Thomas Houseworth & Co. Opticians Bldg., near Yosemite Valley in California

Thomas Houseworth was best known for his work in stereoscopic photography, a technique that creates the illusion of three-dimensional depth in an image. Houseworth began his career as a photographer in the early 1850s in San Francisco, where he worked with his brother William. Together they produced stereoscopic images of Californian landscapes and cityscapes, as well as portraits of local residents. In 1860, Houseworth set up his own studio in San Francisco, where he continued to produce stereoscopic images of the American West. His photographs were highly sought after by tourists and collectors, and he became one of the most successful photographers of his time. In addition to his work in stereoscopic photography, Houseworth also produced large-format albumen prints of landscapes and cityscapes. His images captured the beauty and grandeur of the American West, and he was renowned for his ability to capture the light and atmosphere of his subjects. Houseworth continued to work as a photographer until his death in 1915. His legacy lives on through his stunning images of the American West, which continue to inspire and captivate viewers today.