Using a telephoto setting on my Canon PowerShot SX50 HS (Bridge Camera), I was able to take a “portrait” of Cathedral Peak from across Tuolumne Meadows. It doesn’t look quite as dramatic in this picture as the colors are muted because of the amount of atmosphere between the lens and the subject, the color of the light, copious snow cover, etc.
The picture above does provide a different look into the “character” of the peak and the overall topography.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
Cathedral Peak and Tuolumne Meadows from Sentinel Dome
Among the numerous and varied mountains in Yosemite National Park, a few have gained prominence because of their special location, shape or challenge to conquerors. Cathedral Peak is one such recognizable pinnacle.
The picture above was taken from the top of Sentinel Dome and shows the stretch across Tuolumne Meadows including the river. Cathedral Peak, like Sentinel Dome, stands as figurative sentries keeping watch over the expanse.
Cathedral Peak is open to mountain climbers and it stands as a challenge to those who enjoy that sport. An interesting picture of one such adventurer can be seen HERE.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
This may be bit like pointing out my blemishes after I am dressed and ready to go out, but in an effort to share my photography experiences, I want to have full disclosure. As we returned to Yosemite Village, I noticed that the light was turning very picturesque so I hurried to the meadow to see if I could capture an artistic image of Half Dome.
As noted a number of times in my Year of Yosemite series, there were significant rains prior to our visit. A number of large puddles formed in the meadow and several photographers were trying to find the “ideal” location from which to capture a “perfect image” of Half Dome.
The picture above is one of my attempts. I was working under a couple of handicaps with my lack of experience being a major issue. I had a new camera that I had used just a few times prior and I am not sure I felt comfortable with the metering mode I was using. One of the photographers standing next to me had a variety of neutral density filters which would allow him to take a longer exposure and/or cut down the glare from the puddle. I do not own a set of filters of any type at this point, however I do plan to purchase a polarizing filter in the near future.
Another problem with the photo above is my choice of vantage points. After looking at this photograph now, I think perhaps I should have moved back just a bit to include more meadow in front of the puddle. I think that might have set off the reflection just a bit more.
Nevertheless, I do like my attempt to portray Half Dome in an artistic light, but it is only an “average” picture in my opinion.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
A vertical picture of Half Dome from near the Ahwahnee Meadow
When confronted with such a recognizable landmark such as Half Dome, most photographers are anxious to get the definitive picture. There are two approaches to this task. One, which is not recommended and sometimes scorned by more experienced shooters, is called “Spray and pray” which refers to taking many, many photographs from all different angles and places hoping that the ideal picture will appear somewhere in the grouping.
A more polished method would encourage the photographer to carefully study the scene, understand models of composition and choose their captures selectively. I try to embody the more conservative, polished method. While using this approach, I attempted to compose a vertical shot (above) as opposed to YOY Day 196which was horizontal. I also wanted to include more of the foreground to use as a leading line drawing the eye towards Half Dome.
I normally prefer a horizontal landscape as opposed to a vertical, but I do find the composition above interesting and at least partially successful. NOTE – The light was changing quickly as the angle of the sun was becoming sharper.
What are your thoughts? (Leave them in a comment)
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
A picture of Half Dome from near the Ahwahnee Meadow
Yesterday’s YOY 195 post showed a webcam picture of Half Dome that was taken from a spot very near to where I took the picture above. Of course my photo isn’t as dramatic because of the lighting and weather conditions present during the webcam shot.
Standing in the meadow, this seemed to be an “obvious” capture. I had no idea that there was a webcam nearby and it is tempting to say that “great minds think alike,” but anyone standing in this expansive, grassy area looking at Half Dome would be tempted by their artistic sirens. So snap away I did!
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
One of the most iconic symbols of any national park – Half Dome
It is very interesting how some of our national parks have features that have become so iconic that they take on a personality of their own. Half Dome is one of those major icons. As explained in an earlier post, Half Dome is so recognizable that the North Face Company uses an abstract version of it for their logo.
One indication that Half Dome is a major draw to Yosemite is that there is a webcam set up so people can see it whenever they choose. The photo above was provided by a webcam funded through Yosemite Conservancy. The scene is of Half Dome from the Ahwahnee Meadow which is east of Yosemite Village (taken on January 13, 2017).
NOTE – While this is not a photograph I captured, I am using it as a springboard for a few following posts.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
Animals have become acclimated to people and often saunter near the paths
After hiking the byways, trails and paths at Yosemite over a period of days, it is easy to get lulled into a sense that this is not wilderness. Of course there are signs everywhere warning of the dangers of wildlife encounters. It is important that we understand there are wild animals all around even if they are not visible.
It is still somewhat surprising to come across the denizens of Yosemite so close to the paths. The deer above was very aware that we were nearby, but seemed to be comfortable with us at a relatively close distance. This deer was munching some greenery in the Happy Isles section of the park
When I lived in the northeast, a deer would often run at the sight of a human and rarely let anyone get this close.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
An example of how the Valley Loop Trail’s terrain varies quite a bit
Over the last couple of days I showed specific sections of the Valley Loop Trail in an effort to disclose to those planning to visit Yosemite what they might expect.
On Day 191, it was demonstrated that parts of the trail are easily accessible.
On Day 192, we showed how the path could be unpaved, but relatively smooth.
Today’s post shows a picture of some of the less user-friendly pathway for those who do not have good balance or might be somewhat impaired. This would not be difficult for experienced hikers, but might prove a bit of a problem for those have any walking issues.
If you cannot discern the boulder area in the path, I have used arrows in the picture below to indicate where they are located.
Some of the boulder scramble areas are highlighted
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
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Meta Data – Day 193 YOY – Year of Yosemite
File Name: 3500.JPG
Capture time: 2:06:59 PM
Capture date: June 5, 2016
Exposure: 1/20 sec @ f/7.1
Focal Length: 5.8mm
ISO 200
Canon PowerShot A590 IS
The Valley Loop Trail’s terrain varies quite a bit
The Valley Loop Trail can be a bit deceiving particularly if you are beginning your journey near the Yosemite Village area where there are paved paths, railings, trash bins and numerous signs.
Once you leave that area and travel to the further reaches of trail, the pavement, for the most part, disappears. The section above was located in the area of the The Majestic Yosemite Hotel. While there are some gentle ups and downs and twists and turns, the footing is relatively smooth.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
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Meta Data – Day 192 YOY – Year of Yosemite
File Name: 3497.JPG
Capture time: 9:47 AM
Capture date: June 5, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/7.1
Focal Length: 5.8mm
ISO 200
Canon PowerShot A590 IS
We were so excited to be at Yosemite National Park and we could not wait to hit the trails. One of our first forays was to hike the Valley Loop Trail.
When hiking that trail, especially if you are picking it up around “the village,” you will most likely see a scene similar to the one above. That is Yosemite Falls. It was so impressive with its full flowing abundance and loud roar. I passed it many times an almost every time I was compelled to take another picture. It was so robust and amazing that it was hard to ignore it.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
JBRish.com originally published this post *All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
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Meta Data – Day 191 YOY – Year of Yosemite
File Name: 0265.CR2
Capture time: 7:46 AM
Capture date: June 5, 2016
Exposure: 1/15 sec @ f/6.3
Focal Length: 5mm
ISO 100
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS
