drawing the eye to the mirrored surface of the river. The composition is striking. Watkins employs the circular format to frame nature, focusing attention on the play of light and shadow. The vertical thrust of the trees and cliffs contrasts with the tranquil horizontal flow of the water, creating a dynamic balance. The water acts as both a divider and a unifier, its reflective surface distorting and reassembling the landscape, inviting a deeper contemplation of reality and representation. This photograph isn't just a depiction of Yosemite; it's an exploration of how we perceive and structure the world around us, mediated through the lens of technology. As such, Watkins asks us to consider the photograph not as a window, but as a structured sign.