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This past week was the optimal time to photograph moonbows in Yosemite Valley. I revisited photographing the moonbow at Upper Yosemite Falls as I had last year, but this time there was considerable more water and as a result the moonbow (rainbow by moonlight) was more easily seen. It was considerably larger, more vivid in color and wider arching. Conditions were great and at times a little too good as the 3 cameras I

There are quite a few photos in my portfolio that I look back upon and question my sanity due to the absurd conditions I’ve endured to capture them. This particular photo is up there on the insanity scale.  This past winter has seen extraordinary snowfall levels in the Sierras and now that Spring has rolled around the water levels are quite high in Yosemite Valley due to the snow melt.  That translates to huge

As is customary I spend the end/beginning of the year reviewing my best photos of the year. This year I had less time to focus on personal projects than in years past, but one thing that I’ve continued to focus on is making the outdoor experience as fun as possible for my boys who are now 6 and 2. Considering both ask regularly to go camping and explore new areas I’d say that project is a great success. M

To celebrate today’s 100th birthday of the U.S. National Park system I thought it would be fitting to share a favorite image of mine taken in Yosemite National Park “Winter Morning at Swinging Bridge”. The NPS is often considered America’s Best Idea and I think most would agree. I have made so many amazing memories in our National Parks and witnessed jaw dropping beauty that has warmed my soul

If and when you enter Yosemite National Park you’re likely to see an iconic painted sign welcoming you to the park. I’ve passed by this particular sign at the northwest entrance numerous time. The difference on my last trip was that it was getting a fresh coat of paint and being restored by artist Mark Switlik. I should clarify, while technically it was being restored, it was also being transformed to hav

This past week I ventured off to Yosemite to capture moonbows. Midway through my trip I met up with Brian Hawkins who twisted my arm ever so slightly to make a hike to upper  Yosemite Falls for a moonbow shoot. The last time I ventured up to this location I did so solo and while I got great photos it was a grueling hike with the amount of gear I was carrying. For whatever reason this time around while carrying the sa

Yosemite is a place that never ceases to amaze, often evoking a reflexive “Wow!” from my lips as I explore the national park. Indeed on my last visit that wow factor hit me again as snow fell in Yosemite Valley, but I was also wow’d in a way that could only make me facepalm in disgust and embarrassment. What could cause such a reaction? Seeing the recent name changes to much beloved landmarks that h

One aspect of Yosemite National Park that makes it so magical is that Yosemite Valley sits at an altitude that requires just the right conditions for snow. While you can often visit the park in the winter months and see snow atop the cliffs encircling the valley, it’s not as common as you’d think for snow to last for long periods on the valley floor… well at least as of late with drought conditions.