Yosemite
Sep 5, 2021 13:10:04 #
Sorry to rain on your parade, but the iconic photos of Yosemite are what make Yosemite unique. Photos taken "off the beaten path" are just photos of woods, forests, trees, rocks, and streams that can be taken in any forest anywhere. It is the obvious locations that make you feel like you have been to Yosemite or you could be just anywhere. There are places where you can go up and look down on the valley and the dome for different angles of the same "obvious locations" for a different interest. However, you need those iconic shots just to know that you were there. To make them different, take them at extremely different times of the day. You don't see that too often. Have a great trip!!!!
Sep 5, 2021 15:03:52 #
billnikon wrote:
You gotta shoot quarter dome. 
It used to be called half dome but that was before inflation knocked it down.
It used to be called half dome but that was before inflation knocked it down.That means quarter done is now dime dome.
Sep 5, 2021 15:24:53 #
I went with a tour group, so we were "on the beaten path." However, there is good reason why most tours and tourists see those popular locations.
Sep 5, 2021 15:30:05 #
JFCoupe wrote:
Check on the status of park openings before you head to Yosemite. I think I saw an article during the week that all national parks in CA are closed do to the risk of fire or fires already burning.
California National Forrests.
Yosemite is open with some Covid-19 restrictions.
https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/historyculture/women.htm
Sep 5, 2021 15:33:54 #
Flakes Mill wrote:
Photos taken "off the beaten path" are just photos of woods, forests, trees, rocks, and streams that can be taken in any forest anywhere.
What a redicuuious statement. But maybe for you that is true? If so then I recommend you always stick to the iconic tourist spots but go at midnight so you won’t find much competition.
Sep 5, 2021 15:43:28 #
Waterfalls may disappoint you. Not much snow in the high country and so much lower than normal melt to feed the waterfalls.
Sep 5, 2021 15:44:01 #
Waterfalls may disappoint you. Not much snow in the high country and so much lower than normal melt to feed the waterfalls.
Sep 5, 2021 19:29:23 #
If you want pictures of Yosemite why bother going there. There are literally thousands of photos available that are done by highly talented people with highly professional equipment and refined post-processing techniques. Go to experience and enjoy the environment and use your camera to record your feelings and reactions. This will give your photos real meaning and may even include a uniquely great shot.
Sep 6, 2021 13:22:45 #
Paul Diamond
Loc: Atlanta, GA, USA
My favorite book is "The Photographer's Guide to Yosemite" - your cc from ebay or amazon will be used. Covers the vast majority of photo sites, time of day/year, gear to use for your photos, etc.
Been to Yosemite for Spring, Summer and Fall. About this time of year, even Yosemite Falls may be dry. It seems 'spooky' to visit the Yosemite Valley area and it is quiet because of no waterfalls! You may get to see some tree leaves changing color at this time of year. - And my favorite time to go to Yosemite is early May to early June when the waterfalls and river flow are nearer to max.
Been to Yosemite for Spring, Summer and Fall. About this time of year, even Yosemite Falls may be dry. It seems 'spooky' to visit the Yosemite Valley area and it is quiet because of no waterfalls! You may get to see some tree leaves changing color at this time of year. - And my favorite time to go to Yosemite is early May to early June when the waterfalls and river flow are nearer to max.
Sep 6, 2021 15:12:53 #
rodbarr
Loc: Maryland
I find this comment quite sad - it seems to me to say, "why bother to try to be a serious photographer." I do not go to Yosemite, or other such places, expecting to create a photograph that equals an Ansel Adams image. Rather, I go there seeking my personal vision, to capture something, or a quality of light, that I feel is personal, is in some way unique, and is worthy of being seen by others.
Sep 6, 2021 16:18:00 #
The best I can offer is go before Easter and after labor day and get into the park before 7AM for anything on the canyon floor and plan to be out before 10AM.Come back after 5 PM. Between 10 and 5 drive over Tioga pass and see some of the high country or go as far as Mono lake. Don't figure to get anything like a meaningful waterfall pic this year. If not dry they'll be just a trickle. If you have options go on a rainy day.
Sep 7, 2021 11:35:09 #
dsolimini
Loc: C'Ville Virginia
Appreciate the input and comments - knew the waterfalls would be lacking. Trip timing revolves around life, knowing spring return would be preferable.
Agree the classical locations are classical for a reason, was just looking for some ideas from those with more experiences. Though if I just just wanted to see pictures in a book, why would anyone ever use their own cameras after the first person who took the photo? Each person has their own perspective and memories.
Thanks to all.
Agree the classical locations are classical for a reason, was just looking for some ideas from those with more experiences. Though if I just just wanted to see pictures in a book, why would anyone ever use their own cameras after the first person who took the photo? Each person has their own perspective and memories.
Thanks to all.
Sep 7, 2021 15:08:27 #
gaspump43
Loc: Central Texas
The last time I went to Yosemite was when I was in the Navy. We had just returned from Vietnam and I wanted a little down time. The drive to Yosemite was beautiful along the river, and there was some people prospecting for gold. Like I said I was in the Navy (back when we had sails (just joking)). That was at least 50 years ago, and I would imagine that it's changed a lot since then. I have a couple of photos that I took, I can't remember the camera I had, but it took pretty good pictures. Two of the photos were taken from the top of waterfalls, I haven't seen many taken that way, but I thought it looked pretty good. Please excuse the blue tint in one of the photos, but it's probably taken at least 50 years ago when I was in my early 20's. I could say it was taken now with all the smoke, but it wasn't. Enjoy your time at that beautiful park.
Sep 8, 2021 09:46:02 #
Here is Bridalveil Falls about 2 weeks ago. More mist than water. Also note that this has had a healthy dose of "dehaze". You can see the difference in the trees in foreground and mountain in back.
Sep 8, 2021 22:05:56 #
To get away from the crowds, take the Tioga road to Tuolulme Meadows. Cathedral peak area is nice with a lake. Definitely go to Mono lake and photo the old spring builds (Before CA drew the lake down). Research this. Before you leave the park on the way to Mono, look below at the river (i think Dana fork) great color there but may be a little early though for color. For just nature photography-Tu is great area. Might want to go to Hech Hechy just to see. Several other lakes up there to see that are relatively close to the road for good photos.
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