Lasting
Impressions

The new field of photography (from the Greek phos – “light” and graphe – “drawing”) came of age at the same time as California. From the obscure to the famous, nineteenth-century California photographers made major contributions to their field. In the process, they also won international awards and made revolutionary advancements in photography – e. g., early motion pictures.

The early practitioners of California photography sometimes styled themselves as artists, image/view makers, and even sun painters. While some had studios, many led a life of travel, which required carrying their equipment and chemicals into the field under the most challenging conditions possible. Their vision helped to document the early development of the state as well as introduce the world to the Golden State’s almost limitless natural wonders.