After Fenton returned to Britain in July 1855, he was involved in preparations for the exhibition of his work to the public. The first exhibition opened in September 1855 at the Gallery of the Watercolour Society in London, and was followed by over 25 exhibitions across Britain including the gallery of Mr Alexander Hill, printseller, 67 Princes Street.

Each venue had its own catalogue printed listing all the works on display. There was an order form at the back of the catalogue to allow visitors to purchase copies of the photographs. Most individual photographs sold for 10s 6p, although some works were considered to be more significant and were therefore priced higher. The Valley of the Shadow of Death was the most expensive single photograph, at £1 1s.