hiking

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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Meta Data – Day 198 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 7:10:02 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/1000 sec @ f/3.5
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Canon PowerShot SX50 HS

 

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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Meta Data – Day 197 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 7:07:13 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/15 sec @ f/14
Focal Length: 20mm
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Nikon D3300

 

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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Meta Data – Day 196 YOY – Year of Yosemite

File Name: 0276.NEF
Capture time: 7:06:21 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/50 sec @ f/14
Focal Length: 40mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300

 

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

 

Deer Near the Paths – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 194

Jeff

Wildlife along the Yosemite paths

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.

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Meta Data – Day 194 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 12:30:05 PM
Capture date: June 10, 2016
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f/16
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO 1600
Nikon D3300

 

Valley Loop Trail Boulder Scramble – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 193

Jeff

The Valley Loop Trail has varied terrain

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.


The Valley Loop Trail has varied terrain
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

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Capture time: 2:06:59 PM
Capture date: June 5, 2016
Exposure: 1/20 sec @ f/7.1
Focal Length: 5.8mm
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Canon PowerShot A590 IS

Valley Loop Trail Smooth Path – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 192

Jeff

The Valley Loop Trail has varied terrain

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

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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

Valley Loop Trail – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 191

Jeff

Yosemite Falls via the Valley Loop Trail

Yosemite Falls along the Valley Loop Trail

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

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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

 

Highway Stonework – Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 190

Jeff

Stonework along the highway at Yosemite

Stonework along the highway at Yosemite

When one considers the ages of some of our national parks, it is astounding that the details created so very long ago still remain intact and in good repair. On the return trip to Yosemite Valley from Hetch Hetchy, we passed this stonework on a bridge that was part of the major thoroughfare.

What struck me are the details used in the building of this safety barrier. The wooden beams could have been set straight across, but instead they are placed on the diagonal to add an artistic flare. Most of the tops of the columns are pyramidal in shape and each vertical column stands as a “pop out.”

The contrast of the gray and brown against the green foliage made for a striking scene. We should be very proud of and pleased with our national parks!

BTW – The National Park Service has put out a list of their Fee Free Days for 2017 and a couple of them cover weekends. You can check out the list of fee free days here:

National Park Service Announces Fee Free Days for 2017

Just keep in mind that the parks are likely to be crowded on these days so make arrangements early!

 
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 190 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 5:17:05 PM
Capture date: June 11, 2016
Exposure: 1/2500 sec @ f/5
Focal Length: 24mm
ISO 1600
Nikon D3300

 

Year of Yosemite (YOY) – Day 189 (Hetch Hetchy Tunnel)

Jeff

Hetch Hetchy Tunnel

Hetch Hetchy Tunnel

Parking is limited in the main hiking area of Hetch Hetchy, but once a parking space is secured, hikers must walk across the dam and through a tunnel to reach the Wapama Falls Trail and other hiking paths.

The tunnel is quite dark even though there are lights. After rains and snow melt, water seeps into the walls of the tunnel and onto the floor which can call for puddle hopping!

 
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 189 YOY – Year of Yosemite

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Capture time: 11:21:45 AM
Capture date: June 11, 2016
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Focal Length: 18mm
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