Through over 200 photographs, I set out to capture the beauty, mystery, and fragility of the Great Salt Lake as it faces an uncertain future.When I saw the lake receding at an alarming rate, I felt an urgency to document it—its shorelines, shifting waters, and vast skies—before it changed forever.
Preserving Greatness is the result: a collection of images that reflects not just the lake’s visual splendor, but also its deep significance to our landscape, our wildlife, and our way of life.From the stillness of dawn to the drama of sunset, I aimed to show the lake in all its moods. I wanted to bring attention to the intricate patterns of salt and sand, the grace of the birds that depend on it, and the surreal beauty that sets the Great Salt Lake apart from anywhere else on earth.I also spent time documenting the human side of the lake—the industries that rely on its resources—and the tension between economic use and ecological survival.
This book is both a tribute and a call to action. I hope these photographs help people see what’s at stake—and why this Great Salt Lake is worth saving.
Chris Carlson, an artist with a BFA in photography from Brigham Young University, holds a deep ancestral connection to Great Salt Lake, tracing his lineage to the earliest pioneer settlers on Antelope Island. Over the past three years, Chris has dedicated himself to capturing the lake's magnificence, employing both traditional cameras and drones to craft expansive aerial views and detailed ground-level shots. His photographic approach skillfully reveals the lake's grandeur in vivid detail.
Though photography is not his primary career, Chris's work rivals that of fine artists, driven by his commitment to constantly improve his craft and tie it to environmental advocacy. His upcoming book, "Preserving Greatness; Great Salt Lake in Photographs," due for release in 2025, seeks to elevate public awareness and appreciation of the lake's ecological significance. Chris is keen on assembling a community of conservationists, including those with differing viewpoints, to collaboratively tackle the environmental challenges Great Salt Lake faces, ensuring its preservation for future generations.