7.2 American West photography

American West photography emerged in the mid-1800s, documenting unexplored territories and shaping public perception of the frontier. Photographers faced challenges transporting equipment and developing glass plates in makeshift darkrooms while capturing iconic landscapes.

Government-sponsored surveys and railroad commissions employed photographers to assess territories and promote settlement. Their work served scientific, economic, and artistic purposes, producing thousands of images that influenced landscape photography and public understanding of the American West.

Origins of American West photography

• American West photography emerged in the mid-19th century as a means to document and showcase the unexplored territories of the western United States
• This genre of photography played a crucial role in shaping public perception of the American frontier and contributed significantly to the field of landscape photography

Early expeditionary photographers

Top images from around the web for Early expeditionary photographers

• 

  File:Carleton Watkins, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, California, ca. 1865.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Yosemite Falls from Glacier Point, by Watkins, Carleton E., 1829-1916.png - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Between the Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley, Mariposa County, Cal, by Watkins, Carleton E ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Carleton Watkins, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, California, ca. 1865.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Yosemite Falls from Glacier Point, by Watkins, Carleton E., 1829-1916.png - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Early expeditionary photographers

• 

  File:Carleton Watkins, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, California, ca. 1865.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Yosemite Falls from Glacier Point, by Watkins, Carleton E., 1829-1916.png - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Between the Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley, Mariposa County, Cal, by Watkins, Carleton E ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Carleton Watkins, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, California, ca. 1865.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Yosemite Falls from Glacier Point, by Watkins, Carleton E., 1829-1916.png - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Pioneering photographers accompanied scientific and military expeditions to capture images of the American West
• Faced numerous challenges including transporting heavy equipment, preparing chemicals, and developing glass plates in makeshift darkrooms
• Produced some of the first photographic images of iconic western landscapes (Yosemite Valley, Grand Canyon)
• Notable early expeditionary photographers included Charles Weed and Carleton Watkins

Government-sponsored surveys

• U.S. government funded several geological and geographical surveys to assess western territories for settlement and resource exploitation
• Photographers were integral members of these survey teams, tasked with visually documenting the landscape, flora, fauna, and indigenous populations
• Four major surveys conducted between 1867 and 1879 known as the "Great Surveys" included:
  • King Survey (Geological Exploration of the Fortieth Parallel)
  • Hayden Survey (Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories)
  • Powell Survey (Geological and Geographical Survey of the Rocky Mountain Region)
  • Wheeler Survey (Geographical Surveys West of the 100th Meridian)
• These surveys produced thousands of photographs that served scientific, economic, and artistic purposes

Railroad commissions

• Railroad companies hired photographers to document the construction of transcontinental railways and promote settlement along their routes
• Photographers captured images of railway construction progress, surrounding landscapes, and potential areas for development
• These commissioned works served as powerful marketing tools to attract investors and settlers to the West
• Andrew J. Russell and Alfred A. Hart were among the prominent photographers employed by railroad companies

Key photographers and their work

• The work of pioneering photographers in the American West significantly influenced the development of landscape photography as an art form
• These photographers not only documented the physical features of the West but also shaped public perception of these unexplored territories

William Henry Jackson

• Served as the official photographer for the Hayden Survey, documenting the Yellowstone region
• Produced over 2,000 glass plate negatives during his career, showcasing the grandeur of the American West
• His photographs of Yellowstone played a crucial role in the establishment of Yellowstone National Park in 1872
• Developed innovative techniques for photographing in challenging outdoor conditions, including using mules to transport his heavy equipment

Timothy O'Sullivan

• Worked as a photographer for both the King and Wheeler Surveys
• Known for his stark, minimalist approach to landscape photography, often featuring vast, empty spaces
• Captured iconic images of the American West (Ancient Ruins in the Cañon de Chelle, New Mexico)
• His work influenced later photographers and helped shape the aesthetic of Western landscape photography

Carleton Watkins

• Renowned for his large-format photographs of Yosemite Valley and the Pacific Coast
• Utilized mammoth plate cameras to produce highly detailed 18x22 inch glass negatives
• His Yosemite photographs were instrumental in the preservation of the area as a national park
• Developed a unique style that combined technical precision with artistic composition, influencing both commercial and fine art photography

