Half Dome

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 154 (Four Mile Trail 4/5 – Half Dome Peek-A-Boo)

Jeff

Half Dome as seen along the Four Mile Trail

After Hiking along the Four Mile Trail for a while, Half Dome became visible

Imagine this scenario…We were hiking along the Four Mile Trail for more than twenty minutes. At the beginning, the woods were deep and we were in the shade with little visibility beyond the trees. Soon we moved to the outside of the mountain and started to descend the switchbacks.

From time-to-time, there would be a break in the tree line and we could peer over the edge of the mountain to get our bearings and see the vistas before us. After each look, we returned to the hiking and resumed our downward path. This was repeated many, many times because we didn’t want to “miss anything!”

Then, without any inkling of what we were about to see next, we looked out from between the trees and saw Half Dome (see photo above) in all its glory. I had no idea it would be that visible or that clear of impediments.

Half Dome was bathed in the sun, the valley spread out beneath it and the surrounding cliffs provided the frame. Isn’t that a magnificent site?

 
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 154 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0296.CR2
Capture time: 5:13:22 PM
Capture date: June 6, 2016
Exposure: 1/500 sec @ f/7
Focal Length: 4.3mm
ISO 100
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 145 (Half Dome Old vs New)

Jeff

Half Dome Old Look

Half Dome was given an old fashioned look for this post

As most photography buffs and National Park aficionados will note, Ansel Adams chronicled the major sites of Yosemite National Park. His technique of spending hours in the darkroom is legendary. He was an expert craftsman.

I am not comparing myself to Ansel Adams or any other accomplished photographer, but from this post forward and from time-to-time, I thought I would put a different spin on some of the Yosemite scenes. There will, of course, be some that may be similar to those I have shared in prior posts.

This will provide a different perspective and style to the pictures captured. I hope JBRish readers will enjoy them. The picture above has had a number of filters applied via Lightroom to give Half Dome that old fashioned appearance.

For the sake of interest, I will also post the original picture at the end of the descriptions for comparison purposes and to validate the Meta Data provided.


Half Dome Old Look

This (above) is the original photograph prior to applying the filters in Lightroom



Which of the two pictures do you like better?

 
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 145 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 3501.JPG
Capture time: 3:39:40 AM/PM
Capture date: June 5, 2016
Exposure: 1/1250 sec @ f/7
Focal Length: 10mm
ISO 100
Canon PowerShot A590 IS

 

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 133 (Sun Begins to set on Half Dome)

Jeff

Half Dome near Sunset

The sun begins to set and the light on Half Dome turns golden

The last several posts were focused around Lembert Dome, but today’s post is of Yosemite’s most famous feature, Half Dome. We were fortunate to be in residence within walking distance of this field and I was drawn to it on a number of occasions.

Recent rains left a bevy of puddles in the low lying areas, to the delight of photographers seeking to capture reflections of the iconic rock as it loomed over the meadow. It is hard to get tired of this view!

 
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 133 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0284.NEF
Capture time: 7:09:24 AM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/250 sec @ f/8
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 320
Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 126 (Half Dome – Not Always A Beauty)

Jeff

Half Dome seen from Mirror Lake

Half Dome peeks out above other mountains and cliffs as one hikes around and near Mirror Lake

When we began our explorations of Yosemite, we thought we would be able to easily find and complete the Valley Loop Trail. Unfortunately, the map provided to visitors as a freebie was a bit ambiguous.

We were able to hike part of the Valley Loop Trail, but found ourselves accidentally segueing over to the Mirror Lake Trail. There was a ranger addressing a group nearby so I approached and waited to ask a question. When there was a break in the presentation, I learned that we were far off the Valley Loop Trail.

The ranger was very animated and encouraged us to finish the Mirror Lake Trail and told us that there were views of Half Dome that most people don’t see.

Generally speaking, we find that rangers provide very good information. We have relied on them many times and found areas we would probably not have discovered on our own.

So…off we went. The hike around Mirror Lake was pretty and a worthy one. Following the ranger’s advice, I took a detour to see if I could spot Half Dome. The picture above is one of Half Dome among and behind other mountains and cliffs. Even this icon of Yosemite doesn’t always have it’s “best face forward!” It was still something to see, just not as picturesque as usual!

 
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.

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 114 (Half Dome – Bridge Over the Merced)

Jeff

Half Dome and Merced River 

As we drove back to Yosemite Valley, we passed a bridge over the Merced River and Half Dome held court!

