How Much Did Photographer Who Took ‘Most Viewed Photo Ever’ Get Paid?

Estimated to have been viewed by billions of people, the image in question has secured its place as the most widely seen in history. Microsoft’s Bliss photograph, with its serene depiction of California’s Napa Valley, has permeated screens across the globe since its inception. You will surely recognise it yourself.

Capturing the picturesque rolling green hills of California’s Napa Valley under a radiant blue sky dotted with wispy clouds, the now-legendary Bliss image has graced computer screens worldwide since its inception. Taken by photographer Charles O’Rear in 1996, the photograph became the default desktop background for Microsoft’s Windows XP operating system, propelling it into unparalleled fame.

The photo was taken on film with a medium-format Mamiya RZ67 camera, while O’Rear was on his way to visit his girlfriend. Contrary to most viewers assumptions, no edits or enhancements were made to the image. The high saturation comes from the type of film used (Fujifilm Velvia).

He went on to sell the image to a stock photo company, which itself was bought-out and merged into another image licensing company called Corbis.

Then, in the year 2000, Microsoft contacted O’Rear through Corbis. They didn’t just want to buy a license for the image from Corbis, they wanted to buy all the rights to the image directly from the photographer – including the original film.

After delivery services refused to ship the film, due to its extremely high value, Microsoft instead bought O’Rear a plane ticket so that he could personally deliver the film himself to their offices. And from there, the rest is history.

But how much was Charles O’Rear paid for this image?

Well, although the exact amount is unknown, O’Rear himself has said that the amount paid to him makes it the second-largest payment ever made for a single photograph. Estimates are in the low six-figures.