Buffalolensman

I will be visiting Yosemite for a few days in October. Need advice on what to photograph. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

Everything. Yosemite has bears, waterfalls, and other wildlife and landscape opportunities.

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jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

My favorite sights were the thermal features - magical! You can see animals anywhere, but those Yellowstone thermals are unique.

https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/thermal-features.htm

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

I am having a tough morning as well. He said Yosemite, not Yellowstone. Sorry, had to catch you!

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

That was Jerry, not me, just saying.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Hi. I live close enough to Yosemite, only an hour and a-half to the gate, to go there several times a year. October, in general, is not a great month for photographs. There are no Dogwoods (flowers), raging waterfalls, snow capped peaks or stormy weather. Most often the fall color does not start until later in the park. Having said all that, the beautiful mountain peaks are always there, with the most iconic being Half Dome and El Capitan. Yosemite Valley is very small and can be very crowded, even in October. The main places that photographers shoot for the iconic shots is Tunnel View, Valley View, Upper/Lower Yosemite Falls and the Lower Fall at the wooden walkway, and Bridelveil Fall and shots of El Capitan and Half Dome from the Merced River or a meadow. There are also two meadows that can be nice if there is mist in the morning. If you like stone bridges there are several that you can get nice shots of. The Merced River can also be nice to photograph. Since you simply drive around the loop to all of these places it's not hard to find them. Get a map when you go through the gate and get familiar with the places to go. Tunnel View is good at sunrise and sunset, depending on weather. Valley View is a better evening shot. Yosemite Falls is probably best in the early morning hours. You can check out my web site to preview some of the sites. Don't go to Yosemite expecting to get wildlife, there is virtually no wildlife in the valley floor. You might see a deer, ravens, and perhaps the backside of a bear in the distance crossing the road or the occasional coyote. If you get an animal shot at all, you got lucky. Yosemite is a beautiful and grand park.

Riverrune

Its a magical place. I spent a lot of time there 47 years ago. It's a lot more crowded now, but there are still places you can go that the average person won't. The falls will be pretty small in October, but take a hike up to Little Yosemite Valley above Nevada Falls or up Tenaya Canyon towards the lake.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

It will be obvious what to shoot when you arrive. A wide angle and maybe something as long as 200mm will cover all of your Yosemite shooting needs.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

You might thinking of a different place than Yosemete.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

tripadvisor.com

Ednsb Loc: Santa Barbara

Unfortunately I do agree with this. October is really not the best time to visit. I would add take the road up to Tioga Pass and get out of the valley. Clouds Rest, Lake Tanya, Tuolumne Meadows, etc. Day hikes to Nevada and Vernal falls in the valley. Day hikes anywhere!. The Sequoia Groves off the Hiway 41 entrance.

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

ever where you look.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

Yes, you definitely want to enter or exit the Valley, via Tioga Pass Road. This also drops you down very close to Bodie (google it) and Mono Lake. Tuolumne Meadow is every bit as wonderful as the Valley. They are having a heavy snowfall this year, so the Falls should be nearly full. You will also want to do the Mist Trail hike up to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Do not attempt the “slabs” trail. Hiking up the cable route to the summit of Half Dome (Mist Trail approach) is also highly recommended. Apply for you free permit NOW!

SVP

vcmestimator Loc: Yuba City, CA

I don't think October is a bad time to visit, the only time I won't go is summer when the park is packed. One place I would add is a trip to Glacier Point. Attached is a photo with the moon just starting to rise over the mountains. I took this last October. As someone else pointed out, the trip over Tioga Pass is nice. Mono Lake on the other side of the pass is another of my favorite places.

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jdub82 Loc: Northern California