Up the Valley, North Dome in Center, Sentinel on Left 1861

Carleton E. Watkins's 1861 photograph, "Up the Valley, North Dome in Center, Sentinel on Left", showcases the grandeur of Yosemite National Park. The image, taken with a large-format camera, captures the immense scale of the valley, with North Dome and Sentinel Rock dominating the landscape. Watkins, a pioneer of landscape photography, was known for his meticulous compositions and his ability to convey the awe-inspiring beauty of the American West. The photograph's sharp details and tonal range, achieved through the albumen print process, render the natural world with striking clarity. This work is an example of Watkins's significant contributions to both landscape photography and the documentation of America's natural wonders.