Yosemite Falls, River View, 2637 Feet 1861

Carleton E. Watkins' "Yosemite Falls, River View, 2637 Feet," a stunning 1861 photographic masterpiece, captures the grandeur of Yosemite Valley. Watkins' masterful use of the mammoth plate collodion process reveals the sheer scale of the falls, cascading dramatically down the towering granite cliffs. The photograph's composition emphasizes the natural beauty of the valley, with the river winding through the foreground and the towering falls dominating the center, creating a sense of awe and wonder. This remarkable image, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stands as a testament to Watkins' contributions to landscape photography, showcasing the American West in its raw and majestic splendor.