This image was taken from the mast of a ship on Sydney Harbour. Vaniman had intended that his panoramas be exhibited in public buildings as massive enlargements, but today they survive as extremely rare and detailed platinum contact prints. He spent over a year photographing Australia and New Zealand on behalf of the Oceanic Steamship Company creating promotional images for the company.

Beginning in 1903, Vaniman spent over a year photographing Sydney and the surrounding areas. It was during this time that he created his best known work, the panorama of Sydney, shot from a hot air balloon he had specially imported from the United States. Vaniman is best known for his images of Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand.