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
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
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.
Happy 125th Anniversary Yosemite. In 1890 Yosemite was designated the 3rd U.S. National Park thanks to legislation signed by President Benjamin Harrison. Since that time it has been a source of endless inspiration to outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists and artists. Personally Yosemite plays a special part in my life being one of my favorite places to connect with nature and find creative inspiration. Learn more abo
Even at the end of a long day of shooting in the wee hours of the morning it’s important to never let your ‘visual awareness’ down. After spending 8 hours running various time-lapse sequences at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park I was mid drive back to Yosemite Valley around 2am with my sunroof open and noticed that the Milky Way was directly overhead. Even though I was exhausted I decided cap