Preserving Greatness: Great Salt Lake in Photographs

Through more than 200 extraordinary photographs, discover the beauty, fragility, and timeless wonder of Great Salt Lake as it teeters on the brink.

As Great Salt Lake began to recede at an alarming rate, photographer Chris Carlson felt compelled to document this extraordinary natural wonder before it changed forever. He dedicated nearly four years to capturing its beauty on its shores, in its waters, and from the air. The result is Preserving Greatness, a comprehensive collection of stunning photography that immortalizes the essence of the Western Hemisphere’s largest terminal saline lake.

Carlson’s perspective brings to life the dynamic interplay of light and shadow, the intricate details and textures of the lake, and the diverse wildlife that call this extraordinary place home. From the tranquil, reflective waters at dawn to the fiery hues of sunset, Carlson’s images invite us to explore the Great Salt Lake in all its grandeur.

Preserving Greatness also delves into the vibrant industry that has developed around the lake, from mineral extraction to brine shrimp harvesting, highlighting the need for a better balance between human activity and natural preservation.

These photographs, filled with both the beauty and fragility of Great Salt Lake, can inspire us to support efforts to protect this unparalleled natural wonder for future generations.

Chris Carlson is a photographer deeply connected to Great Salt Lake through his ancestry, which traces back to the earliest pioneer settlers on Antelope Island. Over the past three years, Chris has dedicated himself to capturing the lake’s magnificence, using both traditional cameras and drones to craft expansive aerial views alongside detailed ground-level shots. His photographic approach skillfully reveals the lake’s grandeur in vivid and unexpected detail.

Chris’s work aims to elevate public awareness and appreciation of Great Salt Lake’s ecological significance. He believes in the power of photography to bring people together, building a community of conservationists who, despite their differing viewpoints, share a common goal: the preservation of Great Salt Lake for future generations.