CHARLES WYCKOFF (1916-1998) A stunning photograph of the molten fireball aftermath of the first hydrogen bomb test, code-named Ivy Mike. This photograph appeared on the cover of Life magazine on April 19, 1954. Silver press print, the image measuring 6 1/2x8 1/2 inches (16.6x21.6 cm.), the sheet slightly larger, with the typed caption "BOMBS - HYDROGEN," a faded press stamp, an April 19, 1954 date stamp, and a press slug adhered on verso. 1952
Charles Wales Wyckoff was an American photographic innovator, a photochemist specializing in high-speed photography, also noted today for his innovations in the field of high dynamic range imaging. Wyckoff did postgraduate work at MIT with another innovator, Harold Edgerton, working together to develop techniques to photograph atomic experiments in the Pacific Ocean.
