Charles O’Rear, an American photographer, took this shot in 1996, years before was included in Windows XP. Guess where this photo was taken? As it’s name indicated, Bliss is in California, in Sonoma County to be exact. What’s sadly, is that the same place where used to be so beautiful became such a disappointing view from a photo taken 10 years later from exactly the same spot.
It’s unknown how much the American photographer was paid for this famous shot due to a non-disclosure agreement. But the quote from himself, according to Napa Valley Register, clearly states that it’s extraordinary,
and second only to that paid to another living, working photographer for the photo of then-President Bill Clinton hugging Monica Lewinsky.
What’s more surprising is that the photo was included in Windows XP as the default wallpaper in the original state, meaning that it wasn’t digitally manipulated. No any PS involved at all.
You can find the exact location here in Google map. You can even get a 360 degree street view of the area.