After a day of hiking, we turned down a bend in the road and crossed a bridge over the Merced River where Half Dome could be seen in the distance. I pulled over as quickly as I could, reached for my camera in the back seat and headed to the bridge for a few captures.

There were a number of people floating down the Merced this day. Some had kayaks while others had inflatable rafts or inner tubes. This photograph brings a smile every time I see 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 114 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0335.NEF
Capture time: 3:13:41 PM
Capture date: June 8, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/22
Focal Length: 18mm
ISO 560
Nikon D3300

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 108 (Another Pass – Tunnel View)

Jeff

The main players seen from tunnel viewAs we passed by Tunnel View again, the color of light was changing and painting the landscape

This picture taken from the Tunnel View overlook and parking area shows the sun beginning to reach that golden stage. We had just finished hiking in the area and were heading back to Yosemite Valley. Although we were tired, the scene was so beautiful, we just had to stop.

The main players, Half Dome (background), El Capitan (foreground – left) and some of the “pinnacles” (foreground right – perhaps Cathedral Rocks) were exhibiting their finery for all the onlookers; and there were many.

This scene is awe inspiring. Changes of the sun’s position and light as well as the seasons provide variations on the theme; daily weekly, monthly!

 
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 108 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0329.CR2
Capture time: 6:11:14 AM/PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/200 sec @ f/8
Focal Length: 33mm
ISO 100
Canon SX50 HS

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 96 (Beauty Among the Debris)

Jeff

Beauty among nature's debrisEven among the debris, nature leaves behind, beauty stands out!

What I like about this photograph is that even among the debris left behind by nature, the inherent beauty shines through. There are dead trees, debris in the pond left by recent rains and branches dying on nearby growth. Yet the beauty in the background was breathtaking!

The sapling to the left of the water (foreground) should serve to remind all that nature rejuvenates our world when left to her own devices. Yes, Half Dome peering out above the distant mountain watches over the lush, green valley; joy to the world!

 
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 96 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0290.NEF
Capture time: 10:00:14 AM
Capture date: June 8, 2016
Exposure: 1/340 sec @ f/25
Focal Length: 24mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 87 (Half Dome – From the East)

Jeff

Half Dome from Olmstead Point 

Half Dome from Olmstead Point

Olmstead Point is one of those turnouts one doesn’t read much about in the literature; at least I hadn’t seen much about it. As we were driving along Tioga Road, we came across this vantage point and we were stunned by the amazing views.

The picture of Half Dome above is one that is not generally seen as many of the viewing spots are located on the other side of this Yosemite notable. Olmstead Point is northeast of Half Dome and according to the map, approximately three miles away (+/-).

The actual colors of the giant rock are not revealed well from this distance as the atmosphere lends a blue cast to the capture. There is at least one good hiking trail from this overlook (Olmsted Point trail) that we noted. Unfortunately,we did not take the earmarked hike, but now wish we had as it is remarked to be “one of the great values in scenery per square meter”.

 
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 87 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: IMG_0303
Capture time: 9:52:19 AM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/640 sec @ f/5.6
Focal Length: 48mm
ISO 100
Canon PowerShot A590 IS

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 84 (Mirror Lake – Between the Domes)

Jeff

Mirror LakeMirror Lake nestled between the mountains of Yosemtie

Mirror Lake is a pretty lake although it is a bit cluttered with vegetation at times. This was one of the first major hikes we took and I did not realize that Half Dome was situated to the southeast. I “heard” that it is possible to get a reflection of Half Dome in the lake, but I did not know and therefore did not seek out that shot. It would have been a good one to attempt.

I did manage to capture several images of North Dome which lies northwest of Mirror Lake. It would be a star in almost any other surrounding, but at Yosemite, it is forced to assume a supporting role.

 
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 84 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0135.NEF
Capture time: 10:59:33 AM
Capture date: June 5, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/13
Focal Length: 22mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 77 (Half Dome Close Up)

Jeff

Closeup of Half Dome 

Another view of Half Dome – It never got tiresome.

This picture of Half Dome was taken from Glacier Point. If you plan to go to Yosemite, schedule a ride to Glacier Point which hosts some of the best views of many of the Valley’s hot spots.

Better yet, take the shuttle bus and save your car’s brakes and a nerve burning ride. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Once again, I recommend that, if you are fit and you are comfortable with following a trail and trail map, consider taking one of the shorter trails down to the Valley. We took the Four Mile Trail and it was splendid.

 
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 77 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0177.NEF
Capture time: 3:06:34 PM
Capture date: June 6, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/18
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300