According to some estimates, about 1 billion people have seen Windows XP’s iconic PC wallpaper “Bliss,” making it the most viewed photograph in the world. Now, 21 years after he made the famous photo, Charles O’Rear aims to produce “the next generation of wallpaper photos,” and they look just as blissful.

“I am turning seventy-six and realize how much the Bliss Windows wallpaper has meant to my life,” O’Rear said. “As the photographer of the most viewed photo in history, I have enjoyed every minute of fame.”

This time, the project called New Angles of America is directed towards smartphone users. “I am thrilled to create for Lufthansa a sequel to the “Bliss” photo on smartphones so that my beautiful views of other places can continue to be enjoyed by millions of people. After all, smartphones have become the primary place for the world to see new and beautiful images. And, I’m glad to be part of it.”

In 1996, O’Rear captured his beautiful photo in Sonoma County, California, with a medium format camera while on his way to see his girlfriend. At first, the image was sent to Corbis – an American advertising and licensing company – and afterward Microsoft purchased its rights in 2000, one year before the launch of Windows XP.

More info: newanglesofamerica.com (h/t petapixel)

This is Charles O’Rear, the photographer behind Windows XP “Bliss”

Image credits: Lufthansa

O’Rear captured his famous shot in Sonoma County, California, with a medium format camera while on his way to see his girlfriend

Image credits: Charles O’Rear

“I am turning seventy-six and realize how much the Microsoft Bliss photograph has meant to my life. As the photographer of the most viewed photo in history, I have enjoyed every minute of the fame”

Image credits: profimedia

This time,  he aims to produce “the next generation of wallpapers” for smartphones users. This shot is titled Maroon Bells (Colorado)

Image credits: Charles O’Rear

Peek-A-Boo Slot (Utah)

Image credits: Charles O’Rear

White Pocket (Arizona)

Image credits: Charles O’Rear

“I am thrilled to create for Lufthansa a sequel to the “Bliss” photo on smartphones so that my views of other beautiful places can continue to be enjoyed by millions of people”

Image credits: Lufthansa

For more information, watch the video below

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