Friday, October 5, 2012

Finding The Beauty In Nature With Yosemite Photography

By Doris Rivas


A visit to the Sierra Nevada mountains in eastern California brings wonderful views and many exploring opportunities. For the camera buff, Yosemite photography is a prime example of the perfection and beauty of nature. With the Merced river that flows through the park to the majestic peaks and waterfalls, there are many things to explore and take pictures of in this 1200 square mile national park treasure.

There are many amazing sights to see in this vast park, allowing for infinite photo opportunities, even for the amateur photographer. El Capitan is probably the most iconic and most sought-after destination for those seeking to take their cameras. It is the largest single granite rock in the world, with a height of nearly 4000 feet. It is surrounded by meadows that make the scenic value of this area very valuable.

In the Yosemite Valley there is another attraction that screams out to have its picture taken. The Half Dome rises almost 4800 feet from the valley floor and is believed to be at least 87 million years of age. For experienced hikers, it is an invigorating trip to the summit, but offers amazing views of the valley below and surrounding areas.

If giant trees are the desired view, then head to the far southern area of the park to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoia trees. While many of the huge trees can be seen from the parking lot, most of the best views require some walking into the forested area to access as many as possible. There is a lot of history in this grove, with its 500 mature sequoias, but it is a rather strenuous hike uphill to reach the vantage points for the best photography.

For a less strenuous walk with a view, try Mirror Lake. A fairly level one mile walk will reward you with the mirrored images of Tenaya Canyon in this beautiful lake in springtime and early into summer. If you choose to walk the perimeter of the lake to see it from all angles, it is about a three mile trail. This can easily be accomplished by even a modest hiker or walker.

Mono Lake is the place to visit if birdwatching is the goal. It is home to a large population of migratory birds, including 90% of the nation's California gulls. The water is high in both alkali and salt, and the lake sits on the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is one of the oldest lakes in North America and provides some amazing photo opportunities.

If cascading waterfalls are the desired nature feature, head over to Yosemite Falls. These picturesque falls are near the popular main lodge and are a popular location for photography. The falls are around 2400 feet high, making them the fifth largest falls in the world and the largest in the United States.

Whether you are seeking water, mountains, trees or birds for your Yosemite photography, you will not be disappointed in your visit to this beautiful national park. Ansel Adams was a very famous photographer who was known for his many black and white pictures of the various aspects of Yosemite. Even a beginner can take wonderful shots in such a beautiful place.




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