Landscape, Nature And Travel Photography

“Gates of the Valley” has always been a vantage point that exemplifies the beauty of Yosemite National Park. While many of us know iconic Yosemite from the “tunnel view”, it is the ground level view of “‘Gates of the Valley” that provides a sense of scale that eternally entrances me. Taking in this view with fresh snow on the ground is nothing less than seeing Yosemite in it’s purest form. The snow seemingly takes back what we have taken from the landscape. Roads, fences, and footsteps disappear all while quietly revealing the true denizens of the valley the deer, coyotes and other animals that live under the towering trees & cliff walls.

Even while protected as a U.S. National Park it’s great to see nature take back the land.

Technorati Tags: photography, Yosemite, national park, NPS, winter, stock photo

So much snow fell in Yosemite valley this last Monday it was tough to get a clear view of anything for very long. The snow seemed to keep coming and coming.  At one point the snow stopped falling for a brief moment to reveal lower Yosemite Fall beyond the iconic Cook’s Meadow Elm. It’s tough to imagine, but the day before this meadow was full of golden brown grass. Seeing the transformation was amazing. As much as I enjoy the colorful landscape of Yosemite Valley I can never get enough of it when its covered in snow.

Snow Covered Cook's Meadow Elm & Yosemite Falls

Technorati Tags: landscape, Yosemite, National Park, snow, storm, nature, landscape, stock photo, Cook’s Meadow, elm, tree, winter

Monday’s snow storm transformed Yosemite before my eyes from a rusty yellow and green landscape to a white snowy wonderland. Standing in a meadow during a heavy snow storm I couldn’t help but think “Christmas Wonderland” when I photographed the Yosemite Valley Chapel. The snow covered pine tree, vibrant red historic structure and icy Oak trees as a backdrop epitomized what comes to mind when I think of a Yosemite Christmas.

Christmas Wonderland - Yosemite Valley Chapel in Snow Storm

Technorati Tags: Christmas, Yosemite, snow, tree, Yosemite Valley Chapel, Yosemite National Park, stock photo

I’m going to be returning to Yosemite National Park in the next few weeks as part of my coming Yosemite photo tour and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s been a while, but the great thing about Yosemite is that it’s a location that offers so much to photograph. As a result it’s one of the most inviting locations for photographers… the valley is always a gracious host to those with a camera in hand. If you’re interested in joining me it’s not too late as I have a couple of spots left. Three weeks to go and I’m curious as to what surprises await. In the past I’ve been awe struck by amazing sunsets, beautiful snow covered landscapes and encounters with local wildlife.

Winter really is the best time to see Yosemite especially when one is fortunate to be there with snow on the ground.

More Yosemite Photos Read more…

Macro photography is often associated with beautiful flower photos, but during a past trip to Yosemite National Park I decided to use my macro lens to document the impact of a controlled fire that was set on the valley floor. Rather than take a standard wide view of a fire scared landscape I decided to use a macro lens to capture a more intimate landscape of shape and texture. The jigsaw puzzle like bark of the Ponderosa Pine has always fascinated me and taking a closer look before and after made for an interesting subject.

Ponderosa Pine Tree Bark Detail, Yosemite National Park

The bark of the Ponderosa Pine from afar looks as though its covered in large scales, but as you get closer the large scales actually reveal their true structure. Layers upon layers of puzzle like pieces create the thick protective layer and structure to the trunk of the tree.

Burnt Bark of a Ponderosa Pine Tree, Yosemite National Park

Taking a closer look at the burnt bark of trees in the vicinity, loose layers of bark are gone leaving only a tightly packed layers of bark. The puzzle like pieces of the bark retain their loose shape, but glisten like shiny charcoal.

I’d venture to say that most people wouldn’t think of burnt bark as having any quality of beauty, but as a macro subject I thought it did. Granted I much prefer seeing a forest in a lush state rather than burnt, identifying burnt bark as a photographic subject is a lesson in itself.

When photographing nature subjects, or any other really, its important to check preconceived notions of beauty at the door. Observing the world as though you’ve never seen it before has a lot of merit. Mind you I will admit it bugs my wife when we go on walks… I’m always observing and pointing out minutia of the environment that most normal people would never have taken a second look at.

A while back Chase Jarvis posed the question, “When was the last time you shot something for the first time?” and I’d counter, “When is the last time you photographed something as though it were your first time?” Getting into the mode of rediscovery has proven to be as invaluable to me as immersing myself into a new environment to photograph. Try it. It might just light a creative fire for you.

Technorati Tags: Photography, Macro, Fire, Yosemite, Yosemite National Park

Going through an older set of images I came across this photo of Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite National Park. This was taken from the tunnel lookout off Highway 41 as you enter Yosemite valley just as a hint of sun made its way through the clouds of a disintegrating storm. Usually I’m never short of words when it comes to photographs, but I can’t really say why I like this. Perhaps its the lighting and muted contrast… or maybe I should focus less on words and more on enjoying the photo for what it is and what feelings & memories it evokes.

I suppose there in lies the core of my post today… with all the rushing around we do sometimes its nice to stop thinking and just look at a photo. This back to basics thought comes to mind because I’ve been rushing around like a madman as of late trying to catch up on a variety of projects. While I hope others enjoy this photo as much as I do… I’m going to be a little selfish today posting this photo strictly for me.

Have a photo that you’ve posted for selfish enjoyment… that you like for yourself? Point me to it in the comments below. I’m sure I’m not the only one that could use another image to enjoy as an escape from my daily rush.

Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite

Technorati Tags: Yosemite, National Park, stock photo, landscape, photography, Bridalveil Fall, waterfall

The 23rd episode of EXIF and Beyond has been released (duration 1 hour 8 min. 48 sec.).

Gigapixel panoramic photos and the Yosemite Extreme Panoramic Imaging Project 2008 are the focus in this interview with Eric Hanson, CEO of xRez studio. Find out not only how gigapixel panoramic photos are being made, but how they’re being used. After hearing about some of Eric’s efforts you’ll likely never think of stitched panoramic photos the same way.

Download the latest episodes:
EXIF and Beyond: Eric Hanson

For the non-iTune listeners a streaming version of this podcast can be accessed here.

Technorati Tags: Eric Hanson, xRez, Yosemite, panoramic, photography, EXIF and Beyond

I spent a few minutes during my lunch today to view and listen to a feature on the New York Times web site titled “Ansel Adams’s Yosemite“. With in this article are 9 photographs of Yosemite National park from Ansel Adams along with a short narrated audio piece by Ansel Adam’s assistant Andrea G. Stillman. This is a must view and listen for landscape and nature photography fans. It took only a few minutes to enjoy the photographs and audio commentary but it will have me thinking about heading out to the Sierra’s and other locations to get some photography in for a long time to come. I found it very inspiring and I know it will likely inspire many of the viewers who visit this blog. Enjoy!

Ansel Adams’s Yosemite – New York Times

Technorati Tags: Ansel Adams, Yosemite, landscape, nature, photography, New York Times