Crater of Oblong Geyser before 1887

Frank Jay Haynes captured this photograph of the Crater of Oblong Geyser using photographic processes common in the late 19th century. These processes often involved coating glass plates with light-sensitive emulsions, a labor-intensive activity. Haynes, like many photographers of his era, engaged with both artistic expression and commercial enterprise. While the subject is a natural wonder, the very act of photographing Yellowstone contributed to its commodification as a tourist destination. The image, with its sepia tones and careful composition, transforms the wild landscape into a picturesque scene, ready for consumption. Consider the contrast between the raw, untamed nature of the geyser and the controlled, manufactured nature of the photograph itself. The presence of labor is subtle, yet essential: from the preparation of the photographic materials to the physical act of carrying equipment and setting up the shot in a remote location. The photograph is not just a window onto a landscape, but a testament to the complex relationship between nature, technology, and commerce.