The Story Of The Man Who Captured The 'Most Viewed Photo Ever'
The story behind one of the world's most recognized photos isn’t one you hear every day. In a time when almost everyone is glued to their phones, computers, or other devices, it’s easy to overlook how a single image can become a part of everyday life without us even realizing it.
The image in question is a picture that has quietly accompanied countless computer users for years, becoming so familiar that many of us hardly take a second look when it appears on our screens. This picture, which you might have seen as the background on your computer, is known as “Bliss.”
Despite its widespread use, most people don’t know much about the photo’s origins or the man behind the lens. That man is Charles “Chuck” O’Rear. In his own words, he was just in the right place at the right time. He always carried a camera, remarking in a 2021 interview with PEOPLE that “you just never know” when a good photo opportunity might come along.
O’Rear snapped the photo in January 1996 while he was driving from his home in St Helena, California, to visit his now-wife, Daphne Larkin, in Marin County. The route was known for its stunning scenery, and he often pulled over to capture the beautiful views.
“Bliss”
One day, as he was making the journey, he took the photograph that would later become iconic. The picture perfectly captures rolling green hills under a bright blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds, a scene so serene that it seems almost too perfect to be authentic.
Yet, as O’Rear emphasizes, “When it’s on film, what you see is what you get.” He used a Mamiya RZ67 camera, loaded with Fuji Film, known for its brilliant colors, and a tripod.
According to him, the combination of the camera’s large format and the vibrant film was key to capturing the image’s lasting appeal. He even noted that if he had used a 35-millimeter camera, the result would have been completely different.
Chuck O'Rear's photograph is widely regarded as the most viewed image in the world.
Many might assume that such a beautiful image required extensive planning, expensive equipment, or even a bit of luck with the weather. But for O’Rear, it was a matter of being in the right moment and taking advantage of what was in front of him.
The natural charm of the landscape, combined with the simple act of stopping to appreciate it, produced a photo that has now touched the lives of millions.
The photo was taken somewhere between St. Helena and Marin County, California.
The journey of “Bliss” from a casual snapshot to a global phenomenon is almost as remarkable as the image itself. After O’Rear submitted the photograph to Westlight, a stock photo agency, it eventually caught the eye of Microsoft.
In 1998, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, through his Corbis group, purchased the image for a “low six-figure” sum—over $100,000. The deal, however, came with its own set of challenges.
The photograph was so valuable that shipping companies were reluctant to handle it due to the high insurance costs. This meant that O’Rear had to fly to Seattle personally to deliver the original photo to Microsoft’s office—a small price to pay for the significant transaction and the free plane ride that came with it.
O'Rear shot using a Mamiya RZ67 camera loaded with Fuji color film, all mounted on a tripod.
For O’Rear, “Bliss” is just another photograph among many that he’s taken over his long career. However, it is also his most famous work. He humorously reflects on his long tenure at Geographic, saying, “Twenty-five years at Geographic and nobody ever gives a damn about that,” while his wife Daphne jokes about his new title.
“When I die, although I won't be buried, Daphne has said on your tombstone, we're not going to say National Geographic, we're going to say 'Photographer of Bliss'.” This blend of humor and pride shows how a simple image can become a lifelong signature.
Chuck O'Rear
No matter where O’Rear travels—whether it’s India, Thailand, Greece, or even just walking through an airport—the image follows him. He recalls an instance at the Chicago airport where he spotted his own work displayed on a billboard.
“I have a theory that anybody now from aged 15 on for the rest of their life will remember this photograph,” he asserts confidently. Even if people don’t recall exactly where they’ve seen it, “Bliss” is bound to leave a lasting impression.
The story of “Bliss” shows us that life’s most unforgettable moments often arise from unplanned, spontaneous events. It beautifully demonstrates how a simple, everyday scene can encapsulate the extraordinary beauty of our world, transforming it into a timeless symbol that continues to resonate across generations.
Ultimately, this photograph stands as a tribute to the unexpected magic hidden in the ordinary, inviting us all to appreciate life's subtle wonders.
