Half Dome from Sentinel Dome
It’s hard to go wrong in Yosemite - although I try to avoid summer - but fall is one of my favorite seasons for photography in the park. Low flow in the Merced River provides plentiful opportunities to capture reflections of rocks, trees and majestic landmarks such as Half Dome and El Capitan. And if timed right, the accent of color from autumn leaves adds a pretty touch to compositions. I broke away for a couple of days in the park during the third week of October, and while the leaves had certainly begun to change, I was probably a week or two early for peak color.
Half Dome Sunset
Jeffrey Pine lies atop Sentinel Dome
This was my third trip to Yosemite this year. I have my favorite spots, but I always add something new each visit. I decided to try Sentinel Dome for sunset this trip and was mightily rewarded, both by the sunset itself and by the spectacular vistas. With 360 degree views and a variety of interesting rocks and brush spread around the summit, Sentinel Dome is a captivating experience. I arrived early to scout my shots and was delighted with the options. In addition to the stunning views west to El Capitan and east to Half Dome, there are some engaging foreground features on top. One is the famed but now fallen Jeffrey Pine. This tree was made famous in a photograph by Ansel Adams in 1940, which captured it bent to the elements but still growing between the mountaintop rocks. The tree finally fell in 2003 and now lies sad and withered on the summit, like a beached giant squid. Sunset atop Sentinel Dome was an incredible experience. Ask me sometime about my hike down in the dark!
Cook’s Meadow Black Elm
Half Dome Reflection
My day plan for Yosemite Valley usually starts well before dawn with a quick check at Tunnel View for fog in the valley. I say quick because 90% of the time, for me, there is no fog or clouds and I don’t even get my camera out, preferring to move on to valley floor sites for first light. This time, a little patience might have been rewarded at Tunnel View at sunrise, but I had moved on to the Camp 6 bend in the river to catch Half Dome and its reflection as the sun came up. Some colorful leaves at the edge of the river made for a strong foreground, and an aimless cloud wandered by just in time to add interest to the sky. I then hurried to Cook’s Meadow to catch the black elm and it’s golden leaves in the first rays of rising sun.
Another area I return to every trip is Bridalveil Creek. Although I have been up and down the three channels of the creek many times and in every season, I am always fascinated by what I find. It helps that I have a healthy obsession with moving water, and whether it’s the pounding deluge of spring or the quieter flows of fall and winter, I take great pleasure in exploring the nooks and eddies of the creek.
Bridalveil Creek Up Close
Fallen Leaves at Merced River
The rest of the time was spent looking for interesting color around the valley. With a few exceptions, notably the riverbank up from Pohono Bridge, I did not find vivid fall colors in the leaves. Instead, I made more subtle-toned shots with varying degrees of success.
A final note: The idea of sharing location details on shots taken is controversial and frowned upon in some photography circles. I would be curious to hear anyone’s thoughts on this, based on what I’ve discussed above.
Sentinel Dome Sunset
Fall Leaves with Half Dome
Base of Bridalveil Falls
El Capitan Sunset
Fall Color at El Cap Meadow
Black Oaks at El Cap Meadow
Morning Mist on the River