Great Falls of the Yellowstone c. 1870

Editor: Here we have John K. Hillers' "Great Falls of the Yellowstone," a captivating image. The detail in the rock formations is incredible. What can you tell me about the process and context that brought this photograph into being? Curator: Let’s consider the materiality. Think about the collodion process, the glass plate negative, the darkroom tent on location. This wasn't just about capturing a view; it was about a complex industrial process brought to bear on the Western landscape. Editor: So, it’s less about the sublime and more about the means of production? Curator: Precisely. Who was consuming these images and why? What role did photography play in shaping perceptions and policies concerning the West and its resources? Editor: That changes my perspective completely. It’s fascinating to think about the social implications tied to the creation of this image. Curator: Indeed. It reveals the intricate connections between art, technology, and the control and management of natural resources.