2023’s epic Winter snowfall in Yosemite National Park led to quite a dramatic spring season once things started to melt. The Merced River overflowed in areas, and the resulting conditions were pretty spectacular. After being in the park for several years now, it’s really exciting to get to experience new perspectives in Yosemite Valley.
Upper Yosemite Falls reflection. 4x5 Kodak E100
I found the water-filled meadows to be some of my favorite subjects to photograph. After all, I do love reflections and this Spring yielded plenty of them to work with. I tend to look for balance and symmetry when shooting these types of scenes. This morning shot of Yosemite Falls had dynamic sidelight cutting across the green spring trees creating a vibrant display of color complimented by clear blue skies.
Cathedral Rocks morning reflection. 4x5 Kodak Ektar100
I thought it would be fun to have a bit of the Cathedral Rocks reflecting in these meadow grasses. I found a small patch of mud that gave me just enough room to frame my shot. I was cautious not to go any further into the meadow as I did not want to impact the area. The light on the granite Monolith was bright and the deep shadows in the grass dark but Ektar seemed to handle it nicely.
Half Dome reflecting in the Ahwahnee Meadow. 4x5 Kodak E100
I had gone past this pool several days in a row and noticed it was subsiding rather quickly. Inches from a paved bike path, space was limited - I aimed to capture a unique angle of Half Dome. It was a stormy day in Yosemite Valley with minimal breaks in the clouds. Very soft light hit the cliffs just beyond the meadow while Half Dome stayed looming in darkness. I exposed my film and continued exploring.
Looking West across Cook's Meadow. 4x5 Kodak E100
I was fortunate to work a half-day on this Tuesday and decided to walk over to Cook's Meadow afterwards. I set up my 4x5, waiting for the right combination of light and calmness in the water. The wind kept picking up and my exposure would have been too long to keep the reflection & grasses sharp. My patience paid off and eventually I got what I was looking for. There's a reason they say the 'Ektachrome Blues'.
Upper Yosemite Falls from Swinging Bridge. 4x5 Kodak E100 & Ektar100
Again, clouds were moving and the light was fleeting - Spring storms tend to be that way. The E100 shot had bright light on the trees with Yosemite Falls in shadow. The Ektar100 version had soft light on the foreground and a spotlight on Yosemite Falls.
According to the USGS gauge at Pohono Bridge, the Merced River reached about 12ft, hitting minor flood stage. The park temporarily closed to safeguard visitors amid concerns of possible significant flooding. Weather forecasts later adjusted, slowing the snowmelt, prompting Yosemite National Park to reopen. Nevertheless, the river provided picturesque scenes for photographers for several weeks following.
Lower Yosemite Falls and the Merced River. 4x5 Kodak E100
I thought it was neat seeing how the greens and blues complimented each other in this perspective of Lower Yosemite Falls. I hoped a longer exposure would blur the water long enough to bring out the tranquil feeling this dusk scene provided.
Yosemite Falls Abstract. 4x5 Kodak E100
Like I said before, I love reflections. I'm a sucker for Grand Landscapes but I'm trying to push myself to find more lines & patterns amongst them. In reality, I'm just happy to be out making photographs on film.
I hope you enjoyed this selection of moments and field notes from Spring 2023. Thank you for visiting this blog. I'm excited to share more with you going forward.
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