This portfolio was quite successful, enough so that Adams could begin his photography pursuits full time, leaving behind his previous aspirations of being a classical pianist. He used the term "Parmelian" rather than, say, "photographic" to glamorize the standard silver gelatin process. The extremely thin paper is Kodak Vitava Athena Parchment T.

Adams wrote to his new wife, “My photographs have now reached a stage when they are worthy of the world’s critical examination. I have suddenly come upon a new style which I believe will place my work equal to anything of its kind. I have always favored the effect of engravings–the neat, clean, clear-cut technique fascinates me. In this new effect I will try to combine the two processes of photography and the press into a result that will be exceptionally beautiful and unique.....”