Yosemite Waterfalls June 1 – 5, 2009
An incredible week shooting all the waterfalls (and then some) in the valley. Although we concentrated on waterfalls, we also did night shooting, sunset shooting and twice went to Glacier Point. The weather was very unsettled which made for great photo opportunities.
The crowning excursion had to be the hike up the Yosemite Falls trail to get the moonbow from a vantage point few have ever photographed.
Upper Yosemite Fall
It was a hard hike up that trail with full packs of photo gear, food and water. Thank goodness there was a creek that enables us to fill our containers.
Falling water from Upper Yosemite Fall.
Monday, June 1
We started on June 1 shooting Lower Yosemite Fall from the trail. The waterfall spray and crowds were too oppressive to shoot from the landing.
Timed exposure of Lower Yosemite Fall
Then, it was on to lunch. Afterward we noticed the clouds were looking pretty good, so we headed up to Tunnel View to shoot clouds.
Raul Lopez, Janet Anderson and Michael Rudawsky.
It became apparent that clouds were continuing to build, so we headed to Glacier Point to try our luck at a grand sunset, something which is never guaranteed, but when it happens is worth the trip.
The results:
Clouds over Half Dome
Obviously looking to the west at sunset from Glacier Point
15 second time exposure by Michael Rudawsky during dusk
Tuesday, June 2
Next day it the Vernal Fall hike or as it is known the “Mist Trail”, named for the strong waterfall spray that deluges the trail. Wet, windy and cold.
Michael, Raul and Janet.
Shooting Vernal Fall was very difficult due to the strong spray, cold wind and overcast conditions. But we persevered up the trail to the top of Vernal Fall.
The top of Vernal Fall
The Merced River
The Mist Trail as seen from the otp of Vernal Fall
Wednesday, June 3
A busy day; shooting two waterfalls, and a tremendous bear sighting; two adolescent bears roaming the meadow next to the chapel.
Bear #66
Bear #6 Almost all Yosemite bears have tags and collars.
Previous to our great bear sighting, we were at Cascade Falls.
Cascade Fall below The Big Oak Flat Road.
Then, itw as on to Fern Spring
Fern Spring
Another View of Fern Spring
That night we did some night shooting from Tunnel View
Yosemite Valley at night in the moonlight from Tunnel View
From Tunnel View int he moonlight. Shot by Janet
Thursday, June 4
We hiked up the Yosemite Falls Trail to capture the moonbow. 99% of all shots of the moonbow in the Upper Yosemite Fall spray are shot from the valley floor. We hiked up and began shooting after dark as soon as the moon was in the right position.
Raul shot this great moonbow.
To be continued
Great work! Every one of the above shots are just excellent! I was in Yosemite myself about a week before you. I was able to hike the mist trail and was rewarded 10 fold. I hope to be signing up for your Fall Class- Your work and your students work is fantastic!
I am an interested photography student (beginner in many ways) & have traveled much of yosemite having worked there four summers during my college years (guide & packer at YP&CCo stables). Please send me the class information. Thank you,