First Day at Yosemite

The first afternoon I arrived at Yosemite I was anxious to get right to work.  After checking into my hotel, I headed into the park with the thought of going to Taft Point for a sunset view of the valley.  Unfortunately, I under estimated how long the drive would be and arrived at the trail head right about the time I should have been in position.  I then realized I would also need to hike about a mile in moderate terrain to get to where I needed to be, with a return hike in the dark.  I was unprepared.  Sounded like a rough start to my trip.  Anyway, I scratched the idea and began to head back down to the valley and my frustration seemed to be magnified by what I could tell through occasional breaks in the trees was an incredibly beautiful sunset in progress.  Unfortunately though, I was in no position to take advantage of it.  I did have a brief opportunity to catch just a few shots at a turnout to catch some of the glow reflecting back to the southeast.  This was really my fist shot of the trip.

Light Makes All the Difference

I did make some comment in my previous post about the weather during my Yosemite trip. Not much interest in the sky most days, but there were a few exceptions. I did compose a panorama from Glacier Point overlooking the cliffs, domes, mountains and falls along the course of Yosemite Valley. While this image gives you sense of the scale and beauty of the place, it lacks what I feel is necessary for a strong and moving image.

After the hour drive from the valley to get to this viewpoint I was determined to wait out the sunset, even though I was less than hopeful of the outcome, based on the featureless sky. In photography light is everything, and is often unpredictable. This afternoon, the wait was productive and the resulting image demonstrates what a little patience and anticipation can allow.

 
There was a brief period of patchy and thin cirrus clouds that captured faint colors of the setting sun which had now fallen below the horizon. This cast a soft and subtle light on Half Dome and the surrounding formations and allowed me to capture this final image. The light was rapidly changing and lasted for only minutes. The three and a half hour wait was worth it.

Back from Yosemite

I have not made a recent post because I've been a little busy lately after the Fall art shows. By the way I wish to thank all those that came by. These three shows proved successful but most of all I really enjoyed discussing my work with so many of you. I will be sure to keep you up to date on future events. check my website often for updates on where you can next see my most recent work.
I did just get back from a trip to Yosemite National Park. The beauty of this place is remarkable. I've been so busy though catching up on other things that I have hardly had time to review the images I brought back. The weather was what most photographers would call tourist weather. That is, mild temperatures and clear blue skies. Great for tourists but the bane of many a serious photographer. We prefer weather phenomenon of various types...clouds, clearing or approaching storms, fog...anything that adds interest and mood, or captures reflections of light and color. Unfortunately, there was just not much going on in the sky during my 5 days in the park, with a couple of small exceptions. Nonetheless, I did come back with a few strong images that I am really looking forward to sharing with you.
As a teaser, I offer this image accompanying this writing of Yosemite Chapel. Just thought it appropriate for the season. I will get others up very soon...stay tuned.
Please feel free to comment...I am always interested in your thoughts about which images you really enjoy and why.