I credit my interest in photography squarely on Mirror Lake at Yosemite National Park. While in college I ventured out to this location in the early 1990’s, took a snapshot with a point and shoot film camera and upon getting my print back was hooked. For some reason the serene early morning reflection of the amazing cliff walls and trees struck a nerve with me and I realized I was hooked not just on photography but nature. To this day I still have, what I consider, my first landscape photo hanging in my office of Mirror Lake. It is a constant reminder of the viceral feeling of awe that fuels my interest in nature and landscape photography.
At the time of my first photo it was thought Mirror Lake was disappearing forever, changing from a once eight-acre lake to a marsh and meadow. These days its thought that Mirror Lake is constantly changing and isn’t necessarily disappearing. Opinions on this are bound to change so I keep my eyes open for new articles and studies to be sure. The degree of change the lake is subject to is as impressive as the landscape that surrounds it.
During my visit this past weekend I hiked out with family to take a look and again take a photo of one of my favorite places. To my amazement the lake was virtually gone. Only after venturing out into the lakebed did it become apparent how small the lake becomes during the late summer. I joked around with family that we were visiting Mirror Puddle. I can only hope that Mirror Lake is indeed a seasonal lake and will fill again from the rains and snowmelt. Such a beautiful place would be a shame to lose.
Below Left: Mirror Lake during the winter of 2002
Below Right: Mirror Lake during the late summer of 2006
