Half Dome

Reflection of Half Dome – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 198

Jeff

Half Dome from the Ahwahnee Meadow with a reflection

Half Dome at the Ahwahnee Meadow with reflection

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.

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A Vertical View of Half Dome – Year of Yosemite (YOY) Day 197

Jeff

Half Dome from the Ahwahnee Meadow

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 196 which 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.

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A View of Iconic Half Dome – Year of Yosemite (YOY) Day 196

Jeff

Half Dome from the Ahwahnee Meadow

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.

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Icons in Our Parks- Half Dome – Year of Yosemite (YOY) Day 195

Jeff

Half Dome from a Webcam

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.

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No Meta Data – Day 195

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 181 (Half Dome as Waldo is Found)

Jeff

Half Dome a closer context

Showing Half Dome with more context

In yesterday’s post, I tried to demonstrate how the context or environment in which the main subject or focal point of the picture is placed has much to do with defining that main subject. If it is too small, or without other elements to lend perspective, the photograph is likely to be less successful.

Context, i.e. the surroundings of the object, helps to stress the main interest when the composition is well done. In addition, making sure that the main subject is large enough and distinguishable enough increases the overall effectiveness.

In the picture above, there is a leading line going from the bottom left angled upward to the right to Half Dome. This leads the viewer’s eye toward the main subject.

You can see yesterday’s picture of Half Dome and how insignificant it appears in the composition and context. Click 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.

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Meta Data – Day 181 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 180 (Half Dome Plays Where’s Waldo)

Jeff

Half Dome hides among other features

Half Dome is Lost among the myriad of structures seen from Olmsted Point

In the picture above it is difficult to pick out Half Dome from among all of the other features sticking up against the skyline at Olmsted Point. It is nature’s version of “Where’s Waldo.”

A casual onlooker who had no prior knowledge and no guides, but just pulled off of the road because of the scenic overlook, they would probably be hard pressed to tell what it was they were seeing. Half Dome is just another distant mountain.

Our iconization of certain natural wonders is all about context. We need to see the overwhelming beauty of a feature set in an appropriate environment. I suppose that is why we have picture frames for even the most beautiful paintings.

Half Dome hides among other features

 
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 180 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 179 (Half Dome with Accessories)

Jeff

Half Dome with some Accessories

Closer to the “customary” views of Half Dome

Yesterday I proffered the idea that we often relate to our paragons, whether they are people, historic places, natural wonders, etc. in very specific contexts and when observed in different settings they often do not evoke the same emotions.

Yesterday’s picture of Half Dome trying to poke out above other mountains around Mirror Lake did not render it the majestic mountain we have come to admire. Click HERE to see that post.

The picture of Half Dome above, adds a bit more punch and it comes closer to that majestic look we have come to associate with it. The meadow, trees and other mountains appear to accessorize Half Dome itself and help to increase the splendor of the mountain and overall scene.

 
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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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 178 (An Icon with no Makeup – Half Dome)

Jeff

Half Dome from the Mirror Lake Trail

Half Dome is just another mountain when viewed from the Mirror Lake Trail

It is a strange feeling to have read much about something over a long period time and to compile a mental image of what that thing would actually look like “in person” and then to finally see it before you. It might be something akin to seeing a movie star while out-and-about doing chores and thinking how much different they look in the supermarket. That was part of the experience I had when visiting Yosemite and getting to view the major attractions from many different angles.

In the picture above, Half Dome works hard to make its presence felt among the other mountains surrounding Mirror Lake. If you knew no better, you would probably not be very impressed. Much of the awe these landmarks inspire is based on context, i.e. how they play off of the surrounding beauty in a particular area.

To be continued…

 
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 178 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 156 (Colorful Sun on Tunnel View)

Jeff

Sun setting on Tunnel View

The Scene from Tunnel View – Early Evening

We had been past Tunnel View a prior to this and stopped a couple of times, but this particular stop came closest to having the best lighting. Earlier stops were near midday or when light was harsh. This scene has a bit of a fall look because of the orange/brown trees, but those are trees that are dead or dying. Much like other areas of the United States, drought and insects have taken their toll on the trees in our national parks.

Tunnel view is a major stop on the way to or from Glacier Point. It is almost always crowded. Buses, campers, cars, hikers, nearly everyone stops at Tunnel View to take photographs. My advice is if you do stop, move around. Don’t stand in just one place. There are so many wonderful views to capture.

El Capitan (left) and Half Dome (middle) are obvious to most visitors, but the jutting series of rocks the right, just in from the edge, is Cathedral Rocks.

I missed getting Bridalveil Falls in the shot. It was there, but I failed to take the picture from an angle that would have included it. I forgot that it was just off to the right. Also…if you have a wide angle lens, that would be a great tool for this vantage point.

NOTE – I do have a couple of previous pictures from Tunnel View with the falls in them, but the light was not as good in those shots.

 
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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Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 155 (Four Mile Trail 5/5 – Half Dome Close and Large)

Jeff

Half Dome close up along Four Mile Trail

A close up view of Half Dome from a vantage point along the Four Mile Trail

Much like my Grand Canyon experience, there were times when hiking the trails at Yosemite, it was difficult to put the camera down and walk. There was a tendency to step to the side every twenty to thirty feet to take another picture. Luckily digital photography is not expensive, but there are often time constraints.

I took several shots of Half Dome from the Four Mile Trail and for this photo I used my Canon bridge camera to get closer to the dome to show as much of the color and texture as could capture.

 
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 155 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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