Eadweard Muybridge

• Best known for his pioneering work in motion photography and studies of animal locomotion
• Produced a significant body of work documenting the American West, particularly California and Alaska
• Created panoramic views of San Francisco and captured images of the Modoc War
• His technical innovations, including the use of faster shutter speeds, contributed to the advancement of photography as a medium

Themes and subjects

• American West photography encompassed a wide range of subjects, reflecting the diverse landscapes, cultures, and activities of the region
• These photographs served multiple purposes, from scientific documentation to artistic expression, shaping the public's understanding of the West

Landscape and natural wonders

• Photographers captured the awe-inspiring landscapes of the American West, showcasing its vast wilderness and geological formations
• Images of iconic locations became popular (Yosemite Valley, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone)
• Photographers often emphasized the scale and grandeur of these landscapes by including human figures for perspective
• These photographs played a crucial role in promoting tourism and conservation efforts in the West

Native American portraits

• Photographers documented various Native American tribes, their customs, and way of life
• Many of these portraits were staged and reflected the photographer's or public's preconceived notions of Native American culture
• Edward S. Curtis became known for his extensive photographic documentation of Native American tribes, though his work has been criticized for romanticizing and staging scenes
• These photographs serve as important historical records but also raise questions about representation and cultural appropriation

Frontier life and settlers

• Photographers captured the daily lives of settlers, miners, and other individuals who ventured westward
• Images depicted various aspects of frontier life (homesteads, wagon trains, frontier towns)
• These photographs provided visual evidence of the rapid transformation of the American West and the challenges faced by settlers
• Many of these images contributed to the romanticized notion of the "Wild West" in popular culture

Mining and industry

• Photographers documented the growth of mining operations and other industries in the West
• Images showcased technological advancements and the exploitation of natural resources
• Photographs of mining camps, equipment, and workers provided insight into the economic development of the region
• These images often highlighted the contrast between industrial activities and the surrounding natural landscape

Technical aspects

• The development of photography in the American West was closely tied to advancements in photographic technology
• Photographers had to adapt their techniques to the challenging conditions of the western landscape

Wet plate collodion process

• Introduced in the 1850s, this process became the primary photographic method used by Western photographers
• Required photographers to coat, expose, and develop glass plates within a short time frame (about 10-15 minutes)
• Produced high-quality images with fine detail and a wide tonal range
• Necessitated the use of portable darkrooms in the field, often in the form of wagons or tents

Stereoscopic photography

• Involved capturing two slightly offset images that, when viewed through a special viewer, created a three-dimensional effect
• Became extremely popular in the late 19th century, allowing people to experience the landscapes of the West in a more immersive way
• Photographers often produced both standard prints and stereoscopic pairs of the same scenes
• Contributed to the public's fascination with the American West and increased demand for Western imagery

Large format cameras

• Photographers used large format cameras to capture highly detailed images of Western landscapes
• These cameras utilized glass plate negatives ranging from 5x7 inches to mammoth plates of 18x22 inches
• Produced images with exceptional clarity and detail, allowing for large-scale prints and reproductions
• Required significant skill and physical effort to transport and operate in rugged terrain

Cultural impact and reception

• American West photography played a significant role in shaping public perception of the region and its inhabitants
• These images influenced government policies, conservation efforts, and popular culture

Shaping public perception

• Photographs of the American West introduced Eastern audiences to the landscapes and cultures of the region
• Images often reinforced prevailing ideas about Manifest Destiny and the notion of the West as an untamed wilderness
• Photographs were widely distributed through exhibitions, stereoscopic views, and illustrated publications
• The visual representation of the West in these photographs contributed to the formation of a national identity

Influence on conservation efforts

• Photographs of natural wonders played a crucial role in early conservation movements
• Images by photographers like William Henry Jackson and Carleton Watkins were instrumental in the creation of national parks (Yellowstone, Yosemite)
• These photographs helped generate public support for the preservation of wilderness areas
• The aesthetic value of landscapes captured in these images influenced the development of American environmental consciousness

Romanticization of the West

• Many photographs presented an idealized version of the American West, emphasizing its beauty and potential
• Images often glossed over the hardships faced by settlers and the displacement of Native American populations
• This romanticized view of the West became deeply ingrained in American culture and mythology
• The visual legacy of these photographs continues to influence perceptions of the American West in contemporary media and art

Artistic vs documentary approaches

• Photographers of the American West often straddled the line between artistic expression and documentary record-keeping
• The tension between these approaches influenced the development of photographic styles and techniques

Pictorialism in Western photography

• Emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the perceived lack of artistic merit in straight photography
• Pictorialist photographers sought to create images that resembled paintings or other traditional art forms
• Techniques included soft focus, manipulation of negatives, and use of alternative printing processes
• Some Western photographers incorporated pictorialist elements to enhance the aesthetic appeal of their landscapes

Straight photography movement

• Advocated for a more direct, unmanipulated approach to photography
• Emphasized the unique qualities of the photographic medium, such as sharp focus and rich tonal range
• Many Western landscape photographers, including Ansel Adams, embraced straight photography principles
• This approach aimed to capture the inherent beauty and drama of Western landscapes without artificial manipulation

Legacy and influence

• The photographic tradition established by American West photographers continues to shape contemporary landscape photography and visual culture
• The images produced during this era have become iconic representations of American history and identity

National parks photography

• Early photographs of Western landscapes directly contributed to the establishment of the national park system
• Contemporary photographers continue to document and celebrate national parks, building on the visual legacy of their predecessors
• National park photography plays a crucial role in conservation efforts and public engagement with natural spaces

Modern landscape photography

• American West photography established many of the conventions and aesthetic principles still used in landscape photography today
• Contemporary photographers often reference or reinterpret the work of pioneering Western photographers
• Technological advancements have allowed for new approaches to capturing Western landscapes, while still drawing inspiration from historical techniques

Western imagery in popular culture

• Photographs of the American West have become deeply embedded in popular culture and national mythology
• These images continue to influence film, literature, advertising, and other forms of media
• The visual iconography of the West, as established by early photographers, remains a powerful symbol of American identity and values

Ethical considerations

• The practice of photographing the American West raised several ethical issues that continue to be debated in contemporary photography
• These considerations highlight the complex relationship between photography, representation, and power

Representation of Native Americans

• Many photographs of Native Americans were staged or manipulated to conform to stereotypical notions of "Indian" identity
• Photographers often failed to accurately represent the diversity of Native American cultures and the realities of their lives
• The ethics of photographing indigenous peoples without their consent or understanding of how the images would be used remains a contentious issue
• Contemporary discussions focus on the importance of indigenous self-representation and the repatriation of historical photographs

Environmental impact of photographers

• Early photographers sometimes caused damage to natural environments in their pursuit of dramatic images
• The popularization of certain locations through photography led to increased tourism and potential environmental degradation
• Modern landscape photographers grapple with the ethical implications of their work, balancing the desire to capture beautiful images with the need to protect fragile ecosystems

Manipulation of scenes

• Photographers often arranged or altered scenes to create more compelling images
• This practice raises questions about the authenticity and truthfulness of historical photographs
• The line between artistic interpretation and misrepresentation remains a subject of debate in photography ethics
• Understanding the context and intentions behind manipulated images is crucial for their proper interpretation as historical documents

Collections and archives

• The preservation and study of American West photography play a crucial role in understanding the history and development of the region
• Numerous institutions hold significant collections of these historical photographs

Major institutions holding collections

• The Library of Congress houses extensive collections of American West photographs, including works by many prominent photographers
• The Smithsonian Institution maintains important archives of Western photography, particularly related to Native American subjects
• University libraries and special collections (Stanford University, Yale University) hold significant collections of Western photographs
• Regional museums and historical societies in Western states often have unique collections focusing on local history and landscapes

Preservation challenges

• Many early photographs face degradation due to the instability of historical photographic processes
• Glass plate negatives are particularly fragile and require specialized storage conditions
• Digitization efforts aim to preserve the content of these images, but raise questions about the importance of original artifacts
• Balancing public access with conservation needs presents ongoing challenges for institutions holding these collections

Digital access to historic images

• Many institutions have undertaken large-scale digitization projects to make their collections accessible online
• Digital access allows researchers and the public to study and engage with these historical images more easily
• Online databases and virtual exhibitions provide new opportunities for interpreting and contextualizing American West photography
• The digitization of these collections raises questions about copyright, fair use, and the ethical considerations of making culturally sensitive images widely available