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Document Links > > January * February * May * June
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June Moonbow
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| This looked to be the last chance this year to capture a good moonbow, since as the summer wears on the water flow starts to wane down and the falls do not create enough mist to activate the magic mix of water vapor and moonlight. The weather was marginal as I drove towards the Sierra, and once up on highway 120 heading to the North entrance (Big Oak Flat) it was evident this was going to be hit or miss. As I drove into the park and had some time to kill, I pulled over at Fern Springs to capture what could be arguably Yosemite's lowest falls. The pull over was greatly reduced during the Valley Loop Road Project to protect this sensitive area as this is a significant cultural and religious site for American Indian people. |
| The night came and the cloud cover continued to wax and wane and we knew it was gong take a lot of luck to get a overcast break as the moon rose behind us at Lower Falls. Unlike the prior month, we had the platform pretty much to ourselves. And also unlike last month, we did not get a sustained period of bright moon to get that perfect picture. There was a brief shot of moonlight, but it was after the optimum apex and the moonbow showed only so slightly at a lower angle. Oh well, it was still a great trip and I did get to shoot some Dogwood on the way out of the park. |
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| Fern Springs Falls |
Moonbow Redux |
Dogwood Flower Trio |
Dogwood Flower Duo |
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May Moonbow
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Full moon on a balmy May night was the scene. A quick trip from the Bay Area to catch the effect of a blazing full moon on Yosemtie falls as it creates a night time version of a rainbow, aptly called a moonbow. It is a bit of a trick to get set up, find the right spot and catch the colors, as they only appear for a short while. It also takes a clear night with misting from the falls for the color prism to activate. We shot at the base of lower falls as well as out on the meadows. The challenge at the falls is moisture, a place to set up and a lot of human activity to contend with. Here are some shots from my first attempt. I will be going back!
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February Firefall
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February should have changed places with January! The winter weather I was looking for on the January trip showed up in February. And for the February trip we needed a clear night sky that eluded us at the last moment. The blue skies that greeted me when I arrived slowly clouded over, and when we needed the sun's angle to illuminate Horsetail Falls, a light horizon cloud cover spoiled the day. Horsetail Falls is an ephemeral waterfall that requires a convergence of natural conditions in February to display what looks like a firefall. But unlike practices of years past, this is powered by the sun, fed by a water basin on top of El Cap and needs a clear horizon for the sun to slot into Yosemite canyon and light up El Cap.
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Yosemite Association sponsored a two day trip to capture this elusive event with John Sensor in the lead, but the fickle gods of the Sierra said it was not to be. YNP actually rolled out the blacktop carpet for photographers to be positioned at one of the better angles, by plowing a portion of North Drive to ease access into a picnic area due East from the base of El Cap. When we arrived the parking lot was overflowing with enthusiastic photographers, but even with the throngs there was plenty of room for all to spread out. Just did not make for a quiet setting. However, for anyone who has spent time in the Sierra, you better have a backup plan and what better backup then the Yosemite Valley in winter. Hope you enjoy this next step of pics.
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| Ahwahnee Meadows |
El Cap and Half Dome |
HD Tenaya Creek |
Horsetail Falls |
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| Leidig Meadow |
Tenaya Creek |
Yosemite Falls Snow Cone |
Yosemite Falls |
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January Winter Scenes
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January is not a month that most people think about Yosemite, unless you are skiing at Badger Pass. But it can be a glorious time of the year with a fresh blanket of snow, no summer hordes and a dose of serenity. Being active all year, the Yosemite Association has several winter photography trips in their schedule that are well worth your time, if you are inclined to spend hours out in the park and can weather the cold. For those brave enough, the rewards are plenty but you may have to look at the glass half full, especially with the Sierra Nevada wielding her unpredictable ways. And in January she did not disappoint, with 3 days of rain and misty conditions all around. Oh well, the old saying about lemons was most appropriate, as we were making lemonade all weekend long. Here are some pictures that hopefully convey the effort.
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| Ahwahnee Mdw + Half Dome |
Ahwahnee Meadow Mist |
Bridalveil Falls |
Cathedral Spires |
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| El Cap Reflection |
Tenaya Creek |
Merced River at El Cap Mdw |
Lower Yosemite Falls |
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Hope you have enjoyed this photo trip and as always, May our paths and errands meet...
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