Robeng Loc: California

Irve,

There are so many photo ops in Yosemite it would take a whole page to write it down. The first thing I would do if I was you, is to get Michael Frye's Yosemite Photography Guide app. The app will tell you where to take great photos base on the time of month. Michael list tons of great locations and how to get to them.

I posted a few images from my last two trips this year.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Rob....Stunning photos. I've gotta get in shape so I can do some hiking!! My daughter lives in San Diego, so a trip there, up Hwy 1 to S.F. to Yosemite and beyond is not out of the question now that my wife is retiring today!!

romanticf16 Loc: Commerce Twp, MI

In the evenings you can see night climbers on Half Dome from the veranda of the Lodge. It could make for some interesting time exposures of their flashlights as the move up in their climb.

Robeng Loc: California

Hi SteveR,

Sounds like a plan for visiting Northern California, the bad news is part of Highway 1 by Big Sur is closed due to the winter storms we had a couple of months ago. Congrats to your wife retiring! now go out an enjoy life.

I added a image of McWay Falls for you.

Rob

10MPlayer Loc: California

The Ansel Adams center in the valley has a couple of different options. One is a walking tour that takes about two hours. It's kind of a back to basics course on photography. The instructor takes you to several locations close by and talks exposure and composition on a basic level. It's early enough In the morning that the light's still good. It's worth the time. They also offer a course where they take you to some of the famous sites Ansel Adams shot and they discuss a lot of the lore and history of the man and how he achieved his shots. I believe it's a much more involved course and you need to sign up for it in advance if you want to get in. Call the Adams Center and ask about it.

10MPlayer Loc: California

They did. We stayed there last Spring. It's now the Majestic, I believe.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I heard about that, Rob. Somehow I think they'll get that bridge fixed before I get into shape!!!!

Big_D_49 Loc: Riverside, c

Well when I saw your topic I was going to give you some suggestions but most everyone already has. About the only thing I can add is that there is not a good spot to take pictures at Yosemite, just some better than others.
I agree with LoneRangeFinder, if you try to drive around the valley your just going to find yourself in a parking lot.

rrayrob Loc: Las Vegas, NV

You didn't say exactly when you were going in May to Yosemite. Several people have mentioned the traffic in the valley and yes it can be a problem depending on exactly when you go. If you're going during the week and NOT on a weekend then crowds will be less and then you may be able to drive your own vehicle. Also, going before Memorial Day weekend, which is May 27-29 you will encounter less crowds. One thing to remember is the main roads in the valley floor are ONE WAY, which means if you miss stopping somewhere or want to go back you are forced to drive all the way around the valley. Most roads are 2 lane and at popular valley sights there are parking areas off to the side of the road. Two disadvantages to the shuttle system are 1) you have to wait for the next shuttle and 2) it stops at all the places on the route so if you want to go somewhere 5 stops away it will take you longer to get there. That said, Yosemite is a special place and any inconvenience is worth it. Have a great time.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

Bass Lake should be pretty full after this season rains.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Hi,

People have given some good advice, especially the one who said to get the Michael Frye book or ap. Michael Frye, he has a blog, is one of the, or maybe, the premier photographer when it comes to Yosemite. I've taken several classes from him. I live about an hour and 1/2 outside the valley and go several times a year. One thing to know about this year, other than that Hwy. 120 is still closed at this date (large landslide onto road), is that there is construction going on in Yosemite Valley and this is on top of the really bad roads; all of the roads were covered in water and became rutted out. I was there in February and it was fairly wild, weather and water-wise, all the meadows were covered in water. You should check the website regarding any construction or road repair. If you are going prior to Memorial Day it is not nearly as crowded, but I would expect things to be pretty much a nightmare this year in peak season; construction, pitted/rutted roads, lots of water. Do not go on a weekend. Check out the usual sites, Valley View, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls, the stone bridges, the Swinging Bridge, Sentinel Beach with a view of El Capitan, these are all in the main part of the valley floor or just beyond and no hiking. A very short hike is Bridalveil Fall off Hwy 41 and then on to Tunnel View (no hiking, a parking lot). Vernal Fall is a hike, maybe a mile or two, on a paved road. The hike up Mist Trail to Nevada Fall is very dangerous and you would need to be in shape. You'll get a map when you drive in with all of these places listed. The senior pass is $10 and you need to be 62 (if I recall correctly). Most likely, as others have said, Tioga Road and Glacier Point will not be open due to snow. There could also be problems with spring runoff in May, people here are already talking about flooding due to a heavy runoff. I don't know anything about Bass Lake but need to get there. Hope this helps.

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

One of the best...
The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite Paperback – August 14, 2012
by Michael Frye

Big_D_49 Loc: Riverside, c

Well I reread my post and I made a big mistake, I said there was not a good spot, I ment to say there is not a BAD spot.... sorry about that.
Have fun at Yosemite, I wish I could go to Yosemite again, but that's ok. I did get to take a girl I was dating at the time to Yosemite, her first time, she loved it.

Big_D_49 Loc: Riverside, c

Rob, your photo of McWay falls is just awesome! I have lived in California most of my life, 62 years and I'm 68, or will be in 16 days. And I have to say I have never seen the ocean that blue, it's always been a greenish blue color or a dark green color. Nice picture!

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Thanks....your original post really had me wondering about whether the traffic, etc., would ruin the whole experience!!!