The World Most Viewed Image

Have you ever pondered what might be the most widely viewed photograph in history? One strong contender is ‘Bliss,’ the picture Microsoft chose as the default wallpaper for Windows XP. This photo, captured by professional photographer Charles O’Rear using a medium format camera, displays the picturesque, undulating green hills of Sonoma County, California. It is estimated to have been seen by more than one billion individuals since it first surfaced in 2002.

The exact amount Bill Gates paid for the rights to this photograph is undisclosed, but it is widely believed to have been a substantial sum. O’Rear has described the price as ‘remarkable,’ suggesting that Microsoft recognized the image’s unique and universally appealing nature.

‘Bliss’ has become an iconic representation, symbolizing tranquil and soothing countryside landscapes. It functioned as a familiar and comforting background for countless users of Windows XP globally and remains a lasting emblem of the digital era.