The Bee Hive Geyser before 1891

Frank Jay Haynes captured the Bee Hive Geyser with gelatin silver print, a process refined in the late 19th century. The gelatin silver process harnesses the light sensitivity of silver halides, creating a stable, detailed image on paper. Haynes likely used a large-format camera for this shot, requiring careful handling and long exposure times. The resulting print captures the ephemeral nature of the geyser, transforming a fleeting natural phenomenon into a lasting artifact. Photography's rise coincided with the industrial revolution, making images more accessible and impacting how we perceive the world. Haynes's photographs not only documented the American West but also fueled its romanticized image, influencing tourism and conservation efforts. Considering the materiality and context of Haynes's photograph allows us to appreciate the skill and effort involved in its creation, and how the gelatin silver process has shaped our understanding and relationship with nature.