H. H. Bennett began his career as a photographer in 1865, when he bought a portrait studio in Kilbourn City (now Wisconsin Dells) from local photographer Leroy Gates. Although there was little demand for portraits in the area, Bennett was able to achieve fame for a series of photographs he took of the nearby Dells of the Wisconsin River. As Bennett's pictures of local scenery became popular in cities across the nation, sightseers began to flock to Kilbourn City to view the Dells in person.
H. H. Bennett started his career as a photographer in 1865 when he bought a portrait studio in Kilbourn City (now Wisconsin Dells) from local photographer Leroy Gates. Despite low demand for portraits, Bennett gained fame for photographs of the nearby Dells of the Wisconsin River. As his scenic pictures became popular across the country, people began traveling to Kilbourn City to see the Dells firsthand.