I’m a good photographer, but obviously no Ansel Adams. Adams had a unique style – a way of photographing landscapes playing with light and shadow, creating iconic images both stark and beautiful – and on a recent trip to Yosemite National Park, I learned how to capture some of that magic myself.
Find Just the Right Angle in Yosemite
Although Adams traveled the world, he is most closely associated with Yosemite – California’s most awe-inspiring location, made even more impressive by his photographs. The photographers who work at the nearby Ansel Adams Gallery have studied his techniques and pass on that wisdom to thousands of amateur snapshot-takers and aspiring photographers each year. Nearly every day, the gallery offers low-cost group clinics, teaching visitors how to enhance their photography skills.
However, I wanted something a bit more personalized. Consequently, I invested $375 for a private tour and lesson with one of the gallery’s professionals. Could a four-hour one-on-one session transform my images from mediocre to magnificent? More importantly, would it increase my Instagram likes?
I was uncertain about spending that much money until just before my session, when I struggled to capture the exact image I wanted at Vernal Falls. After hiking more than eight miles round-trip, hoping for a spectacular photographic payoff, I found my midday images were overexposed, blowing out the whites of the water and leaving the rest washed out. I was determined not to miss another opportunity while in this breathtaking landscape.
Focus One-Third In Front of the Main Subject
Photographer Kirk Keeler, who has been living near and photographing Yosemite for nearly a decade, guided my tour and tutoring session. Within moments, we arrived at our first location, a few hundred yards behind Yosemite Valley Lodge. The stillness of the Merced River mirrored El Capitan and the more distant Half Dome, two of Yosemite’s most renowned granite monoliths.
Instead of concentrating solely on the center of the frame, Keeler advised me to focus about one-third in front of the main subject. This technique maximizes the depth of field for the remaining two-thirds behind it. Shooting in aperture-priority mode, he suggested an f-stop between F9 and F11, as that tends to be the best setting for most lenses.
Even in locations around the park where a tripod seemed unnecessary, Keeler encouraged its use. He noted, ‘The tripod forces you to consider your shot more carefully as you frame it in the viewfinder. Moreover, Ansel used one.’ I quickly understood the tripod’s value; it compelled me to slow down and reflect on exactly what I wanted in my photograph.
Let the Histogram Guide You
The most pivotal lesson I learned was the importance of the histogram. Previously, I would quickly snap a few shots, glance at the back of the camera, and rush to take more photos. However, by carefully examining the histogram, I could assess in real-time whether my photo would be useful. If the clouds were overly bright and flashing, I adjusted the exposure until I could capture them in all their fluffy glory. The rest of the image might appear a bit dark, but that’s a quick fix in editing.
Throughout the afternoon, we ventured down the river, striving to capture various perspectives of both mountains and the waterway. Ironically, one of my favorite shots that day wasn’t a towering mountain; instead, it was a simple backlit and somewhat bare pine tree mirrored in the river.
Adjust With the Light
As our session drew to a close, we made our way to the famed Tunnel View vista. Even with over an hour until sunset, prime viewing spots were quickly filling up. Fortunately, we found two locations along the stone barrier to set up our tripods and discuss our strategy. As the sun sank lower on the horizon behind us, the light on the mountains transformed, with streaks developing on El Capitan before bathing the range in a soft, buttery glow.
As Keeler pointed out specific areas, I swiftly switched lenses on my Sony A6500, alternating between wide-angle and telephoto to capture the minute details on the distant mountains before the light faded completely.
Lean on the Lessons of a Professional
So, was my afternoon photo excursion worthwhile?
My only regret was the limited variety in my shots; most of my photos featured the same mountains and river, albeit from different angles. Keeler had intended to take me further down the river to a unique spot with intriguing rock formations and swirling water, but road closures forced us to reconsider our plan.
In the end, this is only a minor grievance. When in Yosemite Valley, El Capitan and Half Dome are the main attractions.
Investing nearly $400 is significant for a freelance photographer, however, the insights provided by Keeler have already begun to enhance my photography skills. Now, if only my Instagram likes would follow suit.
Five Iconic Spots to Photograph Yosemite
1. Valley View/Tunnel View: When you think of Yosemite, this is likely the view you envision – El Capitan and Half Dome facing each other, with the Merced River or a grove of pine trees in the foreground. Late afternoon and sunset offer optimal lighting for photographs.
2. Vernal Falls: Accessing the top of Vernal Falls requires a 3.5-mile hike each way. The best vantage points can be found just off a steep and narrow granite path. Fortunately, there are a few places to step off the trail and set up a tripod for stunning waterfall shots. This area attracts many tourists, so be prepared to shoot around them.
3. El Capitan at the Bend in the Merced River: There is no signage for the trail leading to this viewpoint, so either ask locals for directions or consult a map.
4. Half Dome from the Glacier Point Viewpoint: Sunrise provides an ideal canvas for capturing a breathtaking view of Half Dome. The best observation spots are along a large paved path, a short distance from the small visitor center.
5. Sentinel Dome: Boasting a 360-degree view, Sentinel Dome is perfect for capturing either sunrise or sunset photos. The Dome is an easy one-mile hike from the trailhead. From there, you can continue on to Taft Point, approximately three miles from the Dome.
