Photographers across the world have competed to capture the next iconic wallpaper for Microsoft Windows.
When it comes to Windows wallpapers it doesn’t get any more legendary than Bliss, the default wallpaper of Microsoft Windows XP taken by Charles O’Rear often said to be the most viewed photograph of all time.
It’s big shoes to fill, but seven photographers in seven different corners of the world attempted to follow in O’Rear’s footsteps by taking shots for the Microsoft Surface devices.
“Windows wallpapers are legendary across the internet. Windows XP’s iconic Bliss has inspired everything from games to clothing,” explains Whitney Wolf, Superdigital Director of Strategy, the creative agency that organized the project. “It’s a legacy we wanted to preserve, while also empowering creators to show off the beauty of their home country that not everyone gets to see first hand.”
First up, Caleb Wielhouwer from the U.S. traveled to arguably the country’s most picturesque state: Alaska.
@calebscamera A few months ago, @Windows and @Microsoft Copilot ♬ original sound – Caleb Wielhouwer
Frauke Hamesiter from Germany traveled to a remote region and embarked on hiking trails in search of a great shot.
@frauki Werbung The photo of a lifetime captured with the new @Surface Laptop, a Copilot+ PC was an experience I’ll never forget @windows @microsoftcopilot 🌿 The All Day Battery feature made taking and editing this shot in a remote location easy and worry free! ⚡️#MicrosoftPartner #WallpaperExpedition ♬ Originalton – Frauki
Film photographer Kate Hook from the U.K. traveled to Glencoe, Scotland for some atmospheric shots of the Scottish Highlands.
@kateh00k When film meets Al! @Windows and @Microsoft Copilot challenged me along with 6 other international photographers to capture a wallpaper worthy photo. As a film photographer, I have to make sure the conditions are just right. And with the help of the brand new @Surface Pro, a Copilot+ PC, I was able to plan around UK weather for my photo captured in Scotland. I can’t wait for you all to see it! #MicrosoftPartner #WallpaperExpedition ♬ original sound – k8:hook:
Justin Choquette from Canada drove north and lived out of a truck and drove over 7,000 kilometers in a bid to get a perfect wallpaper shot.
@justin.choquette Capturing a photo that makes you say “WOAH” with the help of the new @Microsoft Surface , a Copilot+ PC @Windows @Microsoft Copilot Myself and 6 other incredible international photographers were challenged to go on an expedition to capture an iconic Windows wallpaper background. With my AI companion, I was able to plan the trip with ease. I can’t wait to show you the final photo #MicrosoftPartner #WallpaperExpedition ♬ original sound – Justin
Meanwhile, Australia’s Zac Watson took a helicopter into the Outback for his shot of a stunning landscape known as Horizontal Falls.
Photographer Loic Lagarde took his drone to “beautiful, iconic” castles in France.
And finally, in Japan, Kohki Yamaguchi went to Mount Fuji for his attempt.
Because of the “overwhelming community response and feedback,” each photo has been made officially available on Windows which can be found here.