I'll be visiting Yosemite for the first time in the first week of September. My trip will be for 3 days. Could you guys suggest some spots that would be worth shooting at this time of the year? Given that Yosemite is huge, I'd like to have an idea of how I can maximize my time there.
Also, I'd like to know how frequently people encounter bears in the park, especially at sunrise and sunset.
As dry as it has been, you will likely find the waterfalls dry or close to it. That said, the bottom areas of the dry falls can present some interesting polished rock abstract opportunities. You can head up to Glacier Point and/or hike to the top of Sentinel Dome for sunset. I prefer the view of Half Dome from Sentinel Dome. You have the usual spots like Tunnel View, Valley View (also known as Gates of the Valley), Swing Bridge, etc.
The meadows will be likely be brown by then (if they are not already), but still can make some good images. There are many meadows to explore.
You can explore up in Tuolumne Meadows. The crowds should be thinner up there. You could even head down the east side of the Sierra and check out Mono Lake. But it is a long drive back to the valley, so keep that in mind.
Pick up Michael Frye’s book Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite. It has some good suggestions. Also, there are some apps written on photographing Yosemite. Ex-NPNers, Dan Baumbach and Bret Edge, wrote one. That would be worth picking up.
If you want to photograph bears, it is not likely. The sightings are quite random. If you are worried about safety, California bears don’t attack people as long as you keep your distance and stay away from their cubs. They might break into your car if you leave food in there, but otherwise, it is a non-issue.
Thanks for the info Harley! Hoping to visit Glacier Point and check out the Tuolumne Meadows. How is the flow of the Merced River at this time of the year? Hoping to get some images from Valley View and the Swinging Bridge. Are Vernal/Nevada falls also dry this time of year?
It will be hot in the Valley in early September, so plan accordingly. If you're there on a weekend, it will be exrtemely crowded, so try to plan your photography for early morning, or early evening.
A nice walk is along the old road up Tenaya Creek to Mirror Lake. The creek will be running, albeit slowly, but you can get some images along the creek and at Mirror Lake. The view of the Northwest Face of Half Dome is pretty crazy.
I'll second heading up to Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Pass. It will be much cooler and less crowded. The views of the Tuolumne Domes and the high peaks from Tioga are pretty exceptional.
The hike up to Sentinel Dome from the Glacier Point Road is pretty easy, and I think the views there are just as good, or better than from Glacier Point. Glacier Point is still a must-do if you've never been there.
Thanks for the tips and info Preston. I still can't believe I haven't been to Yosemite even once :)
I'll definitely put Tuolumne meadows high on my list. Is there a time of day that would work best to shoot these meadows and also the views from Tioga?
For the peaks, etc at Tioga, you'll get the best light at sunrise for the nice glow on the mountains. Unless there is significant monsoonal moisture that brings overnight or early morning clouds, the sky will be clear. If there is afternoon cloud buildup, you might have good light then. The high country light is typically pretty harsh mid-day, so finding subjects in the shade is the best bet.
The domes and meadows in the Tuolumne Meadows area are nice early or late. I prefer late afternoon, early evening on the meadows and domes. There are also nice spots along the Tuolumne River up there that you might consider looking for. There are turnouts along the Tioga road that allow pretty easy access to the river. In the same general area (west of Tuolumne Meadows)there is Olmsted Point and Tenaya Lake.
You might consider sunset at Olmsted Point -- especially if there is hope for color in the western sky. From the road is nice. A 1/2 mi. walk from the road gives a stunning view into the valley that includes Half Dome.
This is hit or miss. In very harsh light it's not so special.
Discussion
7 repliesHi folks,
I'll be visiting Yosemite for the first time in the first week of September. My trip will be for 3 days. Could you guys suggest some spots that would be worth shooting at this time of the year? Given that Yosemite is huge, I'd like to have an idea of how I can maximize my time there.
Also, I'd like to know how frequently people encounter bears in the park, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Thanks for your input,
Sairam
As dry as it has been, you will likely find the waterfalls dry or close to it. That said, the bottom areas of the dry falls can present some interesting polished rock abstract opportunities. You can head up to Glacier Point and/or hike to the top of Sentinel Dome for sunset. I prefer the view of Half Dome from Sentinel Dome. You have the usual spots like Tunnel View, Valley View (also known as Gates of the Valley), Swing Bridge, etc.
The meadows will be likely be brown by then (if they are not already), but still can make some good images. There are many meadows to explore.
You can explore up in Tuolumne Meadows. The crowds should be thinner up there. You could even head down the east side of the Sierra and check out Mono Lake. But it is a long drive back to the valley, so keep that in mind.
Pick up Michael Frye’s book Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite. It has some good suggestions. Also, there are some apps written on photographing Yosemite. Ex-NPNers, Dan Baumbach and Bret Edge, wrote one. That would be worth picking up.
If you want to photograph bears, it is not likely. The sightings are quite random. If you are worried about safety, California bears don’t attack people as long as you keep your distance and stay away from their cubs. They might break into your car if you leave food in there, but otherwise, it is a non-issue.
Thanks for the info Harley! Hoping to visit Glacier Point and check out the Tuolumne Meadows. How is the flow of the Merced River at this time of the year? Hoping to get some images from Valley View and the Swinging Bridge. Are Vernal/Nevada falls also dry this time of year?
Due to the drought, the river is low. I would expect Vernal and Nevada to be running but low.
It will be hot in the Valley in early September, so plan accordingly. If you're there on a weekend, it will be exrtemely crowded, so try to plan your photography for early morning, or early evening.
A nice walk is along the old road up Tenaya Creek to Mirror Lake. The creek will be running, albeit slowly, but you can get some images along the creek and at Mirror Lake. The view of the Northwest Face of Half Dome is pretty crazy.
I'll second heading up to Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Pass. It will be much cooler and less crowded. The views of the Tuolumne Domes and the high peaks from Tioga are pretty exceptional.
The hike up to Sentinel Dome from the Glacier Point Road is pretty easy, and I think the views there are just as good, or better than from Glacier Point. Glacier Point is still a must-do if you've never been there.
If you go up high, be prepared for thunderstorms.
Have fun!
--P
Thanks for the tips and info Preston. I still can't believe I haven't been to Yosemite even once :)
I'll definitely put Tuolumne meadows high on my list. Is there a time of day that would work best to shoot these meadows and also the views from Tioga?
Sairam,
For the peaks, etc at Tioga, you'll get the best light at sunrise for the nice glow on the mountains. Unless there is significant monsoonal moisture that brings overnight or early morning clouds, the sky will be clear. If there is afternoon cloud buildup, you might have good light then. The high country light is typically pretty harsh mid-day, so finding subjects in the shade is the best bet.
The domes and meadows in the Tuolumne Meadows area are nice early or late. I prefer late afternoon, early evening on the meadows and domes. There are also nice spots along the Tuolumne River up there that you might consider looking for. There are turnouts along the Tioga road that allow pretty easy access to the river. In the same general area (west of Tuolumne Meadows)there is Olmsted Point and Tenaya Lake.
--P
You might consider sunset at Olmsted Point -- especially if there is hope for color in the western sky. From the road is nice. A 1/2 mi. walk from the road gives a stunning view into the valley that includes Half Dome.
This is hit or miss. In very harsh light it's not so special.